Google has officially ushered in what it calls the “Gemini era” with the launch of its new Pixel smartphones, featuring advanced AI-powered capabilities that aim to bring real-world helpfulness to users. At a special event held at Alphabet’s Bay View campus in Mountain View, California, Rick Osterloh, Google’s Senior Vice President of Devices and Services, highlighted the significant upgrades in the Pixel lineup, emphasizing the deeper integration of AI technology.
Among the standout features is a Pixel-exclusive tool that allows users to search through information stored in screenshots, making it easier to find specific details without sifting through multiple images. Additionally, Android users will benefit from the new Gemini chatbot, which can overlay on top of other apps to provide instant answers or generate content on the fly.
“There have been so many promises, so many coming-soons, and not enough real-world helpfulness when it comes to AI, which is why today we’re getting real,” Osterloh stated, underscoring Google’s commitment to making AI more practical and accessible for everyday users.
This event marked a shift in Google’s typical product announcement schedule, moving from the traditional autumn timeline to a summer release, likely in response to the rapid advancements in AI by competitors. Techsponential’s lead analyst, Avi Greengart, noted the significance of the event, saying, “I’ve been to a lot of Google events, and not only was this one of the most elaborate, but it was one of the most complete. Google demonstrated that it was at the forefront of AI.”
Google’s newly unveiled Pixel smartphones are set to feature a range of AI-powered functions, including an innovative voice conversation feature. However, the launch event hit a slight snag when a live demo showcasing Gemini’s ability to cross-reference a picture of a concert poster with the calendar app required three attempts and two devices to work successfully.
The Pixel 9, which comes with a 6.3-inch display, is priced at $799, reflecting a $100 increase from its predecessor. The Pixel 9 Pro and the foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold are scheduled to ship in September, while the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL will start shipping later in August.
Google’s early move to release these AI-enhanced devices is seen as a strategic response to Apple’s upcoming September launch of its new iPhone. The new iPhone is expected to feature “Apple Intelligence,” a suite of generative AI-powered tools within native applications, along with an integration of ChatGPT, the popular chatbot developed by Microsoft-backed OpenAI.
