Tech Desk
Aug 13, 2024
As expected, the lamp of Google's much-awaited Made by Google 2024 event was set ablaze with splendid demonstrations of the latest Google products in the midst of a spacious, brightly lit hall.
Among all the products and services announcements slated to be made at today's live Google Keynote 2024, the Pixel 9 series, Pixel Watch 3, and Pixel Buds Pro 2 will grab both the headlines and the loudest applause at the event for being the highest-tier variants of Google's entire flagship product line.
Android 15 at Google event today?
Regarding the latest Android version, Google may announce a new Android 15 at Made By Google 2024 on the sidelines of other announcements.
Read more: Google Keynote 2024 set to reveal Pixel 9 series today
Google AI debuts at Made by Google
Google introduced its in-house Google AI at its Made by Google event being held in California as we talk. Google's proprietary AI capabilities are infused into the entire Pixel portfolio with the help of the Tensor G3.
The G3 chip-backed Google AI makes everyday life even easier and more productive while keeping the device's genuine appeal intact. Be it writing emails, producing long-form articles or summarising loads of them, all of it gets handy with Google AI.
Google event 2024: Updated Gemini takes centre stage
In line with various previous tips about Google bringing an updated Gemini, that has come true today at Made by Google as the updated Gemini has been introduced with capabilities never seen before at either Gemini or any other competing AI chatbot.
Vice President of Gemini Experiences and Google Assistant, Jenny Blackburn demonstrated how the new Gemini update could assist in curating a music playlist suited best to the user's taste, while including the best titles to date.
Pixel 9 launched with 20% longer battery
While hosting the annually held Made by Google, the company also unveiled the latest Pixel 9 series, including Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and a Pixel 9 Pro Fold which further expands Google's foldable portfolio.
Google said that all the Pixel 9 models have been integrated with batteries that run 20% longer than the previous Pixel 8 series.
The Pixel 9 family is, as Google put it, twice as durable as its predecessors while featuring a charming and brighter display which grants them a remarkable rank in the smartphone segment they compete.
The design of the Pixel has nothing to draw new users on a serious note as it's identical to those of the past, meaning that it is based on a slab-like build in different sizes that has rounded corners and a bar on the back which accommodates the cameras.
Pixel 9 with 50% faster fingerprint
Because of Google's top-of-the-line Tensor G4 chipset, the Pixel 9 series boasts a fingerprint which functions 50% faster than the rest of the Pixel phones.
The baseline, or standard, two models of the Pixel 9 series are available in 12GB RAM trim, whereas the other two: the Pixel 9 Pro XL and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be sporting 16GB RAM options.
The image shows Pixel 9 Made displayed at Google event 2024 held on August 13 at Mountain View headquarters in California. — Screengrab via YouTube Made by Google channel
The bump here in the RAM compartment of the newest Pixel 9 series indicates Google's commitment to stay persistent in complimenting its flagship devices and striking a sense of modernity and efficiency.
Gemini's new voice modes
Google during the Made by Google event also introduced 10 new voice modes to its new Gemini update, allowing users to choose from a variety of audible options. The tech giant said that the feature is at the moment available only in English and only for Android devices, but Google vows to expand it to iOS and other languages in time to come.
With the new update, Gemini Live, Gemini's answer to ChatGPT's voice feature, has also gained the ability to recognise the context of your screen contents. When users on Gemini Live wish to enquire about a video playing on-screen, it can automatically execute relevant tasks, such as extracting details from footage.
Google launches Pixel Watch 3, makes it workout-centric
At the Google Keynote 2024, Pixel Watch 3 was launched as both a top-notch wearable companion and an ultimate health tracker. With its focus fixed on a sleek design and a durable build, the Pixel watch 3's chief property is its Custom Workouts feature, which allows the wearer, while embellishing the wrist, to make a comprehensive workout plan.
Ranging from intense workouts and longer distance runs to meditation, Pixel Watch 3's functionality is backed by the real-time sensing capability of Fitbit, which instills the following Pixel Watch 3 modes to lead the fitness-freak sphere.
- Readiness
- Cardio load
The Readiness shows your cardio load — a measure of how hard your heart’s worked during — while recommending daily target.
Morning Brief on Pixel Watch 3
With the above-mentioned features activated, the Pixel Watch 3 offers a “Morning Brief” when the user wakes up as per the preset routine. The brief summary entails the user's sleep, various health metrics, progress toward goals, and the weather.
Moreover, an incremental automation leap is also taken on the Pixel Watch 3, as there's an AI feature which provides workout plans after evaluating the user's most recent workouts. Additionally, the latest Pixel Watch 3 also has offline Google Maps capabilities which makes sure you do not get lost while on a hike in the wild.
Emergency SOS on Pixel Watch 3
Moreover, Google has also offered Emergency SOS feature, and although they aren’t new on smartwatches, its crash detection functionality sets them apart. This means that if your Pixel Watch 3 detects the absence of a pulse, it comes to make a call to a predefined contact to save your life. Initially, the feature will only be available in Europe at launch.
“It’s a combination of sensors and sensor fusion. It’s looking at pulse, heartbeat, contact with skin, and a bunch of other things like motion,” said Sandeep Waraich, senior director of product management for Pixel wearables.
“We are deeply committed in this space. It is by far our biggest leap, probably bigger than even introducing the first generation [Pixel Watch],” Waraich added.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 launched for $229
Alongside a spate of new devices comprising Pixel Watch 3, Pixel 9 series and a revamped Gemini, Google has also announced the latest Pixel Buds Pro 2 that have been listed at the $229 price point.
From the overall design, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 is reminiscent of the first ever, original version of the Pixel Buds Pro, but setting it apart is its comparatively lighter build which is 27% smaller.
The new Pixel Buds Pro variant revives the long-dislodged wing fins, which Google integrated to ensure a stable fit so they don't detach while intense workout sessions.
Google's AI image-making app Pixel Studio
A still image of Pixel Studio of Made by Google event 2024 held on August 13 at Mountain View headquarters in California. — Screengrab via YouTube Made by Google channel
Google also added to its portfolio a new image generation app at the Google Keynote 2024 today. Called Pixel Studio, the app will come by default on every Pixel 9 device.
The feature also bears immense resemblance with Apple’s Image Playground which is yet to launch but will soon be rolled out with iOS 18. It allows users to create images just by text prompts, and users will also be able to edit images afterwards, and that too, just by using the prompt box to add or subtract elements.
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