Google’s next-gen Pixel 9 series makes a grand debut in India, AI innovations and more

In a significant update to its technology portfolio, Google showcased its latest advancements in artificial intelligence and hardware at the ninth annual Made by Google event.

According to The Verge, the event, held in Mountain View, California on August 13, highlighted the tech giant’s commitment to integrating AI across its product ecosystem from smartphones to wearables and revealed the new Pixel 9 series, among other innovations.

In a blog post summarizing the eventGoogle emphasizes its vision of AI as a way to improve everyday life, saying, “We believe AI can make day-to-day life more productive, open up new avenues for learning, and create ways for people to express themselves. This is especially true when AI is built into devices that people carry with them everywhere.”

Google CEO Sundar Pichai also shared his/her excitement about the launch in a post on X.

he/she wrote, “Today at #MadebyGoogle we’re sharing how we’re bringing AI advances to mobile across the Android ecosystem. We also introduced our latest Pixel devices, including the Pixel 9 phones built with the Google Tensor G4 — our fastest and most efficient silicon ever.”

today at #MadeByGoogleWe’re sharing how we’re bringing AI advancements to mobile across the Android ecosystem. We also introduced our latest Pixel devices, including the Pixel 9 phones built with the Google Tensor G4 — our fastest and most efficient silicon ever. https://t.co/riyrwuZkby pic.twitter.com/tFeR5Cn3mc

— Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) August 13, 2024

The event was broadcasted live on Google’s official YouTube page ‘Made by Google’.

Google’s approach involves innovation at every level, from research and model development to the integration of AI into the Android operating system and custom hardware.

The highlight of this announcement was the introduction of Google’s Gemini AI, which now also includes a multimodal model called Gemini Nano.

This AI model is designed to analyse text, images and speech, underlining Google’s effort to make advanced AI capabilities accessible across its product range.

The Pixel 9 series is a significant expansion to Google’s smartphone lineup, featuring four distinct models: the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Each device introduces an updated design, powerful new processors, and a set of AI-powered features.

According to The Verge, the Pixel 9 models boast a refreshed design language.

The standard Pixel 9 now has a larger 6.3-inch display and a new rear camera bar protruding across the back.

In contrast, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a larger 6.8-inch screen, positioning it as a premium option within the series.

The Pixel 9 Pro bridges the gap between the standard and XL models, including most of the advanced features found in their Pro counterparts.

A notable update in the series is the inclusion of the new Tensor G4 processor.

This chip enhances on-device AI performance, which is crucial for the advanced features introduced in these models.

All three Pro models are equipped with 16GB of RAM, while the standard Pixel 9 has 12GB. This substantial memory upgrade is designed to support the demanding AI functionalities that Google has integrated into the device.

The Pixel 9 series introduces several new AI features, specifically focused on photography and productivity:

– ‘Magic Editor’: This tool allows users to “reimagine” scenes within their photos, changing parts of the image using text prompts for a new creative look.

– ‘Add Me’: A feature designed to facilitate group photos, allowing users to insert themselves into existing photos by taking the initial shot, stepping into the frame, and using AI to seamlessly merge the images.

– ‘Recall-Like Ability’: A new function that helps users list and retrieve information from screenshots, which operates exclusively on the device.

In addition, the Pixel 9 series will be the first Android phones in the US to offer Satellite SOS, an emergency feature similar to Apple’s satellite connectivity, which provides critical assistance when you’re outside of traditional phone reception areas. The feature is expected to debut with Android 15 later this year.

Camera innovations

Coming to the camera, the Pixel 9 series retains the 50-megapixel f/1.7 main camera found on the previous model but gets updated ultrawide cameras across the range.

The Pro model has a new 42-megapixel selfie camera with autofocus, which improves selfie quality.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, while lagging slightly behind in camera specs compared to its Pro counterparts, benefits from an improved internal screen that is now brighter and larger, making it more functional for a variety of uses.

The most awaited aspect of the Pixel 9 series launch is its India launch.

This is the first time Google’s foldable Pixel device will be available in the world’s second-largest smartphone market.

According to TechCrunch, the Pixel 9 series will be sold through online partner Flipkart as well as offline retail chains like Croma and Reliance Digital.

The new devices will also be supported by three new walk-in service centres to enhance after-sales support.

The Pixel 9 series price in India starts at Rs 79,999 for the standard Pixel 9, with the Pixel 9 Pro priced at Rs 1,09,999 and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold priced at Rs 1,72,999.

Pre-orders for the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL will begin on August 14, while sales will begin on August 22. Details about the availability of the Pixel 9 Pro will be announced later this year.

Here are the specifications for each model in the Pixel 9 series:

– Google Pixel 9:

Display: 6.3-inch Actua OLED with 1080 x 2424 pixels resolution and 60-120Hz refresh rate.

Processor: Google Tensor G4 SoC with Titan M2 security coprocessor.

RAM/Storage: Up to 12GB RAM and 256GB storage.

Camera: 50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, and 10.5MP selfie camera with autofocus.

Battery: 4,700mAh with IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Software: Android 14 with seven years of OS and security updates.

– Google Pixel 9 Pro:

Display: 6.3-inch Super Actua OLED with 1280 x 2856 pixels resolution and 1Hz-120Hz refresh rate.

Processor: Google Tensor G4 SoC with Titan M2 security coprocessor.

RAM/Storage: 16GB RAM and up to 512GB storage.

Camera: 50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto, and 42MP selfie camera with autofocus.

Battery: 4,700mAh with IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Special Features: Ultra-wideband chip for precise spatial orientation.

– Google Pixel 9 Pro XL:

Display: 6.8-inch Super Actua OLED with 1344 x 2992 pixels resolution and 1Hz-120Hz refresh rate.

Processor: Google Tensor G4 SoC with Titan M2 security coprocessor.

RAM/Storage: 16GB RAM and up to 512GB storage.

Camera: 50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto, and 42MP selfie camera with autofocus.

Battery: 5,060mAh with IP68 rating for dust and water resistance.

Special Features: Ultra-wideband chip for advanced spatial orientation.

Alongside the Pixel 9 series, Google also introduced the Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2.

These tools complement the new AI capabilities demonstrated during the event.

The Pixel Watch 3 features better health tracking and connectivity, while the Pixel Buds Pro 2 feature better sound quality and integration with Google’s AI features.

The new Pixel 9 series, with its innovative features and expanded global availability, represents a significant leap forward for the company’s hardware and AI strategies.