Google’s highly anticipated 2024 hardware event, Made by Google, came with a whole new and improved wave of technological innovations.
Focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) integration, improved hardware, and enhanced user experiences, Google unveiled a series of upgrades across its Pixel devices, particularly the Pixel 9 series, and introduced great features across various other devices.
Here’s a detailed look at everything announced at the Made by Google 2024 event.
1. Pixel 9 Series: A Camera Revolution
The spotlight was on the new Pixel 9 series, particularly the Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. These devices continue Google’s tradition of making mobile photography wonderful.
- Pro Triple Rear Camera System: Both the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL now feature a pro triple rear camera system, including a new 48MP 5x telephoto lens that gives sharper images even in low light conditions. The upgraded 42MP front camera ensures that your selfies are crisp and bright, even in challenging lighting.
- Macro Focus & Night Sight: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes with an ultra-thin advanced triple rear camera system, featuring an ultrawide camera that supports Macro Focus for capturing detailed close-ups. Night Sight, a beloved feature in previous Pixel models, has now been enhanced for Panorama mode, allowing users to capture stunning low-light landscapes with ease.
- Super Res Zoom Video: With up to 20x Super Res Zoom, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL can now capture videos with extraordinary detail, even from a distance. Video Boost, an AI-powered upscaling feature, allows for 8K resolution video, making it possible to extract high-quality stills and zoom in post-production without losing resolution.
- Add Me & Magic Editor: The innovative Add Me feature uses augmented reality to ensure no one is left out of group photos. Magic Editor’s new Reimagine tool lets users describe changes they want in their photos, bringing creative visions to life effortlessly.
2. Pixel Watch 3: A Guardian on Your Wrist
The Pixel Watch 3 introduced a life-saving feature that could change how we think about wearable technology.
- Loss of Pulse Detection: This first-of-its-kind feature can detect the loss of pulse and automatically call emergency services if the wearer is unresponsive. This feature combines data from the heart rate sensor, motion sensors, and an AI-based algorithm to identify potential emergencies and initiate an alert sequence if needed. It’s designed to provide assistance in critical moments, particularly for those who are alone.
- Other Health Features: Building on Google’s focus on health and safety, the Pixel Watch 3 also includes Irregular Heart Rhythm Notifications and Fall and Car Crash Detection, ensuring comprehensive protection for its users.
3. Gemini AI: A New Era of Digital Assistance
Google’s AI advancements took center stage with the introduction of Gemini, a new AI model deeply integrated into Android and designed to revolutionize the mobile experience.
- Gemini Overlay & Gemini Live: Users can now interact with Gemini directly on their screens to ask questions, generate images, and even summarize content without leaving their current apps. Gemini Live offers a conversational experience, making it easier to explore ideas, get personalized advice, and more.
- Privacy and Security: With the introduction of Gemini Nano, a large on-device multimodal AI model, Google ensures that sensitive data processing can occur directly on the device, enhancing privacy and security.
4. Accessibility Enhancements: Making Technology More Inclusive
Made by Google 2024 reiterated the tech giant’s continuity in boosting accessibility with several new features:
- Guided Frame: Initially accessible only through TalkBack, Guided Frame is now available directly from the camera settings, making it easier for those with visual impairments to take perfectly framed photos.
- Live Transcribe & Live Caption: A new dual-screen mode for foldable phones enhances the visibility of transcriptions, and support for seven new languages has been added, making these tools more accessible to a global audience.
5. Pixel 9 Pro Fold: The Ultimate Foldable Experience
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold was a showstopper, blending innovative hardware with the best of Google’s AI features.
- Largest Display: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the largest inner display on any mobile device, encased in a slim, durable design with an IPX8 rating for water resistance. The fluid-friction hinge and Super Actua Flex display offer an 80% brightness improvement over previous models, making it perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.
- AI-Powered Performance: Powered by the Tensor G4 processor, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is designed to deliver exceptional performance while efficiently running all the AI features that make the Pixel experience unique.
Reimagining a Helpful Assistant with Gemini
The Gemini app, though less than a year old, has already done great in saving users time with tasks like updating shopping lists, drafting emails, or even helping to rehearse for an upcoming job interview. While AI unlocks powerful new capabilities, it also brings its own set of challenges.
The irony of using large language models that excel in interpreting natural language and handling complex tasks is that even simple tasks can sometimes take a bit longer to complete. Moreover, while generative AI is flexible enough to handle a wide array of tasks, it can occasionally behave unpredictably or provide inaccurate information.
To address these issues, Google has incorporated new models like Gemini 1.5 Flash, which are faster and deliver higher-quality responses. Over the coming months, Google plans to focus on speed and quality while also launching deeper integrations with Google Home, Phone, and Messages. You can read more about how Gemini can assist with all your favorite Assistant actions and the improvements on the horizon.
Google has now reached an inflection point where it believes the benefits of an AI-powered assistant far outweigh the challenges. The company is excited for users to experience Gemini as the default assistant on the Google Pixel 9. As with Pixel phones, the Gemini assistant will continue to improve over time.
Introducing the New Pixel Phones: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google has launched the Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. All these devices are powered by the new Google Tensor G4 chip, designed to offer the very best of Pixel.
The Pixel 9 phones feature an elevated new design that puts the camera front and center, with an evolution of Google’s iconic camera bar. The sculpted design is not only visually stunning but also feels great in the hand. The phones come with updated finishes, including a silky matte glass back and polished metal sides, giving them a distinctly premium feel. The devices are also twice as durable as the Pixel 8.
For the first time, the Pro model is available in two different sizes: Pixel 9 Pro (6.3 inches) and Pixel 9 Pro XL (6.8 inches). Both models boast the best and brightest Super Actua displays yet and feature a new 42 MP front camera for sharper and brighter selfies, even in low light. Other than display size, charging speed, and power, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL share all the same specs and features.
The Pixel 9 is packed with upgrades, including a 6.3-inch Actua display that is 35% brighter than the Pixel 8, earning it the title of best display in its class. The camera setup on the Pixel 9 is identical to that of the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, including a significant upgrade to the ultrawide lens, from 12 MP on the Pixel 8 to 48 MP on the Pixel 9. The front camera now features autofocus for even sharper selfies. Additionally, the Pixel 9 offers approximately 20% longer battery life during active use with the screen on compared to the Pixel 8.
All the Pixel 9 phones are designed to get better over time, with each device receiving seven years of OS updates, Pixel Drops, and security updates.
AI Helpfulness, Powered by Google Tensor G4
The new Pixel 9 series is powered by Google’s custom silicon, the Tensor G4, which is the company’s most efficient chip yet. Designed in collaboration with Google DeepMind, the Tensor G4 is optimized to run Google’s most advanced AI models, enhancing everyday use cases such as opening apps more quickly or browsing the web. The Tensor G4 will be the first processor to run Gemini Nano with Multimodality, enabling your phone to understand text, images, and audio seamlessly.
To ensure smooth AI-powered experiences on your device, Google has upgraded the memory across the entire Pixel 9 family, with 12 GB of RAM for the Pixel 9 and 16 GB for the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Gemini Live: A New Way to Interact with AI
At Google I/O, the company introduced Gemini Live, a new feature available to all Gemini Advanced subscribers, including owners of the Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, who will receive a year of Gemini Advanced with their purchase. Gemini Live enables users to have free-flowing conversations with Gemini directly from their phone or Pixel Buds. Whether you’re planning a fun tailgate, brainstorming household repairs, or thinking up gift ideas, Gemini Live offers a more intuitive and natural way to get the help you need.
Pixel Studio: A Creative Canvas in Your Pocket
Google has introduced Pixel Studio, a first-of-its-kind image generator available on Pixel 9 phones. Powered by an on-device diffusion model running on Tensor G4 and the Imagen 3 text-to-image model in the cloud, Pixel Studio allows users to bring their ideas to life from scratch, right on their phone. The app features a UI optimized for easy prompting, style changes, and editing, making it a fun and creative tool for everyday use. You can even share your creations with friends and family via Messages.
Pixel Screenshots: Organize and Recall Important Information
The new Pixel Screenshots app, exclusive to Pixel 9, helps users save, organize, and recall important information from screenshots. For example, if you’ve taken a screenshot of a door code for an upcoming vacation stay but can’t remember it when you arrive, you can simply ask Pixel Screenshots to quickly and easily find it for you.
A Better Weather App, Powered by AI
Recognizing that checking the weather is one of the most common activities on a phone, Google has used AI to enhance the experience with the new Pixel Weather app. The app is beautifully designed and provides super accurate weather forecasts. Gemini Nano generates a custom AI weather report, offering a clear sense of the day’s weather without requiring users to scroll through numbers. The app is also customizable, allowing users to prioritize the weather information that matters most to them.
More Camera Improvements for Stunning Photos and Videos
The Pixel 9 series introduces outstanding camera performance with a re-engineered imaging pipeline that captures the world more accurately. New AI features, such as Add Me, ensure that everyone is included in group photos, including the photographer. Panorama has been rebuilt to deliver detailed shots even in low light, offering the highest-quality low-light panorama on any smartphone.
Magic Editor in Google Photos now has enhanced editing capabilities, including Auto Frame, which allows you to reframe a photo for better composition. You can also reimagine your photos by simply typing what you want to see, such as adding wildflowers to an open field, to bring your ideas to life.
For video enthusiasts, Video Boost — available on all Pro phones — processes Night Sight Videos twice as fast once uploaded. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL can use the 48 MP 5x telephoto lens to record high-resolution zoom videos up to 20x with Super Res Zoom Video.
Clearer Calls and Easier Note-Taking
Clear Calling, a feature that enhances audio quality during calls, has been further improved. Additionally, a new feature called Call Notes automatically generates a private summary and full transcript of your phone call shortly after you hang up. This feature, which runs entirely on-device, ensures privacy and notifies all participants when it is activated.
Satellite SOS: Emergency Help Even Off the Grid
The Pixel 9 series is the first Android lineup to include Satellite SOS, allowing users to contact emergency responders via satellite and share their location even without cellular service. Available first in the U.S., Satellite SOS will be free for the first two years on Pixel 9 devices, regardless of carrier plan.
Pre-Order Your Pixel 9 Today
The Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL are available for pre-order starting at $799, $999, and $1099, respectively. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL will be on shelves at the Google Store and other retail partners on August 22. The Pixel 9 Pro will be available on September 4 in the U.S., with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold following in the subsequent weeks across other markets.
You can find out where each product will be available and sign up for product updates on the Google Store.
A Pixel for Every Need: The 2024 Lineup
At Made by Google 2024, Google introduced a wide array of new devices, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel Watch 3, and Pixel Buds Pro 2. These devices feature updates across Android and Gemini, with many new Pixel features powered by AI.
Pre-order Pixel Watch 3
Google has officially opened pre-orders for the Pixel Watch 3, with pricing details revealed for both the 41mm and 45mm variants. The 41mm model is available at $349.99 for the Bluetooth/Wi-Fi version, while the LTE variant is priced at $449.99. For those seeking a larger watch face, the 45mm option is offered at $399.99 for Bluetooth/Wi-Fi and $499.99 for LTE. All models can be pre-ordered starting today through the Google Store, Google Fitbit.com, and select global retailers, with availability set for September 10, 2024.
Introducing Pixel Buds Pro 2: Cutting-Edge Audio with Tensor A1
Google has also unveiled the Pixel Buds Pro 2, the latest addition to the Pixel family, featuring the groundbreaking Tensor A1 chip designed to elevate audio performance, enhance noise cancellation, and integrate helpful Google AI. These new earbuds are not only technologically advanced but also reimagined for comfort and fit.
Redefining Comfort and Fit
Weighing 24% less and 27% smaller than their predecessors, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are a result of analyzing 45 million ear scans and conducting extensive real-life wear tests. The earbuds come with a twist-to-adjust stabilizer to ensure they stay securely in place while offering maximum comfort. Additionally, they come with four different sized eartips, ensuring a perfect fit for everyone.
Advanced Noise Cancellation with Tensor A1
The Tensor A1 chip powers ultra-low-latency audio processing, adapting to your environment up to 3 million times per second. This allows the Pixel Buds Pro 2 to deliver Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) that’s twice as strong as previous models, effectively blocking out a wider range of noises, from urban traffic to ambient chatter. The chip also enables independent music processing, providing a dedicated path for your music that results in precise, detailed, and immersive sound.
Enhanced Battery Life
Despite the smaller, lighter design, Tensor A1 enables a significant boost in battery life. With ANC enabled, users can enjoy up to 8 hours of listening time, with an additional 30 hours provided by the charging case. For those in need of a quick boost, a 15-minute charge in the case provides up to 3 hours of playback.
Built for the Gemini Era
Pixel Buds Pro 2 are more than just earbuds; they’re a gateway to Google’s Gemini AI, offering hands-free, eyes-free assistance whenever you need it. Whether it’s directions, reminders, or new music recommendations, Gemini is always ready, even when your phone is locked. With Gemini Live, you can have real-time conversations, practice for interviews, or simply chat, all while on the go.
Feature-Rich with Seamless Integration
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 maintain the features you’ve come to expect from Google, with enhancements that make them even more indispensable. The Find My Device Network helps you locate misplaced buds, now with a ringing speaker in the case. Clear Calling improves phone call clarity, even in noisy environments, while Conversation Detection automatically disables noise cancellation when you start speaking, making it easy to engage with those around you.
Additionally, the inclusion of spatial audio with head tracking ensures a dynamic listening experience that moves with you, ideal for watching movies or listening to music on the go. The buds also offer seamless switching between multiple devices, making them versatile for any situation.
Pre-order Details
Starting August 13, you can pre-order the Pixel Buds Pro 2 for $229. They’ll be available at the Google Store and through retail partners on September 26. The earbuds come in four stylish colors: Porcelain, Hazel, Peony, and Wintergreen, designed to perfectly complement your other Pixel devices.
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