Pixel 9 Ushers in the “Gemini Era” as Google Focuses on Generative AI at Made by Google 2024

The D-day for Google’s annual hardware event, Made By Google 2024, is almost here, set to take place on August 13 at 6 pm WAT (10 am PT, 1 pm ET).

As earlier reported, this year’s event is scheduled earlier than usual, changing its traditional mid-fall timing.

Headlining the Made By Google 2024 will be the announcement of Google’s latest flagship phones, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Fold, positioning them ahead of Apple’s iPhone 16 reveal in September.

The early timing could be strategic, possibly to avoid the noise of the upcoming U.S. presidential election or to highlight Google’s advancements in generative AI with the Gemini project.

In line with tradition, Google has already teased some devices ahead of the event. This week, the company unveiled the Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Fold, both branded as phones built for the “Gemini era.”

These devices are expected to showcase new generative AI features, a continuation of themes from Google I/O earlier this year.

The Pixel 9 Pro teaser video pointed to the new AI capabilities, featuring Gemini helping to draft a “breakup letter” to an old phone. The design features a distinctive camera bar, continuing the Pixel’s signature look but with a more pronounced angle.

The Pixel 9 Fold video mirrored this approach, with a focus on AI integration and a similar camera design.

The event will likely also introduce the Pixel 9 Pro XL and Pixel 9 Pro Premium, all built with Google’s latest Tensor G4 chip and running on Android 15. The latest Android version, code-named “Vanilla Ice Cream,” brings new features such as improved multitasking, satellite connectivity, and a Private Space mode for enhanced privacy.

Wearables will also be a focus, with anticipated announcements of the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2, highlighting Google’s ongoing investment in the wearables market since acquiring Fitbit in 2020.

Stay tuned for more details as the event approaches.