At itsannual hardware eventfor 2024, Google made official its latest generation of consumerPixelproducts. Newflagship handsets, a newfoldable phone, a new pair of earbuds, and a new smartwatch were all unveiled by the tech giant in rapid succession.
The entire Made By Google keynoteis available to watchon Google’s official YouTube channel, but we’ve distilled the most important details within this article. Here are the 5 biggest announcements from the event, in no particular order.
Pixel 9: What’s changed, what hasn’t?
The Pixel 9 features a slightly larger display, an upgraded ultrawide camera, and several new AI tools.
1The ‘Gemini Era’ has arrived
Google says the Pixel 9 is the first phone ‘designed for the Gemini Era’
Google Gemini
Google Gemini is an AI assistant designed to boost productivity and creativity, integrated with Google applications such as Gmail, Maps, and YouTube, and accessible through the Gemini mobile app or the Google app on iOS devices.
We heard a great deal about Google’s ongoing Gemini AI efforts at itsI/O conference in May, and the company is using its latest hardware launch event to double down on the tech. Google describes Gemini as the “biggest leap forward since the launch ofGoogle Assistant,” and says that it’s now at the core of the Android operating system.
The company outlined a number of new AI advancements coming to the Android ecosystem, to be spearheaded first by its own Pixel 9 series of devices. ‘Live with Gemini’ is perhaps the most impressive, allowing for a natural back-and-forth conversational style with the digital assistant. Other AI features likePixel Screenshots,Add Me, and Pixel Studio are all experiences we’re excited to test out in the weeks to come.
Pixel 9 Pro vs Pixel 8 Pro: Do you need to upgrade?
Google’s new premium Pixels look very different from their Pixel 8 Pro predecessor, but whether that makes them better is more complicated.
2The Pixel 9 Pro now comes in 2 sizes
For the first time, Pro users can spring for a more compact form factor
Pixel 9 Pro
The Pixel 9 Pro brings a new squared-off design, the Tensor G4 chip, and new AI features like Pixel Screenshots to Google’s flagship smartphone line. It’s available starting September 4th.
Pixel 9 Pro XL
The Pixel 9 Pro XL is Google’s first pass at an iPhone 15 Pro Max-style giant smartphone, with a Tensor G4 and new AI features like Pixel Screenshots. It’s available on August 22nd.
For the first time since launching its first ‘Pro’ Pixel phone with thePixel 6 Pro, Google has decided to split the product into two distinct size classes. The Pixel 9 Pro ships with a 6.3-inch display, whereas the Pixel 9 Pro XL ships with a 6.8-inch panel.
This is great news for those of us that want the highest-end specifications that Google has to offer, but prefer smartphones that fit better in the pocket and can be used more easily with one hand.
The Pixel 9 Pro XL feels like more of the same, only bigger
With the Pixel 9 series, Google is going all in on AI and introducing an even larger phone.
3The Pixel Watch 3 is official
Google’s next-generation smartwatch is now also available in 2 sizes
Google Pixel Watch 3
The Google Pixel Watch 3 builds on the previous model, introducing a new 45mm size along with the original 41mm watch. Both options feature a larger display with double the brightness. It offers plenty of runner-centric features along with more connectivity with Google’s ecosystem.
Alongside all the new smartphone hardware announced by Google, the company took the opportunity to launch the third-generation of its Pixel Watch. In addition to the standard 41-millimeter version, a new, larger 45-millimeter variant is available for purchase.
The Google Pixel Watch 3 appears to be a somewhat iterative update overits predecessor, maintaining the same general look and feel. The display bezels are 16% smaller, brightness has been boosted up to a new peak of 2000 nits, and a number of new fitness tracking-related updates have been brought on board.
Gemini Live is here, allowing voice conversations with Google’s AI
It’s available now if you’ve got Gemini Advanced.
4The Pixel 9 Pro Fold steps up to the foldable plate
Google has refined the hardware of its foldable phone, and it’s a noticeable step up
Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google’s Pixel 9 Pro Fold aims to solve the original Pixel Fold’s key issues thanks to its thinner and lighter design, Tensor G4 chip and more fluid hinge.
Undoubtedly, the biggest star of the Made By Google show has to be the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The originalPixel Foldwas a solid first-generation product, but Google took the time here to iron out all the growing pains associated with launching hardware within a brand-new product category.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is noticeably thinner and lighter than the original Fold, and the internal screen’s display bezels are substantially trimmed down. The device comes with all the new AI goodness that the rest of the Pixel 9 lineup is receiving, along with the same new Tensor G4 processor.
Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 use AI to provide better adaptive ANC
The new feature is powered by Google’s Tensor chip.
5The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are here, and come with a custom chipset
Google’s new earbuds come with a custom processor for the first time
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the first earbuds to be built on the Tensor A1 chipset. The earbuds support Google AI, paired with ANC and Silent Seal 2.0 technology for improved noise cancellation.
Last but certainly not least, Google introduced us to its latest Pixel earbuds, which it calls the Pixel Buds Pro 2. The new buds improve upon the company’s existing wireless earpieces by incorporating a custom Tensor A1 chip, which is a first for the product line.
Google also points out the new adjustable ear tip design it engineered for the Pixel Buds Pro 2. “Use the twist-to-adjust stabilizer to lock your Pixel Buds Pro 2 securely in your ear during workouts, or adjust the other way for all-day comfort,” says Google.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold might just be the best foldable I’ve used yet
Google’s latest foldable addresses nearly all of the Pixel Fold’s shortcomings.
