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On August 13, Google unveiled its next-generation Pixel 9 phone, new Gemini AI features, Pixel Watch 3, and Pixel Buds Pro 2 at the Made by Google event in Mountain View, California.
Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior vice president of platforms and devices, said at the event that the technology represents Google’s efforts to use artificial intelligence to strengthen its ecosystem.
Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL will be available on August 22
The Pixel 9 will be available on August 22 with 12GB of RAM and an ultra-wide-angle camera. Its Google Tensor G4 chip supports generative AI, and Google is going all in on it. Gemini Artificial Intelligence With on-device and cloud-based generation capabilities. Pixel 9 starts at $799.
The high-end Pixel 9 Pro comes in two sizes: a 6.3-inch version for $999 and a 6.8-inch Pixel Pro XL for $1,099. Both phones come with 16GB of RAM.
Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL are available for pre-order now. Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL will be available in the US on August 22, and Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be available in the US on September 4. Other regional markets will follow soon. View Google Learn more about international availability.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is Google’s second-generation flip phone
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold brings the same Tensor G4 chip to the popular foldable form factor. Note the change in name: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the successor to last year’s Pixel Fold, so it’s worth noting that Google is integrating it into the entire Pixel series rather than turning the Fold series into a new branch of the family tree.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold can be used from both the front screen and the large interior display. Some apps are exclusive to the front screen, such as the Made You Look widget, which encourages distracted children to smile at the screen while taking photos.
The device starts at $1,799 and is available for pre-order today.
All new Google phones come with seven years of operating system and security updates.
Google wants to build its own ecosystem around Gemini
The Pixel 9 series demonstrates Google’s firm commitment to integrating artificial intelligence into every aspect of smartphone use. The new AI features enhance the voice and image generation capabilities that Google demonstrated on the Pixel 9. Google I/O in May.
Google Gemini on the Pixel 9 series will interact with Calendar, Tasks, and Keep, along with other main Workspace apps. This enables features like checking a user’s schedule or automatically adding items to a to-do list. In a live demo, when Dave Citron, senior director of product at Gemini, asked if he was free for a concert, Google Gemini wouldn’t load its response. It took a third try and another phone for Gemini to reply. After Gemini replied, though, it successfully accessed the Calendar app and notified Citron that his schedule was free.
Google Gemini on the Pixel 9 series can run at 45 tokens per second, up to twice the throughput of the Pixel 8. All three Pro phones come with a year of Gemini Advanced and 2 TB of cloud storage.
In Gemini Live conversation mode, Google Gemini’s voice sounded natural and had a variety of options. The live demo was smoother than previous ones, showing how the AI assistant can respond to interruptions and remember context from earlier in the conversation.
AI has also made a big difference in Google’s mobile camera experience. The Magic Eraser photo editing feature launched three years ago has evolved into Magic Editor, a generative AI tool that helps you “reframe” images. It can fill in gaps or replace the background entirely.
In the new Pixel Weather app, Gemini Nano can generate a custom weather report so users only need to read one summary instead of browsing different parts of the app. Drag and drop different features to prioritize the ones that are most important to you.
Google Gemini adds AI capabilities to the call assistant, which can automatically wait for a call or help navigate a phone tree; and AI-generated call transcripts that give you a summary of the call. These features could be particularly useful for busy professionals, who could use summaries to help remember the details of important calls.
Pixel Screenshots helps you organize your screenshots into folders or search for information in them. The “Add Me” feature on the Pixel camera lets you add people by leaving space in your photo, so you can take family photos on vacation without having to ask a stranger to hold your phone for you.
Like Apple’s latest phones, Google’s next-generation phones will offer Satellite SOS emergency calling. Carrier-agnostic Satellite SOS will initially be available only in the U.S. It’ll be free for the first two years for Pixel owners.
Pixel 9 phone competitors
The Pixel 9 series will compete with Apple’s iPhone 16 series, which is expected to debut this fall. Samsung Galaxy S24 series, available now.
look: Google Chrome: Security and UI tips you need to know (TechRepublic Premium)
Pixel Watch 3 is the latest addition to Google’s wearables lineup
Google’s next wearable is the Pixel Watch 3, which comes in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. Each version offers more screen real estate than the Pixel Watch 2.
This smartwatch includes:
- Biometric tracker.
- Provides workout analysis for runners.
- Google AI add-on for Fitbit Premium.
It also includes pulse detection, a new feature that essentially turns the watch into a vital signs monitor. The feature will only be available in select European countries starting in September as it works to get pulse detection regulated elsewhere.
As for Google’s overall ecosystem, the Pixel Watch 3 will be able to sync notes and calls to a Pixel phone. BMW and MINI have partnered with Google to allow the Watch 3 to act as a digital car key, too.
Pixel Watch 3 is available for pre-order now and will be available on September 10. The 41mm version starts at $349.99 for Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and $449.99 for LTE. The 45mm version starts at $399.99 for Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and $499.99 for LTE.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 brings Google AI to your ears
Gemini AI is the highlight of Google’s next-generation headset launch. The voice assistant Google Live can be activated directly from Pixel Buds Pro 2.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 are available for pre-order now for $229 and will be available on September 26.
TechRepublic covered Made by Google remotely.
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