Google usually introduces a new Pixel smartphone in the fall, but this year it seems to waste no time getting ahead of the curve.
The tech giant has confirmed that its annual ‘Made by Google’ launch event will take place on August 13, where it will showcase new devices and software.
It is expected to announce the latest smartphone in its Pixel line, the Pixel 9, which could be equipped with a range of new artificial intelligence features to rival Apple.
The event may even launch a successor to its first foldable phone, the Pixel Fold, which launched last year for £1,749.
A short teaser video contains the Google Pixel branding and the number nine in Roman numerals, referring to the ninth phone in the series.
Google’s teaser video shows the outline of a smartphone with the 9 in Roman numerals, a clear indication that it is preparing the long-awaited new device.
Fans who are signed up to receive updates from Google also receive emails from the tech giant telling them to write down the date in their diary.
The video, titled ‘AI… meet IX at Made by Google’, confirms the date of the event in Roman numerals: VIII-XIII-MMXXIV, or August 13, 2024.
Fans who are signed up to receive updates from Google also receive emails from the tech giant telling them to write down the date in their diary.
“You’re invited to an in-person Made by Google event where we’ll showcase the best of Google AI, Android software, and the Pixel portfolio of devices,” he says.
Google has been including its phones with AI features for years, but this could really increase following the success of ChatGPT and Apple’s big AI announcement this month.
Rumors suggest that the Pixel 9 phone will have a new AI-powered assistant called Pixie that will be similar to the new ChatGPT-enabled version of Siri coming to iPhones.
The video, titled ‘AI… meet IX at Made by Google’, also confirms the date of the event in Roman numerals: VIII-XIII-MMXXIV, or August 13, 2024.
In October 2023, Google launched two new smartphones: the £699 Pixel 8 (left) and the £999 Pixel 8 Pro (right).
It is also preparing a tool that uses AI to generate stickers or even emojis, according to a report from Android Authority – similar to Apple’s new ‘Genmoji’.
There may even be more AI editing tools that Google has become known for, such as Photo Unblur and Magic Eraser, dubbed “Orwellian” by critics.
In terms of hardware, Pixel 9 may offer a flatter design with a thick rear camera, according to leaked renders. 91Mobiles.
A redesigned camera bar appears to be a smaller, pill-shaped “island” rather than extending across the entire phone like on last year’s Pixel 8.
Google typically releases a standard Pixel and a more expensive ‘Pro’ model, but there’s also the possibility of a third ‘Pro XL’ version with a larger screen and more powerful battery.
As for pricing, the Pixel 8 started at £699/$699 and the Pixel 8 Pro at £999/$999, but unfortunately for Pixel fans, the new line could see a price increase.
As for pricing, the Pixel 8 (pictured) started at £699/$699 and the Pixel 7 Pro at £999/$999, but unfortunately for Pixel fans, the new line-up could see a price increase.
Considering there was a price jump of around £100 between the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8, the experts at Digital trends I think the same will happen this year.
Meanwhile, the Pixel XL Pro could cost £1,099/$1,099, according to Telephone arena.
Made by Google typically happens in early October, and the new Pixel phone unveiled at the event goes on sale about a week later.
But Google will hold this year’s Made by Google event almost two months earlier than usual, on August 13, with a launch date potentially later in the month.
It’s unclear why this change has been made, although the company may want to get ahead of Apple on the calendar, which holds its iPhone event in September.
Leaks suggest that Apple’s next iPhone, the iPhone 16, will have a new button, rearranged camera lenses, and thinner bezels.