Google, owned by Alphabet, introduced a range of new products at its Made by Google 2024 hardware event on Tuesday as the company continues to compete with tech giants like Apple and Samsung in the consumer tech market. The big reveals included Google’s latest Google Pixel 9 smartphones, which now feature a new foldable model with one of the largest screens available on a foldable device. Alongside this, Google also launched a new smartwatch, earbuds, and upgrades to its AI tool, Gemini.
Despite the exciting announcements, Alphabet’s shares dipped slightly after the event, bringing the company’s market value to $2.03 trillion. However, Alphabet’s stock has seen strong growth in 2024, rising nearly 19% this year. Here’s a closer look at what Google introduced.
Google Pixel 9 Series: Smarter and Easier to Use
Google, headquartered in Mountain View, California, revealed its new Pixel 9 series, which includes the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. These devices are powered by Google’s latest chip, the Tensor G4, which brings improved AI capabilities and enhanced performance.
The Pixel 9 series boasts a sleek design, featuring a refined camera bar and premium materials for a more luxurious feel. The Pro models come in two sizes (6.3-inch and 6.8-inch) and feature a 42-megapixel front camera and new high-performance displays called Super Actua, which deliver brighter, clearer visuals. The Pixel 9’s display is 35% brighter than the previous Pixel 8.
Google has also upgraded the cameras across the series with features like Magic Editor and Video Boost for higher-quality photos and videos. Another highlight is the new Satellite SOS feature, which lets users communicate with emergency responders even when they don’t have cell service. This feature will launch first in the US and will be free for the first two years for Pixel 9 users.
Additionally, Google introduced a new Call Notes feature, which provides users with a private summary and full transcript of their phone calls shortly after they hang up. The feature runs entirely on the device to protect privacy, and everyone on the call will be notified if it’s active. Google promises seven years of operating system and security updates for all Pixel 9 devices.
Pixel Watch 3 Focuses on Health and Fitness
Google also launched the Pixel Watch 3, packed with advanced health features aimed at boosting user well-being. One key feature is loss of pulse detection, which can detect if the heart stops beating and automatically contact emergency services, providing them with location and key details.
The watch also includes fitness tracking tools such as daily readiness, cardio load, and target load, offering personalized insights into fitness and recovery. With all-day battery life, the Pixel Watch 3 acts like a personal trainer on your wrist, providing real-time feedback during workouts.
Google Makes a Big Push into Foldable Phones
Google also introduced the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which combines sleek design and AI-powered technology. It features the largest display ever on a Pixel device, with an 80% brighter Super Actua Flex display compared to previous models.
Powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chip, the new foldable phone offers enhanced AI-driven features, such as multitasking with split screens, advanced photography options like Magic Editor and Macro Focus, and a triple-camera system on the back that’s both ultra-thin and powerful.
Google’s product manager for Pixel, George Hwang, described the Pixel 9 Pro Fold as the thinnest foldable phone with the largest inner display on any mobile device, claiming it has the best camera system on any foldable phone.
Boosting AI Performance with the Tensor G4 Chip
The new Pixel 9 series is powered by Google’s latest in-house chip, the Tensor G4, designed to enhance everyday tasks like faster app loading and smoother web browsing. The chip was developed with Google DeepMind, Alphabet’s AI research lab, and is optimized to handle advanced AI tasks, including Google’s new Gemini Nano generative AI tool, which helps the phone better understand text, images, and audio.
Improved Pixel Buds Pro 2
Google also announced its Pixel Buds Pro 2, featuring the Tensor A1 chip for better audio performance, noise cancellation, and longer battery life. These earbuds are 24% lighter and 27% smaller than their predecessors and include a twist-to-adjust stabilizer for a more secure fit. They support spatial audio with head tracking, offering more immersive sound for movies and shows.
Android 15 Coming Soon to Pixel Devices
The new Pixel 9 series will ship with Android 14, but users can expect an over-the-air update to Android 15 later this year, likely in September or October. Pixel 6 and newer models will also be eligible for the update.
Gemini Live Brings AI Conversations to Life
Google announced Gemini Live, a new feature that lets users interact with their AI tool, Gemini, through conversational interactions. Available first on Android smartphones in English, this feature will roll out to iOS and other languages in the coming weeks. Users will need to subscribe to Google’s AI premium plan, which costs $19.99 a month, to access the tool.
Pricing and Availability
The new devices are now available for pre-order. The Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL will be in stores on August 22, while the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro Fold will hit shelves on September 4. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 will be available from September 26, and the Pixel Watch 3 will be available from September 10.
- Pixel 9 – $799
- Pixel 9 Pro – $999
- Pixel 9 Pro XL – $1,099
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold – $1,799
- Pixel Buds Pro 2 – $229
- Pixel Watch 3 – Starting at $349.99
