Roman Kemp hosts Britain's first AI pub quiz where phones are allowed

It's as big a British tradition as Sunday roast, afternoon tea and queuing.

But even the pub quiz isn't immune to modern technology with 43% of us admitting to cheating our way to victory, even though 84% believe it's wrong.

The most popular tricks are googling under the table (39%) or sneaking off to the loo to check the answers (22%), according to new research by Vodafone.

One in three (34%) wish they could openly use smartphones and AI in a pub quiz when tough questions leave them scratching their heads, while four in ten say they wouldn't mind some rounds allowing the use of technology.

For tech-loving quiz fans, Vodafone and Google Pixel have come to the rescue, teaming up with Roman Kemp for Britain's first AI-powered pub quiz where reaching for your smartphone is the opposite of cheating.

Roman said, "I love a pub quiz, but normally having your phone out is a big no-no. Even if you're just checking in with mates or keeping an eye on the time, everyone assumes you're googling your way to glory. And often, the connectivity isn't good enough anyway!"

"That's where a fast, reliable network and Google Pixel can make a difference. Vodafone's network, combined with the power of Gemini, completely transformed a typical pub quiz, making a smartphone the ultimate teammate."

The contest paired human teams with Google Pixel 10, using the Gemini Live video functionality as the game-changing quiz companion on Vodafone's fast and reliable network.

Racing against the clock with key clues delivered via voice command, participants used Gemini to help access essential information needed to answer the question before putting their trivia skills to the test to complete the answer.

For example, participants used Gemini Live with Camera to point out three plants, allowing the assistant to seamlessly identify them in real-time. Once all three plants were confirmed, teammates worked together to connect the dots and figure out what the three had in common.

A Vodafone spokesperson added, "Trivia quizzes have always been about bringing people together, testing knowledge, and enjoying a bit of friendly competition.

"With AI becoming increasingly ingrained in everyday life, we've partnered with Google Pixel to integrate it into one of the nation's favourite pastimes and demonstrate how important a fast, reliable connection is to deliver this technology seamlessly."

Google Pixel 10, equipped with Gemini, is available at Vodafone from £23.50 a month with a £30 upfront cost, which includes a saving of up to £756 on their Phone and Airtime plan.