Google has unveiled a trio of new smartphones—Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9, and Pixel 9 Fold—alongside updates that aim to make its Gemini AI assistant more user-friendly. The move highlights Google's efforts to compete with Apple in the smartphone market and stay relevant in the rapidly evolving world of generative AI.
The new Pixel 9 family includes the Pixel 9 Pro, which comes in standard and XL formats and features a triple rear camera setup and an upgraded 42-megapixel front-facing camera. The standard model with a 6.3-inch screen is priced at $999, while the larger 6.8-inch model starts at $1,099. The standard Pixel 9 includes a 50-megapixel primary rear lens, a new 48-megapixel ultrawide camera, and a larger battery, starting at $799.
The Pixel 9 Fold, Google's latest entry into the foldable phone market, boasts an 8-inch inner display and a 6.3-inch outer display, with added durability and water resistance. The device starts at $1,799. Alongside the phones, Google introduced the Pixel Watch 3, featuring new fitness tools leveraging its Fitbit acquisition, and the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which are smaller, lighter, and equipped with the new Tensor A1 chip for improved noise cancellation.
On the software side, Google announced Gemini Live, a more conversational voice mode for its AI assistant, which will now be exclusive to mobile devices. This feature, available for paid subscribers on Android and coming soon to iOS, allows users to interact with Gemini more naturally and voice-driven. Additionally, Google is expanding Gemini's capabilities by enabling it to interact with content on the user's screen, such as YouTube videos or web pages. Users must give explicit consent each time, ensuring their privacy is maintained.
Google is also rolling out extensions that allow Gemini to access data from other Google services like Calendar, Google Keep, YouTube Music, and tasks. These updates emphasize the company’s focus on integrating AI into everyday tasks despite generative AI's challenges.
Google’s earlier-than-usual "Made by Google" event significantly focused on AI advancements, underlining the company’s ambition to blend powerful software with cutting-edge hardware.
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