Google Pixel 9 Event: New Phones, AI Features, and More

Hey everyone! Google just held its much-anticipated Made by Google hardware event, and it’s safe to say they didn’t hold back. They’ve unveiled their Pixel 9 lineup, which is shaping up to be the most extensive yet. Let’s dive into all the exciting details.

First off, the Pixel 9 series is introducing not one, not two, but four new phones. We have the standard Pixel 9 with a 6.3-inch display, the Pixel 9 Pro XL with a massive 6.8-inch screen, and a brand-new smaller Pixel 9 Pro that also sports a 6.3-inch display. Plus, there’s the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which is taking the foldable phone game up a notch. The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL will start shipping on August 22nd, while the smaller Pixel 9 Pro will be available from September. Pricing starts at $799 for the Pixel 9, $999 for the Pixel 9 Pro, and $1,099 for the Pro XL.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is getting a major update with larger screens and a slimmer profile. It features a 6.3-inch external display and an impressive 8-inch internal screen. This model also boasts Google’s updated G4 Tensor chip and a brighter inner display, reaching up to 2,700 nits. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will set you back $1,799 and starts shipping on September 4th.

When it comes to AI, Google is not holding back. The new Pixel devices come with the Gemini AI assistant, which can help with everything from finding information within apps to answering questions about your photos. They’ve also introduced two new AI-powered apps: Pixel Screenshots, which lets you search through your saved screenshots, and Pixel Studio, a text-to-image generator. There are also enhancements in Google Photos, like the “Add Me” feature for stitching people into group photos and the Magic Editor for replacing parts of images, like the sky.

But the updates don’t stop with phones. The Pixel Watch 3 is now available in a larger 45mm option, alongside the 41mm model. It features a brighter display, up to 2,000 nits, and new fitness features, including pulse detection that can call emergency services if it detects your pulse has stopped. The Pixel Watch 3 will be available starting September 10th, with prices beginning at $349.99 for the 41mm and $399.99 for the 45mm.

Lastly, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 have been redesigned to be smaller and lighter, now featuring 11-millimeter drivers and a new Tensor A1 chip for improved noise cancellation. They also come with a wing fin design to keep them secure during activities. Priced at $229, they start shipping on September 26th.

In addition to these new gadgets, Google also introduced Gemini Live, a voice chat feature for their Gemini AI assistant. This feature allows you to interact with the AI conversationally, with the ability to choose from 10 different voices and even interrupt it mid-sentence.

So, there you have it! Google’s Pixel 9 event showcased a lot of innovation across their devices, from phones and watches to earbuds and AI features. It’s clear Google is pushing the envelope once again, and I can’t wait to see how these new products perform in the real world.