Google just wrapped up its Made by Google hardware event, where we got an official look at the refreshed Pixel 9 series, as well as updates for other Google devices. While the Pixel incident confirms many of the leaks we’ve seen over the past few weeks, Google still shared a few announcements we haven’t heard yet.
Here’s a roundup of all the exciting news from the Google Pixel 9 event.
Google’s Pixel 9 series gives you another Pro to choose from
Google has finally taken the wraps off its Pixel 9 series, which includes three phablets and a foldable phone. The regular lineup includes the base Pixel 9 with a 6.3-inch display, the Pixel 9 Pro XL with a 6.8-inch display, and the new, smaller Pixel 9 Pro at 6.3 inches. The three devices feature a redesigned oval camera housing, Google’s updated G4 Tensor chip, longer battery life, and new satellite SOS functionality.
The Pixel 9 starts at $799, $100 more than last year’s model, while the Pixel 9 Pro starts at $999 and the Pro XL starts at $1,099 and up. The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL begin shipping on August 22, and the smaller Pixel 9 Pro will begin shipping in September.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a bigger screen and slimmer profile
In addition to three new standard Pixel devices, Google also showed off the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The updated Fold is taller and thinner than its predecessor, with a larger display measuring 6.3 inches on the outside and 8 inches on the inside.
The device is also equipped with a G4 Tensor chip, and its internal display has a higher peak brightness of 2,700 nits, compared to the original Pixel Fold’s 1,450 nits. Pixel 9 Pro Fold is priced at $1,799 and will start shipping on September 4th.
Of course, Google’s new Pixel devices come with the company’s Gemini AI assistant, which you can use to find information in apps or ask questions about the photo you just took. The Pixel 9 series also introduces two new AI apps: Pixel Screenshots, which uses on-device AI to let you search for information in saved screenshots, and Pixel Studio, a text-to-image generator.
Google has added some artificial intelligence image editing tools to the Pixel 9 series’ upgraded cameras, such as an “Add Me” option that can put someone into a group photo by stitching two scenes together. The Magic Editor in Google Photos now also lets you use generative AI to replace entire parts of a photo, such as the sky.
Google Pixel Watch 3 has a larger 45mm option
In addition to the 41mm model of Google’s Pixel Watch 3, there is also a larger 45mm model available. In addition to more screen real estate with thinner bezels, Pixel Watch 3 also features a new ultra-wideband chip, a brighter display with up to 2,000 nits of brightness, and a host of new fitness features.
One of the Pixel Watch 3’s most notable features is the ability to detect if the wearer’s pulse has stopped, allowing emergency services to be called if the wearer doesn’t respond to check-in prompts and doesn’t feel any pulse. This feature will be rolled out first in Europe. The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 with Bluetooth starts at $349.99, while the 45mm model starts at $399.99. Both sizes will be available September 10th.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 fully upgraded
Not only are Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 smaller and lighter, they now feature 11mm drivers and a new Tensor A1 chip, which promises improved active noise cancellation (ANC). The new headphones also feature a fin design to help keep the headphones in your ears during exercise, and can play up to 8 hours of audio with ANC enabled (up to 30 hours if using the charging case) .
Pixel Buds Pro 2 is priced at $229, which is slightly higher than the $200 price of its predecessor. They start shipping on September 26th.
Google launches Gemini voice chat option
Gemini Live was first announced by Google at its I/O conference in May and is now rolling out to Gemini Advanced subscribers. A new voice chat option lets you shout questions to Google’s artificial intelligence assistant, and it will respond using 10 different voices of your choice. Like ChatGPT’s voice assistant, Gemini Live lets you carry on a conversation and even interrupt mid-stream.
