Google’s annual Made by Google event took place on Tuesday, a bit earlier in the year than usual. There was a noticeable shift towards a stronger focus on the Android ecosystem, particularly AI, compared to previous events. Undoubtedly, AI took the main stage at the event, but eventually, they did delve into discussing the new pixel lineup. Interestingly, about half the time spent on the new pixels was dedicated to discussing AI features specific to them.
AI
Google’s focus on AI was evident throughout the event. Central to this is Gemini Nano, a powerful, on-device multimodal AI model designed for Android devices. This model processes sensitive information locally on the phone, ensuring privacy. One practical application of Gemini Nano is the new Call Notes feature on the Pixel 9, which offers a summary and transcript of phone calls without needing to leave the app, bringing users a new level of convenience.
Adding to the AI excitement is Gemini Live. This feature allows users to interact with their devices using one of ten voices, making the experience more natural. Initially exclusive to Gemini Advanced subscribers on Android, Gemini Live will soon be available on iOS and in additional languages. Purchases of the Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold include a year of Gemini Advanced. Google promises ongoing improvements to Gemini, with future integrations planned for Google Home, Phone, and Messages, sparking anticipation for the future of this AI model.
Pixel Phones
This year’s Pixel lineup, including the Pixel 9 Pro, maintains the exact core specifications across two new sizes (6.3″ and 6.8″). The Pixel 9 Pro benefits from the Google Tensor G4 chip, vapor chamber cooling, and the addition of Satellite SOS. However, the standout features are software-driven. For instance, Pixel Screenshots, which leverages AI to organize and recall screenshot information, is a more advanced version of Windows Recall.
Specs
| Pixel 9 | Pixel 9 Pro | Pixel 9 Pro Fold | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RAM | 12 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | |
| Storage | 128GB \ 256GB | 128GB – 1TB | 256 GB \ 512 GB | |
| Battery | 4,700 mAh | 4,700 mAh \ 5,060 mAh XL | 4,650 mAh | |
| Display | ||||
| Size | 6.3″ | 6.3″ – 6.8″ (XL) | 8″ Inner/6.3″ Outer | |
| Resolution | 1080 x 2424 OLED @ 422 PPI | 1280 x 2856 LTPO OLED at 495 PPI | 1080 x 2424 OLED @ 422 PPI | |
| Peak Brightness | 2,700 nits | 3,000 nits | 2,700 nits | |
| Camera | ||||
| Optical quality zoom | 0.5x, 1x, 2×10 | 0.5x, 1x, 2x, 5x, 10×10 | 0.5x, 1x, 5×10 | |
| Rear camera | Wide Angle | 50 MP Octa PD
|
50 MP Octa PD
|
48 MP Octa PD
|
| Ultrawide | 48 MP Quad PD
|
48 MP Quad PD
|
10.5 MP Dual PD
|
|
| Telephoto | N/A | 48 MP Dual PD
|
10.8 MP Dual PD
|
|
| Video |
|
|
|
|
| Front Camera | 10.5 MP Quad PD selfie camera with auto-focus
|
42 MP Dual PD selfie camera with auto-focus
|
10 MP Dual PD
|
|
| Inner Camera | 10 MP dual PD selfie camera
|
|||
fov = field of view
Features
One notable addition is the Call Notes feature, which utilizes Gemini Nano to provide users with private summaries and transcripts of their calls. This feature, which operates entirely on the device, eliminates the need to jot down notes during meaningful conversations while ensuring privacy by notifying all call participants when it’s active.
Pixel Screenshots also introduce a new way to manage visual information. By analyzing and indexing screenshot content, this app allows users to search for information and find links to where the screenshots were taken. It is a well-implemented version of what Windows Recall attempts to achieve.
Camera
The Pixel 9 Pro’s camera system benefits from a new HDR+ pipeline and introduces several new features. The ‘Made You Look’ feature uses the outer screen of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to display engaging animations that capture children’s attention, featuring characters from Inside Out 2. The ‘Add Me’ feature, which lets users include themselves in group photos using the rear camera and AI, could be helpful, assuming its performance lives up to its promise. Other enhancements include dual exposure video and the Guided Frame feature, which provides real-time assistance for capturing well-composed shots.
Other Hardware
Pixel Watch 3
The Pixel Watch 3 now comes in 41mm and 45mm sizes and adds features like vfib detection, initially available in select European countries and the UK. The watch also integrates Fitbit’s Daily Overview, providing a comprehensive look at health metrics.
Pixel Buds Pro 2
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are designed to complement Gemini, featuring spatial audio with head tracking, which provides an immersive audio experience. This makes them the first earbuds explicitly built for Google’s new AI model. Additionally, they come with improved battery life and enhanced noise cancellation, making them a compelling choice for audio enthusiasts.
Overall, this upgrade cycle seems more focused on software than hardware, reflecting a broader trend in tech where AI capabilities are becoming the primary differentiator. Gemini Live and the enhancements in Pixel hardware demonstrate Google’s commitment to advancing user experience through software innovations. I particularly appreciate Google’s commitment to live demos, even when they encounter technical hiccups. It’s a refreshing approach that underscores their dedication to delivering functional and innovative products.
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