The Pixel 10 might just be about to deliver the kind of assistant iPhone users have always wished Siri could be. As the Pixel 10’s release draws closer, an exciting new feature from Google has emerged, with some key changes to its name and functionality. 
Previously called ‘Pixel Sense,’ the feature will now go by the name ‘Magic Cue.’
Magic Cue is designed to work alongside Google’s Gemini, but unlike Gemini, it functions in a more subtle and context-aware manner. While Gemini requires a prompt to activate, Magic Cue quietly observes what’s happening on your screen and suggests useful actions based on the app you’re using and your current activity. For instance, if you’re chatting in a messaging app and someone asks for your flight number, Magic Cue will automatically retrieve it from your Gmail, sparing you the hassle of looking it up manually. It’s a small, but potentially game-changing feature that could streamline everyday tasks.
The feature works by leveraging recent app activity, screen usage, and data from various Google apps like Gmail, Calendar, Keep, Tasks, Contacts, and Messages. All of this is processed in a ‘secure, isolated environment,’ with users having full control over which apps Magic Cue can access
. The system aims to make your day-to-day tasks easier without disrupting your workflow.
Magic Cue has two main functions: first, it allows users to quickly find relevant info based on the app they’re using; second, it helps finish tasks more efficiently by suggesting links to other apps where users can complete related actions. However, there’s still some uncertainty around how exactly Magic Cue will be triggered and how it will appear on the screen. The expectation is that it will work in the background, appearing automatically when necessary, without needing a prompt like Gemini.
Google had once planned a ‘Pixie’ assistant for Pixel devices, but the idea was reportedly scrapped. Magic Cue seems to reflect a shift toward more ambient AI that operates smoothly in the background, requiring minimal user interaction.
When compared to Apple’s Siri or Samsung’s Galaxy AI, Magic Cue could attract users who prefer less interaction with their device but still want timely and helpful assistance. Now that Gemini is fully integrated into Pixel software, features like Magic Cue could provide a more seamless and proactive experience for Pixel users than what’s currently available from the competition.