{
  "id": 2153478,
  "title": "Pixel Journal update brings Auto format, Sleep data, and more [U]",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/pixel-journal-update-brings-auto-format-sleep-data-and-more-u",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-20T14:29:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "9to5Google",
    "slug": "9to5google",
    "url": "https://9to5google.com/2026/08/20/pixel-journal-ai-update/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Google has introduced several new features to the Pixel Journal app with the launch of the Pixel 11, and these enhancements are now available on older devices as well. The latest version, 2026.07.27.x, has been widely rolled out, with a changelog highlighting the \"Journal August 2026 Updates.\"\n\nTo enable Sleep data tracking in the app, users must navigate to the App info page within the Pixel Journal settings, access the Health, fitness and wellness permissions, and toggle on the \"Sleep\" option.\n\nOn the compose screen, the Inspiration bottom sheet has received a facelift with a new top icon, a \"Refresh\" capability, and an explicit \"Close\" button. Additionally, a new Customization tab has been added, providing users with options to control Media layout in Compact or Full mode for an entry.\n\nThe most significant update in this version is the introduction of the \"Auto format an entry in simple mode\" or \"expressive mode\" feature. This functionality, which leverages Google's Private AI Compute in the cloud, allows users to effortlessly format their journal entries. While this feature is currently cloud-based, Google plans to expand AI experiences to on-device processing in other Pixel apps.\n\nPixel Journal now benefits from Google's Private AI Compute, ensuring industry-leading privacy safeguards. The app operates in a secure, isolated environment both on the device and in the cloud, allowing users to turn off AI features in the Journal settings if desired.\n\nOther notable updates include the ability to set journaling reminders at specific times, a dark theme enhancement for better visibility of the bookmarks icon in the Entries tab, and visual tweaks to the calendar in the Insights tab. These improvements have been observed on a Pixel 10a, but the update is still not widely rolled out across all devices.",
  "summary": "With the launch of the Pixel 11, Google is rolling out a handful of updates to the Journal app that are already appearing on older devices.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "9to5Google",
        "title": "Google says this Android Auto update should fix random disconnects & freezes",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/google-says-this-android-auto-update-should-fix-random-disconnects",
        "published": "2026-08-20T16:30:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}