Alphabet’s Google has unveiled its latest lineup of Pixel smartphones, featuring deeper integrations of its artificial intelligence (AI) technology, during a high-profile event at Alphabet’s Bay View campus in Mountain View, California.
The new Pixel smartphones come with a host of AI-driven upgrades, including a Pixel-exclusive feature that allows users to search for information stored in screenshots. Additionally, Android users can now use Gemini, Google’s AI chatbot, as an overlay on top of other apps to answer questions or generate content.
“There have been so many promises, so many coming-soons, and not enough real-world helpfulness when it comes to AI, which is why today we’re getting real,” Google’s senior vice president of devices and services, Rick Osterloh said. “We’re fully in the Gemini era,” he added, addressing an audience of engineers, executives, analysts, and media.
The earlier release of the new Pixel phones is part of Google’s strategy to stay competitive in the race to incorporate AI into consumer products. The launch comes just ahead of Apple’s expected release of its new iPhone in September, which will feature its own AI upgrades under the “Apple Intelligence” initiative.
Google employees demonstrated several new Gemini functions during live demos at the event, including a voice conversation feature. However, there were technical hiccups, as one demo attempting to cross-reference a picture of a concert poster with the calendar app required three tries and two devices to work successfully.
The base model, Pixel 9, with a 6.3-inch display, will retail starting at $799, a $100 increase over the previous model. The larger 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL will also be available, with shipments beginning later in August. The Pixel 9 Pro, featuring enhanced camera capabilities, and the foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold are set to ship in September. Preorders for the new devices opened on Tuesday.
Despite its innovations, Google holds less than 1% of the global smartphone market share, trailing far behind leaders Samsung (18.9%) and Apple (15.8%). However, Google continues to use the Pixel line to demonstrate advancements in its Android operating system, which is installed on more than 80% of smartphones globally.
Alongside the new Pixel smartphones, Google also announced new versions of its smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3, and Pixel Buds Pro 2 wireless earbuds. A notable new feature for the Pixel Watch is “Loss of Pulse,” which uses algorithms to detect if a user’s heart has stopped and can automatically contact emergency services. This feature will be available in the UK and EU.
Google also unveiled a content partnership with fitness company Peloton, allowing subscribers to Google’s Fitbit Premium service to access Peloton’s library of training classes.
