Summary
- The Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Buds 2a have launched, bringing new AI health features and translation capabilities.
- Google launched Pixelsnap, a magnetic Qi2 charging system along with new accessories.
- A fresh AI voice assistant named Gemini for Home will take over from Google Assistant on Nest devices.
On Wednesday, Google revealed its Pixel 10 series at the annual Made by Google event, featuring four new smartphones, a smartwatch, earbuds, and a smart home assistant.
All devices leverage on-device artificial intelligence to enhance functionalities in messaging and photography.
The event featured notable guests such as Jimmy Fallon, Steph Curry, and the Jonas Brothers, but the highlight was the Pixel 10 series, which comprises four models—the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and 10 Pro Fold—powered by Google’s new Tensor G5 chip.
The processor supports Gemini Nano, a lightweight version of the AI model that operates directly on the device, facilitating over 20 generative tools without cloud dependency.
New AI Capabilities
The enhancements signify Google’s ongoing quest to integrate Gemini AI throughout its product range, a trend they initiated last year with comprehensive updates to Search, Images, and Google Meet.
“We’ve been working towards a universal AI assistant with Gemini,” remarked Google’s Senior VP of Platforms and Devices, Rick Osterloh, during the event. “The assistant needs to be personal and intelligent enough to grasp your context. It should also be agentic, capable of taking actions for you according to your directives.”
On the Pixel 10, nine new AI-driven tools are introduced.
Magic Cue extracts context from Gmail, Calendar, and other applications during calls and messages. Voice Translate provides real-time translation in 12 languages, mimicking the speakers’ voices. Call Screen is enhanced with Take a Message, generating transcripts for missed calls and suggesting follow-up actions.
AI is also becoming embedded in daily routines. Pixel Journal offers reflection prompts, Gboard can modify texts across various tones, Recorder can convert hummed tunes into music, and NotebookLM associates screenshots and transcripts into a searchable notebook.
Gemini Live enhances visual assistance by assessing the camera or screen and is integrated with Google apps, including Calendar, Keep, and Tasks, with support for Messages and Maps expected soon. Its updated voice model is designed to sound more natural, allowing users to customize speed, tone, and accents.
The Google Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, and Pixel 10 Pro XL will start shipping on August 28th, with pre-orders currently available. The Pixel 10 Pro Fold will open for pre-orders on August 20th, shipping commences on October 9th.
The timing is significant: Apple’s “Apple Intelligence” features have been postponed until 2026, presenting Google with an opportunity to attract consumers with AI functionalities that are actually available.
Gemini for Home
Google is broadening its AI initiatives beyond mobile, starting with the home through the introduction of Gemini for Home, a new voice assistant designed to succeed Google Assistant in Nest devices.
Launching in October with both free and paid options, it aims to manage more complex commands and communicate in a more natural manner.
Pixel 10 Phones
The Pixel 10 range is available at four price points: $799 for the Pixel 10, $999 for the 10 Pro, $1,199 for the Pro XL, and $1,799 for the Pro Fold.
The Pixel 10 serves as the entry-level model, featuring a 6.3-inch display, a standard triple-lens camera, and 12GB of RAM. The Pixel 10 Pro upgrades to a sharper LTPO display, a more sophisticated camera system with 100x zoom, and 16GB of RAM.
The Pro Fold introduces a foldable 8-inch inner display, an additional selfie camera, and carries the highest price within the series. Google claims its new hinge is double the durability, though it hasn’t released supporting test data.
Preorders are currently open. The Pixel 10, 10 Pro, and 10 Pro XL will start shipping August 28, while the Pro Fold will be released on October 9.
Pixel Watch 4 and Buds 2a
The Pixel Watch 4, powered by Tensor G5, integrates Fitbit functionalities for AI-driven workout and wellness advice.
The Pixel Buds 2a priced at $129 and the $229 Pixel Buds Pro 2 feature adaptive audio, integration with Gemini, noise cancellation, and real-time translation.
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