Google Unveils New Pixel 9 Series and Advanced AI Innovations at Early “Made by Google” Event

Google’s much-anticipated event, “Made by Google,” has finally arrived, taking place this year in Mountain View, California, notably earlier than previous years. As expected, the event showcased a variety of new hardware, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel Watch 3, and Pixel Buds Pro 2. Central to these announcements were significant updates to Google’s AI capabilities, marking major advancements in both hardware and software.

The Pixel 9 series introduces a fresh design, most notably a redesigned camera system. The previous camera bar has been replaced with a prominent oval camera module that gives the device a distinct new look. The phone features a 6.3-inch Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 display, slightly larger than the Pixel 8’s 6.2-inch screen. The back of the device is made from polished glass, complemented by a satin metal frame, giving it a sleek and premium feel.

One of the most significant upgrades comes in the form of the camera. The Pixel 9 replaces the 12 MP ultrawide lens from the Pixel 8 with a new 48 MP lens, and the front camera now features autofocus, providing sharper selfies. Powered by the Tensor G4 chip and 12GB of RAM, the Pixel 9 integrates advanced AI features such as Super Res Zoom up to 8x, Add Me, and a range of editing tools like Magic Editor and Photo Unblur, making it a powerful device for photography enthusiasts.

For those seeking higher-end options, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL offer enhanced features. The Pixel 9 Pro shares the same screen size as the Pixel 9, while the Pro XL boasts a larger 6.8-inch display. Both Pro models come equipped with 16GB of RAM and offer additional storage options of up to 1TB. They also include an extra 48 MP telephoto lens and a more powerful 42 MP front camera, catering to users who demand top-tier photography capabilities. Additionally, these models include a one-year subscription to Google One AI Premium, providing full access to Gemini’s advanced AI capabilities.

Google’s second foldable phone, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, also made its debut. The device features an impressive 8-inch internal screen and a 6.3-inch outer screen, designed to offer a more immersive experience. It’s thinner and lighter than its predecessor, measuring just 0.4 inches thick and weighing 257g. Like the rest of the Pixel 9 series, it is powered by the Tensor G4 chip and comes with 16GB of RAM, with storage options of 256GB or 512GB. The foldable phone supports advanced AI features and includes a year of the One AI Premium plan, making it a compelling choice for those looking to stay on the cutting edge of technology.

One of the standout features of the Pixel 9 series is the integration of Google’s Gemini AI. The Pixel 9 is the first device in the Pixel lineup to run the Gemini Nano multimodal AI model directly on the device. This integration brings a host of AI enhancements, including Super Res Zoom, Night Sight, and Add Me, as well as new functionalities like real-time assistant overlays and advanced image editing capabilities. This deep AI integration is designed to make the user experience more intuitive and personalized, setting a new standard for smartphone capabilities.

In terms of pricing, the Pixel 9 starts at $799 for the 128GB storage variant, making it a competitive option in the premium smartphone market. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL are priced at $999 and $1,099, respectively, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes in at $1,799. All models will receive seven years of OS and security updates, ensuring long-term software support. Preorders for the Pixel 9 will begin on August 22, with the Pixel 9 Pro, Pro XL, and Pro Fold becoming available for preorder starting on September 4.