Own a Google Pixel? One of its best AI features is about to get even more useful

Pixel Screenshots being demonstrated on a Pixel 9 Pro XL
(Image credit: Future)

Google looks to be planning a major update for the Pixel Screenshot app, including a familiar Google Photos gesture.

In a recent APK Android Authority discovered a major update coming for the Pixel Screenshot app. This update includes some UI changes, as well as several new features that aim to make it easier than ever to select multiple screenshots, edit collections and add images from other apps.

Firstly, Google is testing out a new UI to make it easier to see all your screenshots. In the current version, users can press an arrow on the homepage to see all their screenshots. The new version replaces this with a layout option that lets you access all your screenshots from the home page. Another UI change found is support for a long tap and drag gesture to easily select multiple images, making it much faster than the current method.

Image showing the addition of new layout button on Pixel Screenshot

Difference between the current Screenshot (left) and the possible new version (right) (Image credit: Android Authority)

Google is also working on two new shortcuts called Gallery and Camera. These shortcuts will reportedly allow users to quickly add images to the Screenshot app from their phone's app drawer, which was improved in a recent feature drop, or from the home screen. It should be noted that these shortcuts do exist on the current app, but Google is looking to make them more prominent by allowing access through the app icon on the home page.

Google is looking to make it easier to take multiple images from other apps and add them to the Pixel Screenshot app using the Android system share sheet. Finally, according to information found in the current version of the app, Google could offer users the option to interact with emails and phone numbers found in a screenshot and add them to their contacts.

These changes could help to make Google Screenshots (already one of the Pixel's best AI features) a much more useful app in a future update. As an aside, now would be a great time to grab a Pixel phone, especially with Black Friday on the horizon as many of the models are enjoying discounted pricing.

More from Tom's Guide

Josh Render
Staff Writer

Josh is a staff writer for Tom's Guide and is based in the UK. He has worked for several publications but now works primarily on mobile phones. Outside of phones, he has a passion for video games, novels, and Warhammer. 

Read more
Google Photos icon on phone
Google could finally fix an annoying limitation with Google Photos — here's what we know
Pixel Studio showing people illustration
Pixel Studio can finally generate people — and that's not the only change Google is bringing to Pixel phones
A man staring at a phone with the Google Photos logo on it
Google Photos will soon make clearing your pictures way easier — here’s how
Google Pixel 9a render
Google Pixel 9a leak just confirmed a major design change — here's the new look
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review.
Google Pixel 10 just tipped for a new AI assistant called Pixel Sense
Google Pixel 9 Pro in hand
The best AI phone feature I tried in 2024 isn’t from Apple or Samsung
Latest in Google Phones
back of Iris Pixel 9a
The Google Pixel 9a is lacking one of the Pixel 9’s best safety features — here’s what we know
Google Pixel 9a with thumbs up and thumbs down icons
Google Pixel 9a — 5 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
Pixel 9 Pro XL held in the hand with price drop badge.
Not a typo! This epic deal makes the flagship Pixel 9 Pro XL the same price as the budget Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a hands-on.
Pixel 9a’s on-device AI isn’t as good as the Pixel 9 — here’s what’s different
Google Pixel 9 Pro deal
Forget Pixel 9a — get the Google Pixel 9 Pro for $250 off at Best Buy right now
back of Iris Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a pre-orders delayed due to 'component quality issue' — here's when you can get one
Latest in News
Rendered images of rumored foldable iPhone.
Foldable iPhone report just revealed key details — here's what we know
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 rumored specs — here’s what we know so far
iPhone 17 Pro render
iPhone 17 Pro — 7 biggest rumored upgrades
CAD renderings of the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL
Pixel 10 leak could be good news for all Android phones
A magnifying glass on top of the Steam logo in a web browser
Valve just pulled a malicious game demo spreading info-stealing malware from Steam
Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain and Scuderia Ferrari looks on during Sprint Qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, China, on March 21, 2025. (Photo by Song Haiyuan/Paddocker/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
How to watch Chinese Grand Prix 2025 online – stream F1 without cable, qualifying highlights