Pixel 8a gets its first software update with a new AI feature

Amidst the flurry of bulletins on Google I/O’s first day, the Pixel 8a quietly obtained its first software program replace. The roughly 190MB replace brings some anticipated enhancements to Google’s newest mid-range Pixel.

At first, the replace installs the newest Might 2024 Android safety patch, making certain the system is protected in opposition to the newest vulnerabilities. Nevertheless, the spotlight of the replace is the introduction of Google’s AI-powered wallpaper generator to the Pixel 8a.

Initially introduced finally 12 months’s I/O and launched completely on the Pixel 8 collection final fall, this function leverages generative AI to create distinctive wallpapers based mostly on user-specified themes and key phrases.

Whereas Google initially stored the AI wallpaper app unique to its flagship Pixel 8 lineup, it did present a personalized model to Samsung for its Galaxy S24 collection. Now, Pixel 8a customers may also take pleasure in this function, identical to we had reported final week.

This replace additional blurs the traces between the A-series and flagship Pixel fashions, particularly with Google’s resolution to increase its seven-year software program assist promise — beforehand reserved for flagship units — to the Pixel 8a.