Google seems to be working on a new feature that could challenge Apple's Genmojis feature by allowing users to use AI to generate stickers and emojis on their upcoming Pixel9 or Pixel9Pro phones. 

The news comes from Mishaal Rahman of the Android Authority, who reports that Google is working on a new feature in Android15Beta3 that could be called a "creative Assistant." Interestingly, the same package name indicates that it is likely to be a pixel-only app.This is a heading feature for the Pixel9 series at launch and I hope it will show up as an update on older models such as pixel8 and Pixel8Pro.

So far, I don't know exactly what this feature does, but a certain line of code gives me some ideas about what it contains, while the Creative Assistant app does not exist in the beta version, it is referenced in other apps. As an example, the markup app proposes an implementation of a "remix" button that launches an activity in Creative Assistant. Rahman theorizes that it is likely that you can use generative AI to create stickers and paste them on top of screenshots or other images you are editing. 

However, the remaining 1 issue is whether the Creative app can generate these images on the device, or whether cloud input is required. However, the upgraded Tensor G4 chip is likely to come on Pixel9 in combination with Gemini Nano, so given its small size and resolution, Step

Mishaal sees the Creative Assistant app as a natural extension of the Gboard app, including the Emoji Kitchen. With this feature, users can combine emojis, and it's not easy to imagine a creative assistant that provides generation capabilities to create new emojis. The question of whether it can compete with Apple's Genmoji featured at WWDC is more complicated. 

The Pixel9 series has a lot to get excited about, and the potential for AI-only features could be enough to compel customers to try them on other Android phones like the Samsung Galaxy S24. However, it would be a shame if this feature was only available on the flagship phone. So far, with Genmoji, users can quickly generate emojis in the messenger app and use the notes of people talking to themselves, and hopefully Google will allow something similar.

If this prospect is pushing you further into wanting Google's next smartphone, check out our hubs for Pixel9 and Pixel9Pro for all the news and rumors as we hear them.