introduced the Pixel 9 line, Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2 headphones
August 13, 2024 Google conducted annual Made By Google presentation and presented updates to its branded devices. First of all, attention was drawn to the Pixel 9 smartphone line and new neural network functions. In addition, the company showed the Pixel Watch 3 smartwatch and Pixel Buds Pro 2 headphones.
Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL
Google failed to surprise with the smartphone update, as the design of the devices and approximate specifications were freely available several weeks before the presentation. Some bloggers, including Russian ones, were able to obtain mockups of the devices.
In general, engineers and designers have redesigned the smartphones, paying special attention to the camera block. It has become oval and now does not occupy the entire width of the back cover, as it was before. The side edges have become flat and are now similar to the iPhone design. The back cover is made of aluminum and is also flat.
The devices differ in screen size, cameras, and memory:
Google Pixel 9:
Display: 6.3 inches AMOLED, brightness up to 2.7 thousand nits and frequency of 60-120 Hz.
Memory: 12 GB of RAM and 128/256 GB of storage.
Cameras: main module 50 MP, ultra-wide 48 MP and 10.5 MP front (with autofocus).
Battery: 4558 mAh with support for fast charging up to 45 W.
Interfaces: USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 7, 5G and NFC.
Google Pixel 9 Pro:
Display: 6.3 inches AMOLED, brightness up to 3 thousand nits and frequency of 1-120 Hz.
Memory: 16 GB of RAM and 128/256/512 GB of storage.
Cameras: 50 MP main module, 48 MP ultra-wide, 48 MP five-fold telephoto and 42 MP front (with autofocus).
Battery: 4558 mAh with support for fast charging up to 45 W.
Interfaces: USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 7, 5G, NFC and UWB.
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL:
Display: 6.8 inches AMOLED, brightness up to 3 thousand nits and frequency of 1-120 Hz.
Memory: 16 GB of RAM and 128/256/512/1024 GB of storage.
Cameras: 50 MP main module, 48 MP ultra-wide, 48 MP five-fold telephoto and 42 MP front (with autofocus).
Battery: 4942 mAh with support for fast charging up to 45 W.
Interfaces: USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 7, 5G, NFC and UWB.
All smartphones in the Pixel 9 lineup are equipped with 8-core Google Tensor G4 processors based on the ARMv9-A architecture. Additionally, a Titan M2 security chip is installed. Of the interesting features, Pixel Satellite SOS satellite communication for emergency situations has appeared. It can be used in places where there is no cellular communication. During the first two years after purchasing the smartphone, the function will be available for free.
The smartphones will be available for order from August 13, 2024. Official sales of Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL will begin on August 22, and Pixel 9 Pro – on September 4. The devices will cost:
Pixel 9 from $799;
Pixel 9 Pro from $999;
Pixel 9 Pro XL from $1,099.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold
The eldest device in the Pixel 9 family is the Pro Fold foldable smartphone. This is the second version of such a device. The company listened to user feedback and worked on the mistakes. The body became elongated and thin, and the frames were made a little narrower. The smartphone has two displays:
Main: 8-inch OLED, brightness up to 2.7 thousand nits and frequency of 1-120 Hz.
Additional: 6.3-inch OLED, up to 2.7 thousand nits brightness and 1-120 Hz frequency.
Otherwise, the smartphone is not much different from others in the Pixel 9 line, including the processors:
Memory: 16 GB of RAM and 256/512 GB of storage.
Cameras: 48 MP main module, 10.5 MP ultra-wide, 10.8 MP five-fold telephoto and 10 MP front.
Battery: 4650 mAh with support for fast charging up to 45 W.
Interfaces: USB-C 3.2, Bluetooth 5.3, Wi-Fi 7, 5G, NFC and UWB.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be available for $1,799 for the base version. Pre-orders will open on August 13, with sales starting on September 4.
Pixel Watch 3
In addition to smartphones, Google introduced the Pixel Watch 3 smartwatch, which will be available in two sizes: 41 and 45 millimeters. Therefore, you can choose the most suitable version for your wrist, rather than getting used to a universal one.
The watch screen has become brighter: now the LTPO AMOLED display can produce up to 2 thousand nits at peak and 1 nit at minimum. The refresh rate varies from 1 to 60 Hz. The display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5 on top. The watch uses 307 and 420 mAh batteries, which provide up to 24 hours of operation on a single charge. A special power saving mode disables some functions, extending operation up to 36 hours.
The aluminum case provides protection according to the IP68 standard and water resistance up to 5 atmospheres. The processor is Qualcomm SW5100 with 2 GB of RAM and 32 GB of storage. Wireless communication protocols include Bluetooth 5.3, NFC, Wi-Fi, GPS and UWB. Intelligent functions include a post-workout recovery analyzer, a runner's assistant and workout efficiency tracking.
The devices will be available for pre-order on August 13. Versions with and without cellular support will be available. The small watch will be released in four colors, the large one in three:
41 mm from $350;
41mm with LTE from $450;
45 mm from $400;
45mm with LTE from $500.
Pixel Buds Pro 2
Google's signature headphones haven't changed in appearance. The company used the already proven design, but updated the hardware. In addition, they added AI functions in the form of the Gemini Live voice assistant, with which you can get answers to questions, manage your calendar or build a route in maps. It is important to note that Gemini works on a smartphone and simply voices the answers through the headphones. Also, the voice assistant currently only understands English and supports Android.
The Tensor A1 chip is installed inside, thanks to which the active noise cancellation function began to work better. The Clear Calling function, which automatically turns off noise cancellation if the user starts talking, has also been improved. Now it works more accurately.
The headphones will be available for pre-order on August 13, and sales will begin on September 26. The price is $220.
Neural network functions
In addition to devices, Google has updated neural network functions:
Magnifier. A special AI magnifying glass can now search for specified words in camera images. For example, if a person has poor vision into the distance and is looking for a road using city signs, they can enter the street name in their smartphone and point the camera at the signs. If the camera finds the specified name, the device will notify them.
Live Transcribe. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold and other foldable smartphones now have a dual transcription mode that you can use during conversations with people. In this case, the text will be displayed on both displays at once, making it easier for people to communicate.
Live Caption. The function is similar to Live Transcribe, but it transcribes sounds from your smartphone.
