This morning, Google made an exciting announcement regarding the April 2025 Pixel Drop, introducing a standout feature that tech enthusiasts will love. The highlight of this update is the launch of the Gemini Live camera’s new Astra capabilities, alongside an innovative screen sharing feature that will be available for free on the Pixel 9 series.
Google has officially confirmed that the Project Astra-powered features are “available for free with all Pixel9 phones.” This means that users of the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold can take full advantage of these advanced functionalities without needing to subscribe to the 1-year Gemini Advanced trial. Importantly, this free access is tied directly to the devices themselves and will continue even if users decide to discontinue their subscription.
In addition to the existing Pixel 9 models, Google has also announced that the much-anticipated Pixel 9a, set to launch later this week, will include the same free access to the Astra camera and screen sharing features. This ensures that users of the upcoming device will not miss out on these cutting-edge capabilities.
In a related development, Samsung has also revealed that users of the Galaxy S25 series will have access to similar features at no additional cost. This announcement follows Google's teaser of the Astra capabilities during the Galaxy S25 launch event, highlighting a collaborative push towards enhancing user experience across different devices.
Following this morning’s announcement, the camera and screen sharing features are now widely rolling out, including support for tablets. As these features gain traction, it remains uncertain whether they will eventually be available to users of the free Gemini app. This rollout signifies a significant shift in how devices will leverage advanced functionalities to improve user engagement and connectivity.
Stay tuned for more updates as Google continues to innovate and enhance the user experience across its Pixel lineup and beyond.
