10 Secret AI Mode Features You Didn’t Know Existed!

Google’s latest Pixel feature drop quietly supercharged AI Mode across the board, adding capabilities that most users will miss unless they know where to tap. This isn’t just a UI polish; the underlying on-device model now handles complex, multi-step tasks that previously required cloud processing, fundamentally changing how we interact with our phones and Smart Device Automation routines.

The update, which began rolling out in late 2025, moves beyond simple voice commands and predictive text. It introduces a new layer of proactive, context-aware assistance that can manage your digital life with startling autonomy. If you’re still using it to just set timers or ask for the weather, you’re leaving a massive amount of utility on the table.

Quick takeaways

• • On-device processing makes core features faster and more private than ever before.
• • Proactive routines can now chain actions across multiple apps and devices without explicit triggers.
• • Advanced photo and document editing tools are hidden inside the standard camera and gallery apps.
• • Cross-app data analysis can summarize, compare, and draft replies from disparate sources.
• • Privacy controls have been overhauled to give you granular control over data retention.

What’s New and Why It Matters

The core shift in this iteration of AI Mode is the move from reactive to proactive. Before, you had to give it a direct command. Now, it observes patterns and offers to automate them. For instance, if you consistently mute your phone and turn on your smart lights every time you start a specific streaming app, it will eventually ask if you want to create a “Cinema Mode” routine. This is a huge leap from the rigid “IFTTT-style” automation of the past.

It also matters because it reduces your cognitive load. You’re not just getting suggestions; you’re getting complete workflows. The system can now draft a reply to an email by pulling context from a recent calendar event and a linked document, all without you leaving your inbox. This level of integration is what sets this update apart from previous, more siloed attempts at AI assistance. It’s not just a feature; it’s becoming the operating system’s connective tissue.

Furthermore, the update introduces what the company calls “Contextual Memory.” This is distinct from a simple chatbot’s memory. It doesn’t just remember what you said; it remembers what you were doing, where you were, and what other apps were active. This allows for far more nuanced and useful suggestions, but it also raises the stakes for privacy, which we’ll address later. The key takeaway is that your device is now actively working to reduce friction in your daily digital routine.

Finally, the new creative tools are a game-changer for anyone who relies on their phone for quick content creation. The AI-powered object removal, background replacement, and intelligent upscaling are now powered by the same on-device model, meaning they work offline and are nearly instant. This transforms your phone from a consumption device into a powerful, portable production studio, democratizing tools that used to be locked inside expensive desktop software.

Key Details (Specs, Features, Changes)

Compared to its predecessor, the new AI Mode architecture is built on a hybrid model. The most common tasks (summarization, transcription, basic automation) run entirely on the Neural Processing Unit (NPU) on your device. This means they work without an internet connection and your data never leaves your phone. More complex, creative tasks are offloaded to the cloud, but with a new “privacy sandbox” that anonymizes the data before it’s sent. This is a significant change from the previous model, which defaulted to the cloud for almost everything.

Feature-wise, the most notable addition is the “Action Grid.” This is a visual, widget-like interface that sits in your notification shade and shows you predicted next actions. Before, you might have had to open an app to perform a task. Now, the Action Grid might show a one-tap button to “Check in for your flight” when it detects you’re at the airport, or “Reschedule meeting” when it sees you’re running late. This is a direct evolution of the old “At a Glance” widget, but it’s dynamic, predictive, and far more powerful.

The integration with Smart Device Automation has also been deepened. Previously, creating a complex routine like “When my smart lock unlocks after sunset, turn on the hallway light, set the thermostat to 72, and play my ‘Arriving Home’ playlist” required multiple steps in a separate home app. Now, you can describe this entire sequence in plain language to the AI assistant, and it will build the routine for you, mapping your words directly to device actions. It understands concepts like “after sunset” and “when I arrive” without needing complex geofencing setup.

Another key change is in the photo editor. The “Magic Eraser” is now “Object & Context Editor.” You can not only remove objects but also move them, change lighting, and even alter the time of day. For example, you can select “Golden Hour” and the AI will realistically re-light the entire scene. This is a massive step up from simple filters and demonstrates the power of the new on-device rendering engine. It’s not just applying an overlay; it’s re-synthesizing the image based on your request.

How to Use It (Step-by-Step)

Activating and mastering the hidden features of AI Mode requires digging into a few sub-menus. Here’s how to unlock its most powerful capabilities.

1. • Enable the “Proactive Assistant” Toggle: Go to Settings > Google > AI Services. You’ll find a new toggle labeled “Proactive Assistant.” This is the master switch for the predictive features like the Action Grid and automated routines. By default, it’s often set to “Suggest Only,” which means it will just recommend actions. Switch it to “Auto-Execute” for the full experience, but be aware this gives the AI permission to perform actions like sending messages or connecting to devices without a final confirmation.
2. • Train Your Contextual Memory: The first few times you perform a multi-step task, the AI will ask if you want to save it as a routine. For example, connect to your car’s Bluetooth, open Spotify, and start your “Driving” playlist. The third time you do this, a pop-up will appear: “Create a routine for this?” Tap “Yes” and give it a name like “Commute.” Now, simply connecting to your car’s Bluetooth will trigger the entire sequence. You can manage these in Settings > Google > AI Services > Routines.
3. • Use the “Deep Select” Tool in Photos: Open any photo in the Google Photos app. Tap the Edit button, then tap “Tools.” Look for “Deep Select.” This is different from the standard crop or markup tool. Tap an object in your photo, and the AI will isolate it. You can now drag it to a different part of the image, or tap the “Context” button to change its properties (e.g., make it look like it was taken at night, or make it smaller without distorting the background). This is powered by the same Smart Device Automation logic that runs your home, but applied to image data.
4. • Activate Cross-App Summarization: This is a killer feature for productivity. Open an email with an attached PDF and a calendar invite for a meeting next week. Highlight the text in the email. A new “Summarize” bubble will appear. Tap it, and the AI will read the email, the PDF, and the calendar event, then generate a concise summary and even draft a reply based on the combined information. You can then edit the draft before sending. To enable this, go to Settings > Google > AI Services > Cross-App Intelligence.
5. • Master Voice Commands for Automation: Instead of tapping, try talking to your device to build complex automations. Say, “Hey Google, create a routine called ‘Movie Night’.” It will ask what you want to happen. Respond: “Turn off the main lights, set the accent lights to red, turn on the TV, and open Netflix.” The AI will parse this, identify your smart devices, and build the routine in one go. This is much faster than manually adding each step in the settings menu.

Compatibility, Availability, and Pricing (If Known)

The full suite of on-device AI Mode features requires a device with a capable NPU. Specifically, you’ll need a Pixel 8 or newer, or a flagship Android device from 2025 or later with a Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 or equivalent chip. Older devices will still get some cloud-based features, but the speed and privacy benefits of on-device processing will not be available. The update is tied to a Google Play Services update, not just an Android OS version, so it can be pushed to a wider range of devices, albeit with limited functionality.

As for availability, the rollout is staged. It began with Pixel devices in North America and Europe in late 2025. Broader Android availability for other manufacturers is expected to roll out through the first half of 2026. If you don’t see the features yet, ensure your Google Play Services and Google App are fully updated. There is no “Pro” tier or subscription fee for these features. They are included as part of the standard Google ecosystem experience on supported devices. This is a strategic move to lock users into the ecosystem by providing powerful tools for free.

Regarding the Smart Device Automation integration, it is dependent on your smart home ecosystem. If your devices are connected via Matter or are Google Home compatible, they will work seamlessly. If you rely on third-party hubs that don’t expose their controls to the Google Home API, you may not be able to add them to these new AI-driven routines. The onus is on the device manufacturers to update their apps to support the new AI automation triggers.

Common Problems and Fixes

Even with a smooth rollout, some users are hitting snags. Here are the most common issues and how to solve them.

• Symptom: The “Proactive Assistant” toggle is missing or grayed out.
  Cause: Your device’s NPU isn’t being detected, or a critical Play Services update hasn’t landed.
  Fix: First, reboot your device. If that fails, go to the Play Store, search for “Google Play Services,” and uninstall updates. Then reboot again and let it reinstall. This forces a fresh configuration check.
• Symptom: Cross-app summarization fails or returns an error.
  Cause: The feature requires specific app permissions. It can’t read data from an app if it doesn’t have permission.
  Fix: Go to Settings > Apps > Special App Access > AI Access. Ensure that the apps you want to pull data from (e.g., Gmail, Drive, Calendar) are enabled here. This is a separate permission from standard app access.
• Symptom: “Deep Select” in Photos is slow or inaccurate.
  Cause: This is a processor-intensive task. It may be throttling on older or overheating devices.
  Fix: Close all other background apps. If your phone feels warm, let it cool down. Also, ensure you’re running on battery saver mode, as this can throttle the NPU to save power. Disable it for the editing session.
• Symptom: Smart home routines trigger at the wrong time or not at all.
  Cause: Conflicting triggers or poor device connectivity.
  Fix: Open the Google Home app, go to the specific routine, and check the “Activity Log.” This will show you why it triggered or failed. Often, a weak Wi-Fi signal to a smart plug can cause a cascade failure. Move your router or add a mesh point.

Security, Privacy, and Performance Notes

The biggest tradeoff with the new AI Mode is the amount of data it needs to be truly effective. The “Contextual Memory” feature, by design, constantly analyzes your app usage, location, and communication patterns. While this enables the slick automations, it also creates a detailed profile of your life. The data is processed on-device, but backups to the cloud are default. You need to be proactive about managing this.

Go to your Google Account’s “My Activity” page. You’ll now see a new “AI Activity” log. This is where you can review and delete the data the AI has used to learn your patterns. You can set this to auto-delete after 3 or 18 months. It’s crucial to understand that deleting this data will “reset” the AI’s intelligence about you. Your proactive suggestions will become generic again until it re-learns your habits. This is the fundamental privacy/performance tradeoff.

Performance-wise, the constant on-device processing can be a battery drain, especially on older phones. The NPU is efficient, but it’s not free. If you notice a significant drop in battery life after enabling all the features, consider turning off “Auto-Execute” for non-critical routines. Sticking to “Suggest Only” still gives you the convenience of one-tap actions via the Action Grid without the background processing overhead of running them automatically.

Finally, be mindful of the permissions granted for cross-app intelligence. While it’s powerful to have an email summary pull data from a PDF and a calendar, that also means the AI has read access to sensitive documents. Only enable this for apps you trust. The system is designed with security in mind, but the more you centralize your data access with one AI, the bigger the potential impact of a security breach. Use strong biometrics and two-factor authentication on your Google account as a non-negotiable baseline.

Final Take

The hidden features inside AI Mode are not just incremental upgrades; they represent a fundamental shift towards a predictive, automated operating system. The learning curve is minimal, but the payoff in saved time and reduced friction is immense. You just have to be willing to dig into the settings and give it the permissions and data it needs to learn your life.

For those already invested in a connected home, the new Smart Device Automation capabilities are a revelation, turning your phone into a true command center that anticipates your needs rather than just waiting for orders. It’s a powerful, if slightly unsettling, glimpse into the immediate future of personal computing, and it’s already here on your device if you know where to look.

FAQs

1. Can I use these features if I don’t have a Pixel phone?
Yes, but with limitations. The on-device processing requires specific hardware, so many features will be slower or unavailable on non-Pixel or older devices. However, the cloud-based features like cross-app summarization will still work on most modern Android phones running Android 14 or later.

2. Is my voice data being used to train AI models?
By default, your audio snippets are processed on-device and are not used for training. However, if you opt into “Audio History” to improve recognition, those clips are stored securely in your account and can be used to personalize your experience. You can delete this history at any time.

3. Why is my battery draining faster after enabling the new AI features?
The proactive, on-device analysis consumes power. The NPU is efficient, but it’s working in the background more often. Check which specific feature is the culprit in your battery settings and consider disabling “Auto-Execute” for less important routines to save power.

4. Can I use the smart home automation features with non-Google devices?
It depends on the protocol. If your devices are Matter-compatible or have a well-integrated Google Home skill, they should work. Devices that rely on a proprietary hub with no Google API access will likely not be controllable through the new AI-driven routines.

5. What happens to my automated routines if I reset my phone?
Your routines and AI preferences are tied to your Google Account, not the device. When you sign in on a new or reset phone, your routines will be restored. However, the Contextual Memory (the AI’s “knowledge” of your habits) will need to be re-learned.

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