Your Pixel phone is loaded with AI features that you probably don’t want

I think the Pixel devices have attractive hardware, but it’s the software that turns me off personally. Google is all-in on Gemini and artificial intelligence, presenting it in an ever-increasing number of ways. Fortunately, this shutdown can go both ways. If you’re thinking, “No thanks” every time your Gemini looks up, here are a few ways to get your phone back.—

Remove the twins from the software box

To Google’s credit, you can disable this app just like any other app

For years, Google has long been the biggest source of Android bloat*. Every Android device I buy comes with pages of Google apps that I uninstall or disable. The Gemini is one of the newer additions to this list and I’m happy to say that it’s just as easy to drive on most phones as the others.

All I need to do is:

1. Open the app drawer on my phone.

2. Scroll down Twins.

3. Tap and hold the app Application information choice.

4. Then click Disable it button.

Then the Gemini icon disappears and that’s the end of the story for most phones. That’s not what he wrote on the Pixel phone yet.

Remove the twins from the power button

I press this button when I don’t want to talk, thank you very much

Credit: Justin Duino / How-To Geek

Unfortunately, removing the Gemini from the Pixel is not that simple. Even if the Gemini app is deleted, holding down the power button will still bring up the chatbot, which will patiently wait for you to ask a question so it can chat without being aware of your facial expression and offer to speed things up.

To change what happens when you hold down the power button:

1. go away Settings > System > Gestures > Press and hold the Power key.

2. Change the option here Digital assistant for Power Menu.

Now, when you hold down the power button, you’ll see the familiar Android menu with options to turn off, restart, or lock your phone. There is also a bright red button for emergency use.

Turn off Circle for Search

I’ll keep writing if I can’t get in the loop for another search engine

Circle to Search is one of the more useful AI features everyone showed up at a smartphone event. It’s also a relatively old technology that predates the modern artificial intelligence fetish. Google Lens has been able to search images for over a decade. What’s new with Circle to Search isn’t the AI ​​bits, but a faster way to capture a screenshot and crop it to just the part you’re interested in. I would love this feature, but I ditched Google Search for a more personal alternative years ago and this functionality is not enough to bring me back. Unfortunately, this feature only works with Google.

Return here to disable the search circle Settings > System and tap the switch next to it Circular to search. Once you’ve done this, pressing and holding the lever at the bottom of the screen will no longer bring up the Google prompt.

Don’t you feel dazzled by the Magic Cue?

A feature thankfully the Pixel 10a lacks

One advantage of the budget Pixel line is that it doesn’t come with many AI features. Magic Cue is one such supplement that is not noticeable I reviewed the Pixel 10a. So I turned to my colleague for screenshots taken on their Pixel 10. Just open it to give the feature an ax Settings > Magic Cue. Once there, you can turn off all the different aspects of the feature that you’re not interested in, like “Find information instantly” and “Finish tasks faster.”

7/10

SoC

Google Tensor G4

Screen

6.3-inch Actua display

The Google Pixel 10a is a barely updated version of the Google Pixel 9a, with a slightly brighter screen and an upgrade from Gorilla Glass 3 to Gorilla Glass 7i. Google shaved off the remaining few millimeters of the camera bump and made it completely flat. Unlike previous versions of the Pixel a series, this model year does not share the same Tensor processor as the flagship Pixel 10.

Remove twins from Google Messages

No, Gemini, you are not one of my contacts

When you open Google Messages, there’s a Gemini icon sitting on top of the icon to create a new conversation. Tapping this icon starts a conversation with Gemini, which will then appear in your message list alongside your conversations with loved ones, friends, colleagues, two-factor authentication texts, and spam. If, like me, you prefer to talk to someone who is emotional, you do.

1. Open settings by tapping your profile picture at the top of the chat header. If you don’t have a picture, it can be the first letter of your name.

2. choose Message settings.

3. hit Gemini in messages.

4. Click the toggle button next to it Show twins button.

I wish I could tell you that Google Messages is now only for conversations with people, but unfortunately, messages from bots keep coming.

I wish I could tell you that your AI purge is already complete

With these features turned off, your Pixel phone is now immune to the most destructive AI intrusions. That said, you are completely free from Google’s AI tricks. It still is Other features like Magic Editor ignore or turn off. Fortunately, these features are removed in Google apps, which are easy enough to ignore.