Google’s annual Made by Google hardware event was packed with exciting announcements, emphasizing “choice” as its central theme. This year’s showcase was a blend of cutting-edge hardware and innovative software, all designed to offer users more flexibility and powerful features. Here’s a breakdown of everything Google unveiled.
The New Pixel 9 Series: More Choices, Enhanced Features
Google has expanded its Pixel family, introducing four new smartphones: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. For the first time, users can choose between two sizes of the pro-level Pixel—6.3 inches and 6.8 inches—catering to different preferences for screen real estate.
The design of the Pixel 9 series brings subtle yet impactful changes. The iconic camera bar is gone, replaced by a sleek, elongated pill-shaped camera bump. The front display now has smaller bezels, and the phones are wrapped in shatter-resistant Gorilla Glass Victus 2, with a 100% recycled aluminum frame, doubling the durability compared to the previous generation.
Camera enthusiasts will appreciate the upgraded technology. Both the standard Pixel 9 and the Pro models feature a 50-megapixel primary camera and a 48-megapixel ultrawide lens. The Pro models go a step further with a 48-megapixel telephoto camera, offering 5X optical zoom and a new 10X “optical-like” digital zoom, thanks to advanced sensor technology.
Selfie lovers aren’t left out either. The Pro models boast a 42-megapixel front camera with autofocus, 30% better light sensitivity, and a wide 103-degree field of view, perfect for group shots. The standard Pixel 9 comes with a 10.5-megapixel selfie camera, now with autofocus.
Battery life sees a notable improvement, with a 20% boost over the Pixel 8. All models support 45-watt fast charging, reaching 70% capacity in just 30 minutes. However, they lack support for the new Qi2 wireless charging standard, which might disappoint those hoping for a MagSafe-like experience.
Under the hood, the Tensor G4 processor powers these devices, boasting 12 GB of RAM in the Pixel 9 and 16 GB in the Pro models. The processor is 20% faster in web browsing and launches apps 17% quicker. It’s also optimized for large language models like Google’s Gemini, supporting features like Gemini Nano With Multimodality, which enables the AI to process text, images, audio, and speech.
Each device will receive seven years of software updates, with the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL buyers getting a free year of the Google One AI Premium Plan, which includes 2 TB of cloud storage and access to Gemini Advanced.
Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2: New Wearables with More Features
In addition to the smartphones, Google introduced the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2. The Pixel Watch 3 now comes in two sizes, offering more choices for users. The highlight feature is its ability to detect a loss of pulse, potentially a life-saving capability. The new design is more refined, and the watch is built to complement the new Pixel phones seamlessly.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 continues to deliver top-notch audio with added enhancements for better noise cancellation and improved sound quality.
Software and AI Innovations: Gemini Takes Center Stage
While hardware stole the spotlight, Google’s software advancements were equally impressive. Many new features are powered by the Gemini large language models, which bring more intelligent and responsive AI experiences to Pixel devices. Notably, Gemini Live enables real-time voice conversations with Google’s chatbot, making interactions more natural and dynamic.
Interestingly, despite all the new hardware, these devices are launching with Android 14 instead of the anticipated Android 15. Google remained tight-lipped about when the next version of its mobile OS will arrive.
Availability and Pricing
Preorders for the Pixel 9 series are now live, with official sales starting on August 22. The pricing is as follows:
– Pixel 9: $799
– Pixel 9 Pro: $999
– Pixel 9 Pro XL: $1,099
This year’s Made by Google event clearly reflects Google’s commitment to giving users more choices and powerful new tools, setting the stage for a competitive holiday season. Whether you’re eyeing a new phone, smartwatch, or earbuds, there’s something for everyone in this impressive lineup.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the latest addition to Google’s innovative Pixel lineup and represents the second generation of Google’s folding phone series. It’s been rebranded to align with the Pixel 9 series, offering advanced features that make it a strong contender in the foldable market.
One of the most noticeable upgrades is the redesign of the front screen. Unlike the original Pixel Fold, the front display of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is now more proportionate, matching the 6.3-inch screen size found on the Pixel 9 Pro. This change has led to better optimization of apps for both the external and internal displays, enhancing the overall user experience.
Once unfolded, you’re greeted with a massive 8-inch internal display—one of the largest in the foldable phone category. This screen also boasts improved brightness levels, although it doesn’t quite reach the brightness of the Pixel 9 Pro. Nevertheless, the expansive display is ideal for multitasking, media consumption, and immersive gaming.
Google has focused on making the Pixel 9 Pro Fold remarkably thin. At just 10.5 millimeters, it’s among the thinnest foldable phones available, though it narrowly misses out on being the thinnest, a title held by Honor’s Magic V2 RSR at 9.9 mm. Weighing in at 257 grams, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is lighter than its predecessor, thanks in part to an upgraded stainless steel hinge mechanism that offers better durability and a smoother folding experience. For comparison, the Pixel 9 Pro measures 8.5 mm in thickness and weighs 198 grams.
The camera system on the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, while impressive, doesn’t quite match the prowess of the Pixel 9 Pro. It features a 48-megapixel main camera, a 10.5-megapixel ultrawide lens, and a 10.8-megapixel telephoto camera with 5X optical zoom. The front and inner cameras both house a 10-megapixel selfie shooter, designed to capture clear and vibrant photos from any angle.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes equipped with unique features that take advantage of its dual screens. The “Made You Look” feature displays playful animations on the external screen to capture the attention of babies and kids, ensuring they look directly at the camera for perfect photos.
During Google Meet calls, all the screens can display the person you’re speaking with, allowing everyone around you to see the caller. The person on the other end can view both you and what’s in front of you, providing a more interactive and engaging communication experience. Additionally, Google Translate can project your translated words on the external screen, making it easier for the person in front of you to read and understand.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a significant step forward in Google’s foldable phone journey, combining sleek design, versatile cameras, and innovative features. Whether you’re a foldable phone enthusiast or new to the concept, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers a premium experience that pushes the boundaries of what a smartphone can do. With this release, Google continues to set the stage for the future of mobile devices.
New Apps, Services, and AI Features on Pixel 9
Google’s latest Pixel 9 series isn’t just about cutting-edge hardware; it also introduces a range of new apps, services, and AI-powered features that elevate the user experience. Here’s a look at some of the most exciting additions.
New Apps: Pixel Weather, Screenshots, and Studio
One of the standout additions is the Pixel Weather app. Unlike typical weather apps, Pixel Weather uses the on-device Gemini Nano large language model to provide personalized weather summaries. This ensures you get more context and insights tailored to your needs, right at your fingertips.
Another new app is Pixel Screenshots, designed as a dedicated space for storing and managing all your screenshots. What sets this apart is its integration with Gemini Nano, which can understand the content of your screenshots. This means you can quickly find the information you need without scrolling through countless images. Whether it’s a recipe, a product link, or a snippet from a conversation, Pixel Screenshots makes it easy to locate and utilize your saved content.
For the creatives, Pixel Studio is a game-changer. This app lets you harness the power of generative AI to create new images. You can even turn your photos into custom stickers, adding a personal touch to your messaging and social media posts. Pixel Studio offers a simple yet powerful toolset for anyone looking to experiment with AI-driven creativity.
Smart Calling Features: Call Notes
Managing calls just got a lot easier with the introduction of Call Notes. This feature acts like a digital sticky note, automatically logging important details from your phone conversations. Whether it’s a phone number, a repair quote, or a reminder to follow up with someone, Call Notes captures it all. The best part? It happens seamlessly during the call, so you don’t need to scramble for a pen and paper. To comply with call recording laws, the person on the other end is notified when this feature is active.
Emergency Support: Satellite SOS
Another major addition to the Pixel 9 series is Satellite SOS, a feature that first appeared on the iPhone 14 in 2022. Pixel 9 devices are now among the first Android phones to offer this life-saving capability. If you find yourself in an emergency situation out of range of Wi-Fi or cellular networks, Satellite SOS allows your phone to connect to a satellite to share your location and reach out to emergency contacts. However, it’s important to note that this feature requires setup, comes with an additional charge, and currently only works in the U.S. It will be free for the first two years after activation, giving users peace of mind when venturing into remote areas.
AI Camera Enhancements: Add Me, Autoframe, Reimagine, and Zoom Enhance:
Google continues to push the boundaries of mobile photography with new AI-driven camera features. The Pixel 9 series introduces tools like Add Me, Autoframe, Reimagine, and Zoom Enhance. These features leverage advanced AI to make your photos and videos look better than ever. Whether it’s seamlessly including someone in a group shot, keeping subjects perfectly framed, or enhancing the clarity of zoomed-in images, these tools bring a new level of sophistication to mobile photography.
With these new apps, services, and AI features, the Pixel 9 series isn’t just about powerful hardware—it’s about delivering a smarter, more intuitive experience that adapts to your needs. Whether you’re managing your daily tasks, exploring creative projects, or staying connected in emergencies, Google’s latest innovations have you covered.
Introducing the Pixel Watch 3
The Pixel Watch 3 is here, marking a significant leap forward in Google’s smartwatch lineup. For the first time, the Pixel Watch offers two size options, catering to different wrist sizes and preferences. Whether you choose the 41-mm or the larger 45-mm case, you’re in for a device that blends style, functionality, and cutting-edge technology.
The Pixel Watch 3 now comes in two sizes—41 mm and 45 mm—with the latter boasting a 40 percent larger screen. This larger model is perfect for those who want more screen real estate without compromising on comfort. Both sizes feature Google’s “Actua” OLED display technology, the same as found in Pixel phones, ensuring vibrant colors and sharp visuals. With a brightness that is twice as intense as its predecessor, the watch is easy to read even in bright sunlight. Additionally, the display can dim to just 1 nit, making it gentle on your eyes in low-light conditions, such as right before bed.
Despite packing more features, the Pixel Watch 3 maintains the same 24-hour battery life as the previous generation, even with the always-on display enabled. However, you’ll benefit from 20 percent faster charging, with a 24-minute charge getting you to 50 percent, and a full charge taking just one hour. This means you can spend less time waiting for your watch to charge and more time using it.
Google has introduced several quality-of-life improvements in the Pixel Watch 3. Auto Bedtime Mode now automatically detects when you’re asleep or awake, enabling and disabling Bedtime Mode accordingly. This ensures that your watch isn’t disturbing you with unnecessary notifications during the night.
When paired with a Pixel phone, you gain access to improved camera controls, allowing you to use the watch as a remote shutter button with more options than before. You can also view a live feed from your Nest Doorbell and security cameras directly on your watch via the Google Home app, making it easier than ever to see who’s at your door. Additionally, the watch can now serve as a remote control for Google TV and display incoming calls with Call Screen. The ultra-wideband chip in select phones even allows you to keep the watch unlocked without entering a passcode. Google is also bringing its Recorder app to the Pixel Watch, adding another layer of functionality.
Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate the Pixel Watch 3’s new running-centric features. Under the “Plan, Run, Reflect” umbrella, the watch offers holistic running guidance. You can create personalized running routines, complete with your preferred warm-up and cool-down segments, and receive real-time guidance through audio and haptic feedback. The watch tracks your performance metrics like stride length, cadence, and vertical oscillation, providing detailed insights into your form.
Google’s AI uses this data to offer personalized advice, helping you improve your running efficiency and reduce the risk of injury. The new readiness score evaluates your heart rate variability, resting heart rate, and recent sleep patterns to determine how ready you are for the day’s activities. Cardio load tracking offers a glimpse into how hard your heart is working, and Google’s most accurate heart rate tracking yet ensures that you’re training within safe limits.
A groundbreaking addition is Loss of Pulse Detection, a feature not seen on other smartwatches. It uses the watch’s sensors to detect if a user is experiencing a loss of pulse event. If there’s no motion or response, the watch will automatically call emergency services. Initially launching in Europe, this feature is expected to roll out in other regions following regulatory approval.
Unlike previous models, Google has made most of the advanced features on the Pixel Watch 3 available without a subscription to Fitbit Premium. Even the Daily Readiness Score is accessible to all users. Only the AI-powered daily run recommendations remain exclusive to Premium subscribers.
The Pixel Watch 3 is competitively priced at $349 for the 41-mm Wi-Fi-only model and $449 for the LTE version. The larger 45-mm model costs $399 for Wi-Fi and $499 for LTE. Preorders are live now, with the official release set for September 10.
The Pixel Watch 3 is not just a smartwatch; it’s a comprehensive health and lifestyle companion. With its blend of advanced technology, thoughtful design, and user-friendly features, the Pixel Watch 3 is poised to be one of the best smartwatches on the market. Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast, a tech lover, or someone looking for a reliable smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3 has something to offer.
Pixel Buds Pro 2
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 have arrived, continuing Google’s tradition of offering some of the best wireless earbuds on the market. Building on the success of their predecessors, these earbuds bring a host of new features and improvements designed to make your listening experience even better.
Google has made the Pixel Buds Pro 2 even more comfortable and secure with the introduction of a twist-to-stabilize feature. This simple yet effective addition ensures the earbuds stay snug in your ears, whether you’re at the gym or just out for a walk. Despite being small and lightweight, Google managed to reduce the size of these buds by 27 percent, thanks to the integration of the new Tensor A1 chip. This makes them some of the most portable and comfortable earbuds you can find.
One of the standout features of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is the improved Silent Seal 2.0 noise-canceling technology. This wider noise-canceling range ensures that you get an immersive audio experience, free from the distractions of the outside world. Whether you’re listening to music, podcasts, or taking calls, the enhanced noise cancellation will make sure you hear every detail.
The AI-powered Conversation Detection is another noteworthy feature. This technology automatically pauses your music when you start speaking, allowing you to have a conversation without needing to remove your earbuds. Once you’re done, the music resumes—seamlessly integrating into your day.
For those who are already in the Pixel ecosystem, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are the perfect addition. These earbuds are optimized for Android devices and offer precise location tracking via Google’s Find My network, making it easier than ever to locate your earbuds if they go missing.
In a first for wireless earbuds, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 can also run Gemini Live. This feature allows you to tap the earbud and engage in real-time conversations with Google’s AI chatbot. Whether you’re asking for dinner ideas or just want to chat, the assistant can respond conversationally, without interruptions if you interject.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are priced at $229 and are available for preorder now, with sales starting on September 26. They even come in colors that perfectly match the new Pixel 9 phones, making them not just a tech accessory, but a style statement as well.
