Google Unveils AI-Enhanced Pixel Smartphones

Google has launched its new Pixel 9 smartphone range, featuring the default AI assistant Gemini, the Gemini Live voice chatbot, watches, headphones, and other AI-focused products. 

Pixel 9

Four new smartphones from Google will be available: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.

The Pixel 9 Pro, priced from $999, differs from the standard version at $799 with a higher screen resolution and other enhanced features. The 9 Pro XL, at $1099, boasts a larger 6.8-inch display compared to 6.3 inches. 

The foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold, with an 8-inch display when open, is priced at $1799. 

Each smartphone comes with the default AI assistant Gemini instead of Assistant. 

Gemini Live

Alongside the AI assistant Gemini, the voice mode Gemini Live has been introduced, enabling “deep” voice chats with artificial intelligence. According to Google, the chatbot offers consistent, emotionally expressive, and realistic dialogue. Users can interrupt the AI during its speech to ask clarifying questions. 

Gemini Live features 10 built-in voices. It allows for background conversations with a locked phone and interruptions. 

The voice mode is exclusive to the more advanced version, Gemini Advanced, included in the Google One AI Premium Plan subscription for $20 per month. It is included for a year with Pro model smartphones. 

AI Tools

The company announced a series of new tools for the Pixel 9 smartphone range. They include: 

• Pixel Screenshots for finding screen captures;
• Pixel Studio for creating AI-generated images;
• automatic cropping to focus on objects or people;
• Call Notes for saving conversation summaries after calls;
• Add Me allows the person taking a group photo to be part of it, using a combination of augmented reality and various machine learning models; 
• Pixel Weather — a weather app with AI features.

For quality photos with children, the foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold includes the Made You Look feature. When unfolded, an animation is displayed on the front camera screen to attract the child’s attention towards the smartphone.

Joy from Disney and Pixar’s Inside Out will be landing on #Pixel9 Pro Fold in an upcoming Pixel Feature Drop to help your kids look at the camera when taking photos.¹ Check out all the colorful #MadeYouLook visuals soon.#MadeByGoogle pic.twitter.com/rhDJS3NAOc

— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) August 13, 2024

Pixel Watch 3

Google showcased the new Pixel Watch 3, featuring smaller bezels and enhanced brightness compared to the previous version. A larger 45 mm model is now available. The company claims 24 hours of battery life with the display always on and 36 hours in power-saving mode.

Among the AI features is a combination of motion sensors and machine learning for more comprehensive statistics on step frequency and length, and vertical oscillations. Professional runners are offered a Fitbit Premium subscription for $10, which uses Google AI to create training goals. 

The 41 mm model costs $350 for the Wi-Fi version and $450 for LTE. The 45 mm version is priced at $400 and $500, respectively. 

The gadget includes a pulse loss detection feature. In the absence of a heartbeat, it will call emergency services and provide access to the owner’s location.

Pixel Buds Pro 2

The newly introduced Pixel Buds Pro 2 emphasize the benefits of Gemini Live. The AI allows for conversation and questioning even when the phone is in a pocket. 

The earbuds are equipped with the Tensor A1 chip, reducing their size by 27% and increasing battery life to a claimed 12 hours without the case and 48 hours with it. The price is $229. 

In July, Samsung introduced new smartphones and gadgets with AI features.

Previously, Apple announced the addition of its own AI to the new iPhone lineup and other devices.