Everything Google announced at the Pixel 9 event
Google's "Made by Google" event is behind us, and in addition to the refresh brought by the new Pixel 9 series of phones, we got information about some other Google devices. While the event confirmed many of the rumors of the past few weeks, Google did announce some new features that we hadn't heard about before.
So let's see what are the biggest innovations of the Pixel 9 event.
Google's Pixel 9 series brings another Pro model to choose from
Google has finally unveiled its Pixel 9 lineup, which includes three regular phones and a foldable model. The regular lineup consists of the base Pixel 9 with a 6.3-inch (16-centimeter) screen, the Pixel 9 Pro XL with a 6.8-inch (17.27-centimeter) screen, and a new, smaller Pixel 9 Pro option that measures 6, 3 inches (16 centimeters). The trio of devices comes with a redesigned oval-shaped camera body, Google's updated G4 Tensor chip, better battery life, and a new satellite SOS feature.
While the Pixel 9's starting price of $799 (€725) is about €100 more than last year's model, the Pixel 9 Pro starts at $999 (€907) and the Pro XL will cost $1,099 (€997 euros) and more. The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL go on sale on August 22, while the smaller Pixel 9 Pro will be available in September. The phones are also available in Slovenia from Telekom Slovenije and in the Big Bang store.
Artificial intelligence again in the main role
Google's new Pixel devices are expected to feature Gemini AI, an artificial intelligence (UI) assistant that lets you search for information in your apps or ask a question about a photo you just took. The Pixel 9 line also includes two new UI apps: “Pixel Screenshots,” which uses the device's UI to find information on saved screenshots, and “Pixel Studio,” which is simply a photo generator with text prompts.
Google has added some UI tools for image editing to keep pace with the Pixel 9 series camera upgrades. For example, the “Add Me” option, which puts someone in a group photo by merging two scenes. The "Magic Editor" in the "Google Photos" service now also allows the use of generative artificial intelligence to replace entire parts of a photo, such as the sky.
In short, what Samsung phones got this year is more or less also available on Google phones, which is logical, since Samsung mostly uses Google's Gemini language model.
The new 45mm Google Pixel Watch 3
In addition to the 41 mm version, the Google Pixel Watch 3 is now available in a larger, 45 mm version. In addition to slimmer bezels that offer more screen space, the Pixel Watch 3 has a new ultra-broadband chip, a brighter screen, and a host of new sports features.
One of the most notable features coming to the Pixel Watch 3 is the ability to detect if the user's pulse has stopped, allowing it to call emergency services if the user is unresponsive and no movement is detected. This feature will initially be rolled out in Europe. The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 with Bluetooth starts at $349.99, while the 45mm model costs $399.99 or more. Both sizes will be available on September 10th.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 headphones with updated interior and exterior
Not only are the Pixel Buds Pro 2 smaller and lighter, they also feature the new Tensor A1 processor, which is said to significantly improve Ambient Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology. Google has taken care of a modified design that allows a better fit in the ear and a more solid placement during active and dynamic exercise. Google promises up to 8 hours of music playback with ANC on.
At $229 (208 euros), the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are slightly more expensive than the previous models, which started at $200 (182 euros). The first shipments of the headphones begin on September 26.
Gemini now with the option of voice conversation
"Gemini Advanced" subscribers will gradually get the new "Gemini Live" functionality. Google first talked about it at the I/O event in May, but now it's becoming a reality. Users will be able to use the new voice functionality by interacting with Google's UI assistant in real time and in one of ten voices that will be available initially. Just like ChatGPT's voice assistant, Gemini Live will allow you to have a real-life conversation, and it will even be possible to interrupt the assistant between sentences.