Earlier than normally scheduled, Google conducted its yearly “Made by Google” event where it traditionally displays its top-tier smartphones, smartwatches and earpieces. This year the schedule was moved up to August from October, with wide anticipation around its new Artificial Intelligence features.
At the event, Google showcased the redesigned Pixel devices, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and the larger Pixel 9 Pro XL boasting a 6.8 inch screen. Google has made aesthetic alterations to the Pixel 9, rendering it sleeker and more compact, theoretically making it easier to grasp. The design, particularly from a frontal view, bear semblance to the iPhone 15.
Also, changes were made to the camera layout on the rear of the phone to a pill shape that doesn’t extend across the entire breadth of the smartphone. The Pro model has a matte glass finish on its back, while the Pixel 9 has a more gleaming appearance. The screen has also been enhanced, becoming brighter, thus increasing visibility under bright sunlight.
Complementing the visual enhancements, Google has vastly improved the Pixel’s performance. With increased focus on Artificial Intelligence, innovations have been made such as upgrading the Pixel 9’s processor to the Tensor G4. RAM has also been increased, with the 9 Pro boasting 16GB, and the 9 model with 12GB.
Potent improvements were noted in the Artificial Intelligence sector. Although Google has been engaged with AI for quite some time, it introduced new tools this week for Android that boosts its usefulness.
A unique feature to the Pixel is the Screenshots app. The functionality automatically sends a screenshot to the Screenshots interface when activated. This software then processes the image and makes it an accessible database. When users need to recall the information again, they simply employ Gemini.
Gemini is another significant utility in the Pixel 9 series. Upon pressing and holding the power button, this digital assistant gets activated. From there, users can utilize it for tasks like creating documents, drafting emails or translating languages. It also provides information from your emails, searches for information based on images and aids with travel preparations.
Google is set to enhance its system with several new inclusions, such as Gemini Live, enabling more conversational interactions with Gemini – you can interrupt, change your preferences, and ask for further details. Pixel Studio is also on the menu, offering the option to generate images via text prompts. Whether it’s an adorable animated dog playing with a ball or an underwater racing corgi, all you need do is type in your thoughts and watch as the images take form. This tool, however, is incapable of producing images of real humans, so worries over deep fakes are unnecessary.
In addition, an Android-wide feature known as Magic Editor is being introduced. This feature enables automatic photo reframing, suggests optimal cropping, and includes the ‘reimagine’ feature, which can replace parts of the background – say, add grass or flowers where there were none.
Unsurprisingly, camera quality remains a priority for Google. With the Pixel 9 Pro, you will have access to a top-notch triple camera system – a 50 megapixel main lens and a 48 megapixel ultra wide lens at the rear for detailed macros, and a 42 megapixel front lens for selfies. It is also enhanced with new features such as Video Boost, which improves video quality to 8K resolution, and Super Res Zoom now applicable to videos.
A notable addition is the ‘Add Me’ feature, an innovative solution to capturing photos that include everyone. It merges two photos – one taken by you, and another taken by someone else that includes you – making everyone part of the group shot.
Moving forward, Google seeks to tap into the market of folding phones with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. On the outside, it resembles the standard Pixel 9 with a 6.3 inch display, but opens to reveal an 8 inch screen. It comes with all the Pixel AI features but boasts a more versatile format, supporting both split screen and multitasking. One eye-catching camera feature is ‘Made You Look’, which uses fun animations to hold the attention of children as you prepare to take a photo.
Lastly, the Pixel Watch 3 is set to expand with the inclusion of a 45mm display option, increasing the available choices for consumers. The standard Actua display will also be available.
The upcoming improvements offer a thorough running function to assist with devising jogging regimes and tracking your progress. The feature also scrutinises your cardiovascular workload and readiness, enabling the avoidance of overexertion. Furthermore, the incorporation of motion sensors allows recording of your stride length, pace, and the likes as you jog.
Moreover, the wristwatch will enhance its connection with Google’s devices, letting you view video footage from your doorbell right on your wrist or utilise your timepiece as a Google TV remote.
Not to be outdone, Pixel Buds are also receiving an upgrade. Google’s A1 Tensor chip has been incorporated into the Pixel Buds, enhancing their intelligence and consequently improving noise cancellation and sound quality capabilities. Aiding these improvements is the Silent Seal technology, adept at eliminating high-frequency sounds and minimising ambient noise.
To ensure you don’t miss out on pertinent conversations, the earbuds are equipped with conversation recognition capabilities, which prompts the activation of transparency mode and subsequently pauses your audio.
A standout feature of the Pixel Buds Pro 2 remains the adaptive fit. Perfect for workouts, you can easily adjust the buds for a more secure fit in your ears, preventing them from falling out while running. Once your workout is complete, you can adjust the fit for comfort.
Should you misplace your buds, they’ve been included in Google’s Find My network, allowing you to track their exact position.