Google is launching four phones, one of them foldable, two smartwatches and a set of earbuds packing its latest AI tech including the new advanced Gemini Live conversational experience, as the Android maker tries to outdo Apple and Samsung.
The array of new Pixel products, announced at an event in California, mark the latest evolution of Google’s own-brand Android devices as it attempts to prove its integrated AI and devices work better than rivals.
Pixel 9 series
The new Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL all feature Google’s next-generation Tensor G4 chip with a significantly faster AI processor to bring it up to scratch with top competitors.
The big new AI feature is Gemini Live, which looks to enable free-flowing back-and-forth conversations with the AI assistant, similar to those seen in sci-fi such as Iron Man’s Jarvis.
Other highlights include the new Pixel Studio image generator and a smart “Add Me” feature for the camera that can insert the photographer into a group photo by blending two images shot in sequence.
The Pixel 9 has a 6.3in screen and dual camera system. The Pixel 9 Pro adds a 5x optical zoom telephoto camera and a brighter screen, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL has a 6.8in screen, similar to last year’s Pixel 8 Pro.
The two sizes of “Pro” phone compete directly with Apple’s iPhone 15 Pro line and offer the same features across both models. Both Pixel 9 Pros include one year of access to Google’s top AI plan, Gemini Advanced.
All the phones will include satellite SOS messaging for free for two years in the US, similar to that available on Apple’s recent iPhones.
The Pixel 9 will cost £799 (€899/$799/A$1,349) and the 9 Pro XL £1,099 (€1,199/$1,099/A$1,849), shipping from 22 August. The Pixel 9 Pro will cost £999 (€1,099/$999/A$1,699) and ships from 4 September.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google’s second-generation folding phone is the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, which is thinner, lighter and has larger and brighter 8in internal flexible screen and a bigger 6.3in outer screen for use when closed.
It has the same new Tensor G4 chip and AI features as the other Pixel 9 phones, which are a significant jump on the previous Pixel Fold. The triple camera on the back has a 5x optical zoom, beating the market leader Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 6, while a cute new “Made You Look” feature shows animations on the outside screen to hold a child’s attention while you try to take photos of them.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will cost £1,749 (€1,899/$1,799/A$2,699) and ships on 4 September.
Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2
Google also announced new accessories for its phones. The Pixel Watch 3 replaces last year’s smartwatch with two sizes, 41 and 45mm, and larger and much brighter screens to better compete with Samsung’s popular Galaxy Watch offerings.
The watch offers longer battery life and improved health and fitness-tracking features, including better running and training load measurements without requiring a Fitbit subscription. It will also be able to detect if the wearer’s pulse stops, such as during a cardiac arrest, sounding an alarm and calling for help.
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are 27% smaller and 24% lighter than their predecessors, with improved noise cancelling. The earbuds will be the first to support Gemini Live for natural conversations with the AI assistant on the go.
The Pixel Watch 3 costs from £349 (€399/$349/A$579) and the Pixel Buds Pro 2 cost £219 (€249/$229/A$379), shipping on 26 September.
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