Alphabet Inc.’s Google unveiled its latest lineup of Pixel smartphones as early summer launch in Aug, showcasing deeper integrations of artificial intelligence (AI) technology as it seeks to solidify its position in the competitive smartphone market. The announcement, made at Alphabet’s Bay View campus in Mountain View, California, marked a significant shift from Google’s traditional autumn launch schedule, with the new devices set to hit the market in August and September.
The new Pixel 9 series, featuring a base model with a 6.3-inch display starting at $799, represents Google’s most ambitious push yet to embed AI into its consumer products. The Pixel 9 Pro boasts enhanced camera capabilities, and the foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold is set to debut later this year. The devices are powered by Google’s latest Tensor G4 chip, designed to optimise AI performance across the platform.
Among the key AI-driven features introduced is a Pixel-exclusive tool that allows users to search for information within screenshots. Additionally, Google’s Gemini chatbot can now be accessed as an overlay on other apps, offering real-time assistance and content generation. These advancements underscore Google’s commitment to the “Gemini era,” as Rick Osterloh, Google’s Senior Vice President of Devices and Services, described. “We’re fully in the Gemini era,” Osterloh stated, emphasising the company’s dedication to delivering practical, real-world AI applications.
The earlier-than-usual launch is seen as a strategic move by Google to stay ahead of competitors, particularly with Apple’s anticipated iPhone launch in September. In recent months, tech giants like Apple have introduced their own AI enhancements, making integrating AI a critical battleground in the smartphone industry.
In addition to the Pixel phones, Google also introduced new versions of its smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2 wireless earbuds. Notably, the Pixel Watch 3 includes a new “Loss of Pulse” feature, which uses AI algorithms to detect if a user’s heart has stopped and can automatically contact emergency services—a feature set to roll out in the UK and EU. The launch of these AI-enhanced devices reinforces Google’s strategy to drive innovation and remain at the forefront of the rapidly evolving tech landscape, ensuring that its products resonate with developers and consumers alike.
