Get Year of the Dragon off to a roaring start with Google’s AI
Lunar New Year is always a time of vibrant celebration, family reunions, and positive wishes for the year to come. This year, we welcome the Year of the Dragon, a symbol of strength, growth, and good fortune. But no matter how magical dragons might be, us mere mortals sometimes need a little help, so why not let Google’s AI add a touch of tech magic and Dragon-inspired fun to your LNY festivities?
1. Don't let Lunar New Year decisions drag-on
Your Year of the Dragon celebration planning just got a boost! Circle to Search, a new way to search anything on your phone, lets you swiftly check out Lunar New Year venues even if they are coming thick-and-fast in a chat app. Long press your Android’s home button, circle those friend recommendations, and get back to the party planning. Circle to Search is available on select Android smartphones — the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro and the new Samsung Galaxy S24 series — in all languages and locations where they’re available.
AI can also help you fly past your fellow treasure hunters. Lunar New Year crowds make navigating a city even harder (especially if you don’t have wings). If you suddenly need a coffee or an ATM and you’re unsure where to head, Lens in Maps can help. Simply open Google Maps, tap the camera icon and point your phone down the street to find nearby businesses and amenities.
2. Keep all the dragons entertained over the holidays.
Nobody wants to be around a bored or angry dragon. For those times when the conversation runs dry why not turn to a mobile game to keep you — or your relatives — entertained? During the LNY period, Honkai: Star Rail and Monster Hunter Now will offer limited-time promotions and gear on Google Play.
3. Make a feast fit for a dragon
Lunar New Year is steeped in cultural significance, and being Asia, that means tasty food is a big part of the proceedings. This year, why not wow everyone with your handmade Nian Gao? But don’t worry, you don’t need to be a master chef. Get cooking with confidence this Lunar New Year, using Gemini as your kitchen helper to make your Nian Gao have the perfect texture — avoid those dreaded cracks! — with precise measurements, proper steaming, and the right balance of sweetness.
4. Channel your creativity into chores and custom cards
Tired of the same old Lunar New Year routines? Change things up with Gemini’s help. If you’re rushing to juggle all the house cleaning before the new year, switch it up and ask Gemini to think of “creative ways to make cleaning fun” — you could even host an Olympics of cleaning, if your household is feeling competitive.
Ring in an auspicious New Year with a custom creative card, generated by Gemini. Simply list some colors and themes you want to include — say, some oranges, lanterns, and a lovable dragon — and Gemini will craft a few options quicker than you can say “Happy New Year!” Get your card just right by asking Gemini to make edits, and add your own final touches by asking Gemini for some inspiring new year phrases.
5. Dodge fireballs from well-intentioned family
Even the most high-flying of dragons are sometimes brought low by well-meaning (but intrusive) relatives. If you’re dreading awkward questions from fire-breathing aunts ("When are you settling down?" “Any career updates?”) this year of the Dragon, fear not. Ask Gemini for helpful phrases to dodge and weave — for instance, try asking Gemini for “cheeky ways to avoid sharing my love life with my aunt.”
We hope these AI-powered tips can help light up your celebrations. Wishing you a prosperous and joyful Lunar New Year! Gong Xi Fa Cai! Xin Nian Kuai Le!
