The Pixel devices offer two distinct At a Glance experiences. One is powered by the widely-used Google app, which is also available on other Android devices.
The other is the Pixel-exclusive At a Glance widget, known as SmartSpace, which utilizes the Pixel launcher. Currently, this feature provides contextual updates across 19 categories, including Alerts, Weather, Fitness, Air Quality, and Doorbell notifications.
Looking ahead, Google plans to enhance the Pixel launcher with two new features exclusive to At a Glance: Finance Recap and Sports updates. This expansion is part of a broader initiative, as there are reports of a rebranding for the widget itself.
Google’s anticipated Pixel 10 may introduce this revamped experience, potentially named ‘Gemini Space,’ as indicated by Android analyst Mishaal Rahman. Initial details about the rebranding surfaced with the release of the Android 16 QPR1 Beta 1.
This update included system configuration files and references to ‘Ambient Data’—the internal code name for Gemini Space—and ‘Ambience Hub.’ The presumption is that Ambient Data will present contextual information, while Ambience Hub may serve as a new interface to display this information effectively.
The connection to the At a Glance widget becomes clearer with the Android System Intelligence app, which manages its functionality. It contains references to ‘Gemini Space’ and its planned features of finance recaps and sports updates, mirroring the enhancements expected in the Pixel Launcher’s At a Glance widget.
Once these updates are implemented, Google may allow users to reposition the widget to the bottom of the lock screen, resembling Samsung’s Now Bar. Furthermore, tapping the widget could launch a Now Brief-like interface for quick access to relevant information.
There is also evidence of Ambient Data hints in firmware for older models like the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro, suggesting that the rebranding could extend beyond just the Pixel 10 series. However, this remains speculative, and definitive details will likely emerge during the official unveiling of the Pixel 10 in August.
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