Google’s annual hardware showcase, Made by Google 2024, was a dazzling display of innovation, pushing the boundaries of technology and redefining the user experience. The event unveiled a plethora of groundbreaking products, with a particular focus on integrating artificial intelligence (AI) seamlessly into our daily lives.
Held at Google’s headquarters in Mountain View, California, this year’s event showcased Google’s relentless innovation across its hardware and software. From the highly anticipated Pixel 9 series to groundbreaking AI integrations, here’s everything you need to know about the latest from Google.
Also: Read what happened earlier this year at Google I/O and WWDC 2024 Apple Event
Pixel 9 Series: Photography Redefined
The centerpiece of the event was undoubtedly the unveiling of the Pixel 9 Series. Google’s flagship smartphones have always been celebrated for their clean software experience, industry-leading cameras, and innovative features, and the Pixel 9 Series takes these qualities to new heights.
Pixel 9
- Design: A sleek and modern design with a glass back and aluminum frame. The display is a vibrant OLED panel with support for high refresh rates.
- Display: 6.3-inch Actua display
- Camera: The Pixel 9 boasts a triple camera setup featuring a primary 50MP sensor with enhanced low-light performance. The telephoto lens offers 3x optical zoom, and the ultrawide lens captures stunning landscapes.
- AI Magic Eraser: This beloved feature returns with improved capabilities, allowing users to effortlessly remove unwanted objects from photos.
- Photo Unblur: A new feature that uses AI to sharpen blurry photos, bringing back lost details.
- Video Stabilization: Enhanced video stabilization ensures smooth and steady footage, even in challenging conditions.
- Processor: Tensor G4 chip
- RAM: 12GB
- Cameras: Dual rear cameras (50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide), 10.5MP front camera
- Battery: 4,500 mAh
- Price: Starts at $799
- Colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Wintergreen, Peony
Pixel 9 Pro
- Design: A premium build with a curved display and a polished metal frame. The display is a larger, brighter OLED panel with adaptive refresh rates.
- Display: 6.3-inch Super Actua display
- Camera: The Pixel 9 Pro takes mobile photography to new heights with a quad-camera system. The primary 50MP sensor is coupled with a periscope telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom and 30x Super Res Zoom. The ultrawide lens is joined by a dedicated macro camera for stunning close-ups.
- LiDAR Sensor: The addition of a LiDAR sensor enables advanced depth sensing, improving focus, augmented reality experiences, and low-light photography.
- Spectral Sensor: This innovative sensor analyzes light conditions to optimize color accuracy and white balance in photos and videos.
- Processor: Tensor G4 chip
- RAM: 16GB
- Cameras: Triple rear cameras (50MP wide, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto), 42MP front camera
- Battery: 4,700 mAh
- Price: Starts at $999
- Colors: Obsidian, Porcelain, Hazel, Rose Quartz
Pixel 9 Pro XL
- Display: 6.8-inch Super Actua display
- Processor: Tensor G4 chip
- RAM: 16GB
- Cameras: Same as Pixel 9 Pro
- Battery: 4,942 mAh
- Price: Starts at $1,099
- Colors: Same as Pixel 9 Pro
Pixel 9 Pro Fold
- Display: 6.3-inch Actua outer display, 8-inch Super Actua inner display
- Processor: Tensor G4 chip
- RAM: 16GB
- Cameras: Triple rear cameras (48MP wide, 10.5MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto), 10MP front camera
- Battery: 4,800 mAh
- Price: Starts at $1,799
- Colors: Obsidian, Porcelain
Other Notable Product Launches
Pixel Watch 3
The new Pixel Watch offers a refined design, improved battery life, and advanced health tracking features. It seamlessly integrates with the Pixel ecosystem for a cohesive user experience.
- Display: 1.4-inch AMOLED
- Processor: Exynos W920
- RAM: 2GB
- Battery: 450 mAh
- Features: ECG, SpO2 monitoring, Google Assistant, Fitbit integration
- Price: Starts at $349
Pixel Buds Pro 2
Building on the success of its predecessor, the Pixel Buds Pro 2 delivers enhanced audio quality, improved noise cancellation, and longer battery life.
- Battery Life: Up to 11 hours (buds), 31 hours (with case)
- Features: Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency Mode, Spatial Audio
- Price: $199
Nest Thermostat with AI
This next-generation thermostat utilizes AI to optimize energy efficiency, learn user preferences, and provide personalized comfort recommendations. The Nest Hub Max 2 was another highlight, featuring enhanced smart home capabilities and improved audio quality.
- Display: 10-inch HD display
- Processor: Google Tensor G4
- Audio: Enhanced stereo speakers with a subwoofer
- Features: Built-in camera for video calls, gesture controls, and integration with Google Assistant
- Price: $229
Tensor G4 Chip
All Pixel 9 models are powered by Google’s latest Tensor G4 chip, which promises enhanced performance, better energy efficiency, and advanced AI capabilities. This chip is designed to handle complex tasks like real-time language translation, advanced photo editing, and more.
Camera Enhancements
The Pixel 9 series continues Google’s tradition of camera excellence. The new models feature improved sensors and lenses, along with AI-driven enhancements like Night Sight, Super Res Zoom, and Motion Mode. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL also include a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.
AI Integration
Google’s Gemini AI is deeply integrated into the Pixel 9 series, offering features like Call Notes, which summarizes conversations, and Pixel Studio, an image-generating app. Gemini AI also powers the new Pixel Screenshots app, making it easier to search and organize screenshots.
Design and Build
The Pixel 9 series features a sleek design with an elongated, oval-shaped camera bar. The Pro models come with a matte finish, while the standard Pixel 9 has a glossy back. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold stands out with its foldable design, offering a seamless transition between phone and tablet modes.
Gemini Live
Positioned as a leap forward from its predecessor, Bard, Gemini promises to be more versatile, informative, and creative. It’s designed to understand and generate different text formats, translate languages, write different kinds of creative content, and answer your questions in an informative way.
Gemini’s integration into the Android ecosystem is a game-changer. It’s poised to revolutionize how we interact with our smartphones, making them more intelligent and intuitive. From enhancing search capabilities to providing real-time assistance, Gemini is set to become an indispensable companion.
Gemini in Pixel
- Real-time Translation: Gemini will enable real-time, high-quality translation across multiple languages, making communication seamless for global users.
- Live Captioning: Enhanced live captioning with improved accuracy and speed, benefiting users with hearing impairments and those in noisy environments.
- Smart Compose: More predictive and contextually aware text suggestions, accelerating typing and reducing errors.
- Google Assistant: A significant leap forward for Google Assistant, with improved natural language understanding and the ability to perform complex tasks.
Gemini Beyond Pixel
- Google Search: Gemini will revolutionize search, providing more comprehensive and informative results, including generating summaries of complex topics.
- Google Workspace: Enhanced productivity tools with AI-driven features like intelligent writing assistance, automated task management, and data analysis.
- Healthcare: Gemini’s potential in healthcare is immense, from assisting in medical research to providing personalized health recommendations.
Google Pixel Tablet 2
Google also unveiled the Pixel Tablet 2, a significant upgrade from its predecessor. This tablet is designed to be a versatile device for both work and play.
- Display: 11-inch OLED display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels
- Processor: Tensor G4 chip
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: Options of 128GB and 256GB
- Battery: 8,000 mAh, offering up to 12 hours of video playback
- Features: Stylus support, Google Assistant, and a new docking station that doubles as a smart speaker
- Price: Starts at $599
Google Home 2
Google introduced the Google Home 2, a smart speaker with advanced AI features and superior sound quality.
- Audio: 360-degree sound with improved bass and treble
- Features: Voice Match, multi-room audio, and integration with Google Assistant
- Price: $99
Google Pixelbook Go 2
For those in need of a powerful laptop, the Pixelbook Go 2 was announced, offering a blend of performance and portability.
Display: 13.3-inch 4K touchscreen
- Processor: Intel Core i7
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Battery: Up to 12 hours of battery life
- Features: Backlit keyboard, Titan C security chip, and Chrome OS
- Price: Starts at $1,199
Google Stadia 2.0
Google also revealed Stadia 2.0, the next generation of its cloud gaming service, with several new features and improvements.
Performance: Support for 8K resolution and 120fps
- Library: Expanded game library with exclusive titles
- Features: Enhanced multiplayer capabilities, cross-platform play, and integration with YouTube Gaming
- Subscription: Stadia Pro at $9.99 per month
Google Assistant Updates
Google Assistant received significant updates, making it more intuitive and capable.
- Natural Language Processing: Improved understanding of context and more natural conversations
- Multitasking: Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously
- Integration: Deeper integration with third-party apps and services
Sustainability Initiatives
Google emphasized its commitment to sustainability with several initiatives:
- Recycled Materials: All new hardware products are made with at least 50% recycled materials.
- Carbon Neutral: Google aims to make all its products carbon neutral by 2030.
- Energy Efficiency: New devices are designed to be more energy-efficient, reducing their environmental impact.
Sound Quality and Noise Cancellation
The Pixel Buds Pro features custom-designed 11mm dynamic drivers, delivering rich, detailed sound with deep bass and clear highs. The earbuds support “Adaptive Sound”, which automatically adjusts the volume based on your surroundings, ensuring an optimal listening experience in any environment.
The “Active Noise Cancellation (ANC)” has been improved with new algorithms that block out a wider range of frequencies, making the Pixel Buds Pro ideal for noisy environments. The “Transparency Mode” has also been enhanced, allowing users to hear their surroundings more naturally without removing the earbuds.
Comfort and Battery Life
The Pixel Buds Pro are designed for all-day comfort, with a new ergonomic shape and multiple ear tip sizes. The earbuds are IPX4-rated for water resistance, making them suitable for workouts and outdoor activities.
Battery life has been extended to up to 10 hours on a single charge with ANC enabled, and up to 12 hours without ANC.
A Vision for the Future
The Made by Google 2024 event was more than just a product launch; it was a showcase of Google’s vision for the future. The company emphasized its commitment to sustainability, announcing that all new Google hardware products are made from at least 50% recycled materials, and that Google aims to achieve carbon neutrality for all its devices by 2030.
Google also highlighted its efforts in AI and machine learning, with several presentations demonstrating how these technologies are being integrated into everyday products to enhance user experiences, improve accessibility, and make technology more intuitive.
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