Google’s upcoming hardware event, set to take place on August 13th, has caused some speculation and excitement among tech enthusiasts. This event, known as Made By Google, typically occurs in the mid-fall, so the decision to hold it earlier this year has raised eyebrows. One theory is that Google wants to avoid the noise and distractions of the highly contentious U.S. presidential election, which is set to take place in November. Another reason could be that Google has some significant announcements to make in the AI field, particularly regarding its Gemini project.
Gemini is a major focus for Google, and it took center stage at the Google I/O developer conference in May. The event showcased Google’s AI ambitions and laid the groundwork for its future plans. However, Google made a deliberate effort to keep its consumer hardware offerings separate from the developer conference. To that end, the company announced the budget-focused Pixel 8a days before the event. It’s interesting to note that the most intriguing consumer-facing Android AI feature this year, Circle to Search, debuted on Samsung’s Galaxy S24 earlier this year, not on a Pixel device.
Unlike Apple, which focuses on on-device AI processing, Google has been investing heavily in generative AI. Notably, Google introduced Gemini Nano, a smaller model, on Pixel 8 devices just last month. This move suggests that Google is committed to expanding the Pixel line beyond its traditional role as a second-tier player in the Android market. The company has been developing its own mobile chips for several device generations, and with the advancements in AI and the Gemini project, this could be the moment when Pixel finally breaks away.
Google’s teaser videos for the upcoming event showcased two new devices: the Pixel 9 Pro and the Pixel 9 Fold. Both carry the tagline “A (foldable) phone built for the Gemini era.” The videos demonstrate Google’s focus on AI and the transformative capabilities of foldable phones. The Pixel 9 Pro features a camera bar that rotates 180 degrees, while the Pixel 9 Fold opens to reveal the words “Oh hi, AI.”
Google’s decision to name the foldable device “Pixel 9 Pro Fold” suggests a deeper integration into the base Pixel line. It’s possible that the Pro Fold will be positioned as the true premium device in the lineup. Despite a $100 price increase with last year’s Pixel 8 release, the Pixel line has consistently undercut competitors like Samsung and Apple. The first Pixel Fold arrived last summer with a hefty price tag of $1,799, but the starting price has since dropped to $1,300. With the new Made By Google event just a few weeks away, tech enthusiasts are eagerly waiting to see what Google has in store.
Google is expected to announce four Pixel devices: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Premium. All of these devices are likely to feature Google’s latest in-house chip, the Tensor G4, and run on the new Android 15 operating system.
Speaking of Android 15, the latest beta version of Android 14 (beta 4) was released last week. The final release is expected to be announced at the August 13 event. Android 15, code-named “Vanilla Ice Cream,” will bring several new features and UI tweaks. The update will include improved multitasking, satellite connectivity, a new on-device incognito mode called Private Space with added authentication requirements, and an improved battery-saving Doze mode.
One area of speculation ahead of the event is the fate of Google Assistant. The Gemini updates have raised questions about whether GenAI, Google’s in-house AI, will replace Assistant or work in tandem with it, similar to Apple’s approach with Siri. Currently, users can choose to rely on Gemini as their primary assistant, but Assistant is still available. In previous Made By Google events, Assistant had a more central role, especially when Google announced its Google Home/Nest devices. However, as the excitement around smart home devices has waned, Google has shifted its focus. The introduction of Gemini could inject new life into the smart home category.
In addition to smartphones, Google has been focused on wearables since acquiring Fitbit in 2020. The Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2 are expected to be showcased at the August 13 event, indicating Google’s continued interest in this market.
The Made By Google event promises to be an exciting and significant event for tech enthusiasts. With new devices, AI advancements, and the latest Android update, Google is set to make a splash in the consumer electronics market. Mark your calendars for August 13th to catch all the announcements and updates from Google.
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