Google just wrapped up its Made by Google hardware event, where we got an official look at the refreshed Pixel 9 lineup and updates to other Google devices. While the Pixel event confirmed many of the leaks we’ve seen over the past few weeks, Google did share a few announcements we haven’t heard about yet.
Here's a rundown of all the cool things that came out of Google's Pixel 9 event.
Google's Pixel 9 line gives you another Pro to choose from
Google has finally unveiled its Pixel 9 lineup, which includes three tablet-style phones and one foldable phone. The regular lineup consists of a base Pixel 9 with a 6.3-inch display, a Pixel 9 Pro XL with a 6.8-inch display, and a new, smaller Pixel 9 Pro option that measures 6.3 inches. The trio of devices come with a redesigned oval-shaped camera housing, Google’s updated G4 Tensor chip, better battery life, and a new satellite SOS feature.
While the Pixel 9’s $799 starting price is $100 more than last year’s model, the Pixel 9 Pro starts at $999 and the Pro XL will cost $1,099 or more. The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro XL begin shipping August 22, with the smaller Pixel 9 Pro available starting in September.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will have larger screens and a slimmer profile
In addition to the three new standard Pixel devices, Google introduced the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The revamped Fold is taller and thinner than its predecessor, and offers larger displays measuring 6.3 inches on the outside and eight inches on the inside.
The device, which also comes with a G4 Tensor chip, features an internal display with a higher peak brightness of 2,700 nits, compared to 1,450 on the original Pixel Fold. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold costs $1,799 and will begin shipping on September 4.
Of course, Google’s new Pixel devices feature the company’s Gemini ai assistant, which you can use to look up information within your apps or ask a question about a photo you just took. The Pixel 9 line also includes two new ai apps: Pixel Screenshots, which uses on-device ai to let you look up information in saved screenshots, and Pixel Studio, a text-to-image generator.
Google added some ai-powered image editing tools to go along with the Pixel 9 line's improved cameras, like an “Add Me” option that puts someone in a group photo by stitching two scenes together. Magic Editor in Google Photos now also lets you use generative ai to replace entire sections of a photo, like the sky.
Google Pixel Watch 3 has a larger 45mm option
Google’s Pixel Watch 3 comes in a larger 45mm option alongside the 41mm model. In addition to slimmer bezels that offer more screen real estate, the Pixel Watch 3 has a new UltraWideband chip, a brighter display that hits 2,000 nits, and a bunch of new fitness 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 doesn’t respond to a request to check in and doesn’t detect any movement. This feature is rolling out in Europe to start. The 41mm Pixel Watch 3 starts at $349.99 with Bluetooth, while the 45mm watch starts at $399.99. Both sizes will be available on September 10.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 get upgrades inside and out
Not only are Google’s Pixel Buds Pro 2 smaller and lighter, but they now come equipped with 11-millimeter drivers and a new Tensor A1 chip that supposedly improves active noise cancellation (ANC). The new earbuds also have a wing-fin design, which should help them stay in your ears during a workout, along with up to eight hours of audio playback with ANC enabled (or up to 30 hours with the case).
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 cost $229, slightly more than their predecessors, which launched at $200. Shipping begins Sept. 26.
Google launches Gemini voice chat option
Gemini Live, which Google first announced at I/O in May, is now rolling out to Gemini Advanced subscribers. The new voice chat option lets you ask questions out loud to Google’s ai assistant, and it will respond using your choice of 10 different voices. Like ChatGPT’s voice assistant, Gemini Live will let you speak conversationally, and you can even interrupt it mid-sentence.
