The Made by Google event saw the launch of a host of interesting new products. While Gemini AI features also stole the show – and a host of live demos proved their worth – the products also showed they're worth their salt. Read on here:
- Google just brought the fight to Samsung with three new Pixel 9 models revealed
- Move over Samsung, Google's new Fold looks like a massive upgrade – literally
- Google Pixel Watch 3 and 3 XL are all about the display
- Google Pixel Buds 2 Pro just launched with top notch ANC and battery life
- Google just KILLED my favourite phone design[TikTok video]
The following is the original live blog from 13 August 2024
After a few years of making some of the best Android phones on the market, Google is set to take to the stage once more today. That follows on from the Google I/O event earlier a few months ago, which was surprisingly light on product reveals in favour of AI updates.
As ever, the Google event today will be live-streamed, offering users around the world the opportunity to keep up with the action. That's taking place in California at 6pm UK time (that's 7pm in Central Europe, or 10am PDT and 1pm EDT for those over the pond).
While very little has been officially confirmed, we know that the new range of Google Pixel 9 phones are set to launch. That includes an interesting looking model called the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold – as spotted on the Google store. There is also word of a new Pixel Watch, while a slew of AI chatter also seems likely.
Nine lives
Good morning Google fans! It's still only the wee hours of the morning in California, but the excitement for today's Made by Google event can already be felt around the world.
T3's resident News Writer, Sam Cross, here. I'll be with you all day today, bringing you all of the news and gossip, as well as seeing you through the event itself.
Rumours suggest we'll see a host of new devices including Android phones, smartwatches and possibly even a new set of earbuds. On top of that, expect a lot of talk surrounding AI, and maybe even a look at the next generation of Android OS.
Fold and new
Let's kick off with arguably the most exciting thing we're anticipating today – a slew of new Android phones. We'll dive into the more traditional handsets next, but I'm really keen to see their new foldable phone.
Google has been teasing the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold for a while now, with images on its online store. We even saw one brazen user of the device in a coffee shop in Taiwan.
Personally, I'm really keen to see what the brand has done here. The Google Pixel Fold was a solid first try, but it's no secret that the device had issues. Here's hoping that the new model can live up to the hype generated for the brand.
Pixel Perfect?
Let's move onto the regular Android phones, now. We're expecting big things from the brand here. The last two generations – the Google Pixel 7 Pro and the Google Pixel 8 Pro – have really pulled their weight, with killer specs and a gorgeous design.
We've seen lots of leaks so far – including renders which appear to show off the redesigned camera bar which was also shown on the Google Store.
That's set to house a new, larger sensor according to reports, which should make for better low-light performance across the range. It also shows a natty pink colourway which is very fetching, indeed.
Watch out?
Next up – is there a new Google Pixel Watch in the works for today? Rumours suggest there could well be!
It's about the right timing for a Google Pixel Watch 3, with the brand releasing the current Google Pixel Watch 2 in October last year. We'd normally have expected this event to take place in that month, but it has been pulled forward by the brand.
A major specs leak last month suggested that two models of the Watch could launch – regular and an XL version – with broadly similar specs to its predecessor. The big upgrade is rumoured to be the display, which is said to be a 60Hz panel this time out.
Alright, bud?
Another product category where we could see some movement is in the world of earbuds. The Google Pixel Buds Pro were launched all the way back in 2022, so an update would be worthwhile for fans.
Leaks about the device have suggested a price hike – costing £219 / $229 / €249 – as well as a range of snazzy colour options.
And of course, it wouldn't be Google without some modern AI introduction. These new buds are touted to use Gemini AI – possibly as a rework of its smart assistant capabilities. We'll be keeping a close eye on these.
Summer lovin'
Now you might be confused as to why the event is taking place so early this year. The eagle-eyed among you will be aware that the Made by Google launches usually happen in October.
What's perhaps more surprising is that there isn't a definitive answer as to why the date has been moved. Some suggest it could be to get one up on Apple. Their iPhone launch events happen every September like clockwork, and the move from Google could be in order to get a leg up on the competition.
Others have purported that the move could indicate news related to the new iPhones is on the way. That's a more unfounded claim, but it might suggest some kind of Gemini AI integration with the handsets, which Google want to announce before Apple. We'll be keeping a close eye on that.
Congratulations on your new home (products)
While we may certainly catch a glimpse of them at the event, we're unlikely to see anything new in the smart home space. That's because the brand opted to include a major launch for that last week.
That saw the introduction of the Google TV Streamer – a new device which replaces the older Google Chromecast dongle. Interestingly, the brand has opted for a set-top box with the new design, which could be indicative of a change of tastes.
Still, it looks like a winner, and should be a hit with those who enjoy a minimal decor.
Google recently announced the Google TV Streamer, a new streaming device to challenge its own Chromecast. After getting an early look at the new Google TV Streamer, I’m most excited about what it can do for the home.
As T3’s Home Editor, I love all things smart home and the Google TV Streamer is the latest smart device that can turn your TV into your smart home ecosystem. While the Google TV Streamer is primarily for streaming movies, TV shows, music and other content, it also doubles as a smart home hub, so you can control your Nest cameras, thermostats and lighting from your TV.
Thanks to built-in Thread and Matter support, the Google TV Streamer has a new Google Home panel that’s accessible on your TV, and allows you to customise your smart home, check on recordings and create automations. In my opinion, it’s one of the best new features of the Google TV Streamer, as rather than fiddling around with your phone to adjust the lighting, you can set the mood for movie nights with Google’s latest streaming stick.
The Google TV Streamer has a new design to the Chromecast, and it looks more like an Amazon Fire Stick. This redesign is under hot debate currently, as many people enjoy the Chromecast’s button layout so it’ll be interesting to see if we’ll get a closer look at the new Google TV Streamer during the event tonight.
- Bethan Girdler-Maslen, Home Editor
MASSIVE Google Pixel Buds 2 Pro leak unveils key specs
With the event less than five hours away, things are hotting up – and we've just had word of a massive leak regarding the expected new earbuds, the Google Pixel Buds 2 Pro.
Most notably, that suggests they'll use a custom, in-house processor a la Apple. Dubbed the Tensor A1, the leak suggests it will improve ANC performance, making it twice as effective this time out.
There's also rumour of battery life. That's said to offer 8 hours from the buds alone, and 30 when in conjunction with the case. There's no confirmation of whether those figures relate to the performance with or without ANC, however.
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2- Conversation Detection- Tensor A1 chip powers twice the Active Noise Cancellation - Seamlessly connect with your Pixel (Watch, Tablet, Phone)- 30 hours of listening time with the case, and 8 hours without pic.twitter.com/d3dR4H2R9BAugust 12, 2024
AI on Android
While we're very excited about the new hardware said to be on offer, it's not just new toys which are likely to be on show. Google – and, in fairness, most of the forward-thinking world – is besotted with AI right now.
The brand has been very vocal about its Gemini AI, and promises to showcase more of that here today. While we're not entirely sure what the brand has to offer, it's likely to revolve mostly around their new Android phone lineup.
We'll be eagerly awaiting more details as the event unfolds – oh, and keeping a running tally of the number of times the word is used.
T-minus three hours to launch...
The sun is just rising on the sandy Californian coast – and that's something which users of a new Pixel device could know all too well.
According to respected insider, Kamila Wojciechowska, the brand is preparing a new(ish) Pixel Weather app. In fact, it actually runs the same app previously used to feed weather data to the clock app, but now with a prettier face.
It's an unusual leak – particularly as there didn't appear to be anything drastically wrong with the weather app on older handsets – but nonetheless, it's cool to see.
How to watch the event
With just a few short hours to go until the stream begins and the newest Pixel wonders hit our screens, you're probably wondering how you can follow along with all the action.
Well, great news – you can do so right here on T3! Alongside the live blog you've currently got your eyes on, we'll be hosting the livestream over on our How to Watch page.
The event is scheduled to kick off at 6pm UK time. What's more, it appears set to finish at 7:20, as the brand have an After Party scheduled to kick off at that time. No word on what that is exactly – though I'll be watching on the off-chance we get to see Dan the Duck again!
Table(t) for two?
One thing we haven't heard much about is the Google Pixel Tablet. That launched a little over a year ago, and caused quite a stir at the time.
The device fuses traditional tablet duties with home hub and Chromecast capabilities. The result was a unique proposition, and ended up being quite love-it-or-hate-it.
With so little chatter about a replacement, I'd wager that we're unlikely to see one today. Still, we'll be keeping an eye out just incase.
We're live in five...four...three...
Time to see what Google has up its Pixel sleeve. #madebygoogle pic.twitter.com/44WpBgJ827August 13, 2024
While the event isn't set to take place for another couple of hours, many are already arriving at the venue. That includes Lance Ulanoff of T3's sister brand, TechRadar.
We might have opted for breakfast and a lie-in instead, but hey, sometimes it's fun to beat the crowds.
Losing your stripes
One thing I've just noticed is that all of the images supplied by Google and the leaked images thrown around online appear to use a monotone design. That sees the metal work finished in a similar hue to the rest of the back panel.
That's probably not a surprise for most – the outgoing Google Pixel 8 range had a similar design – but it is a shame. I was a massive fan of the design on older Pixel models like the Google Pixel 7 Pro, which were crafted with complementary colours rather than similar ones.
I certainly hope we see a return to that design language on the new range. I won't be holding my breath given the images we've already seen, but it would be brilliant to see some of those sumptuous colour combos – yes, I'm looking at you, Hazel and Rose Gold – return to the range.
One hour to go!
There's just under one hour to go until launch time in California, and the crowds are filling out thick and fast at the Pixel launch event.
As a reminder, you can watch the livestream right here on T3. If you can't watch the video, we'll also be here live blogging the entire event, bringing you all the bits you need with a healthy dose of wit to boot.
We're expecting to see a whole suite of new Android phones and foldable phones as part of the Google Pixel 9 series. It also looks likely that a new Google Pixel Watch will be on show, while the Google Pixel Buds 2 Pro are also slated to make an appearance.
WANTED: Dan the Duck
I was eagerly awaiting the 30 minutes to go mark, as I'd hoped for another appearance from Dan the Duck! I missed his first appearance at Google I/O 2023 as I'd stepped out to grab a pre-event coffee.
He's since become some kind of legend in the tech sphere, and I had hoped he might return. Alas, that doesn't seem like the case.
We are live!
Those watching along will now see a revolving slew of product shots and words as we're less than 10 minutes from go time. A redesigned back and front of the Pixel phones.
A snazzy watch crown. And what looks like a new earbud? The leaks may just have been bang on!
"The magic unfolds at 10am PDT," says the message, as the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold opens behind it. We're not the only ones who do puns.
Don't forget – if you want to follow along live, check out T3's Pixel event how to watch page for the stream!
We start with a tribute to former YouTube CEO, Susan Wojcicki.
We're kicking off with longtime fan favourite, Rick Osterloh. He's big on AI, and has already said it too many times to count.
We've been promised live demos of how it can work for real people today. Exciting stuff.
Gemini Nano. That's the name for a new Gemini in Android OS. Designed specifically for on-device AI computing. That's an exciting prospect for Android phone users.
And there's a new Gemini Assistant, too! It can understand not just your words, but your intent, allowing for a smarter and more complete assistant in your pocket.
Sameer Samat takes to the stage now, to talk us through the Android updates coming our way...
"This is not just some future state – Gemini is available right now!"
A slight dig at some other Intelligence systems, perhaps? Still, being available on a host of devices and in a number of languages is going to be a winner for Google.
We're getting a live demo here. Can our tester buy himself Sabrina Carpenter tickets live on stage? It appears not. Two goes have proven unsuccessful, but he's sticking with it.
The concept does seem cool, though.
Ah, demo two goes much more smoothly. That sees Gemini create a list of foods mentioned in a YouTube video. The use of natural language input does seem impressive here.
Now we've got Gemini Live! This version is much more tuned to having natural conversation, almost like an AI friend. There are multiple voices to choose from, too.
Natural language input once again comes to the fore here, and it does seem to work well. We've already seen how hit and miss a live demo can be...
Follow up questions seem able to recall context too. It seems to work like having a super knowledgeable friend on standby at all times.
That's launching today, with Gemini Advanced users getting the first bite of the cherry.
"It's the biggest update we've ever made to the Google platform."
That's a tantalising introduction to the new phone range. New Tensor chip is up first, as well as a recall of the Gemini Nano we've just been hearing about.
FOUR MODELS?! That's right! We now get the base model Pixel 9, a Pixel 9 Pro, a Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
That's a lot of optionality for users to find something perfect for them.
That Google Pixel 9 chassis is certainly looking on-trend. The elongated camera bar, however, keeps it firmly in the Pixel camp.
Although it will definitely attract some attention online for its close resemblance to another certain flagship phone, I personally am thankful the Pixel 9 looks to stay firmly planted when laying it screen-up on a table.
I'm also hoping the green and pink colours are as saturated in real life as they are pictured here.
- Emily Pursel, Social Media Editor
Improved thermals and battery performance are just about as un-sexy as it gets, but they're absolutely crucial. After all of the AI spec boasting, hearing that 20% extra battery life can be expected is a real boon.
Oh, Emergency SOS is coming too, though it appeared as more of a footnote than anything else. We can't wait to hear more on that.
While the new Google Pixel 9 range sounds like a fantastically capable pack of devices, I can’t help but feel an air of sadness. It’s certainly not the worst design on the market, but the current makeover the device has received really isn’t doing it for me.
I absolutely love the pink hue, but with a camera bump which leaves it looking somewhere between Bender from Futurama and the Among Us characters, something just isn’t clicking. It’s such a shame, because the older Pixel phones – I’m looking at you, Hazel-coloured Google Pixel 7 Pro – were absolute works of art.
It’s not just me being a grouchy old man, either. That lipped bump looks like it’s just waiting to catch on your jean pocket and tumble to its demise on the cobbles and concrete below. I’m just hoping the brains of the device can win out over (a lack of) beauty.
Hear more in my TikTok analysis video.
- Sam Cross, News Writer
It's the turn of the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold now. That looks like a substantial upgrade over the initial Google Pixel Fold.
The Super Actua Flex display looks stunning in those renders, and is also touted as the largest display on a phone, at 204mm across.
The Pixel Family is now a force to reckon with
This year feels like a turning point for Google. It may have had Pixel phones since 2016 but it now feels like a complete family of products to match its rivals. While essentially the only new device is the Pixel 9 Pro XL, it means that there are four models to choose from. The Pixel Fold – now the Pixel 9 Pro Fold feels like part of the family too.
Having such an aligned group of products in the range not only gives users more choice of model, but it gives them confidence in the one they are choosing. It’s strength in numbers but it works. Both Apple and Samsung use the same technique with multiple models on offer to account for budget, feature and size demands. Arguably the latest Google Pixel lineup looks even more put together than Samsung.
- Mat Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief
Pixel Screenshots is the next AI-powered feature on display here. It's actually a really useful sounding feature, which can collate all of your screenshots, while offering useful insight into the content.
Tensor G4 was designed to do that, on-device, quickly. And it really does seem pretty snappy. I'd use that feature – and I can't remember thinking that about many AI features so far.
Pixel Studio is up next – a new AI image generator found on every Pixel 9 phone. And we're getting another live demo, to boot.
Woah! Okay, that was impressively quick. I've got to say, I'm feeling really excited about the Tensor G4 chip. It seems really snappy, which could be a great thing for Pixel fans.
It's easy to get sucked into a good demo, and I'm trying hard not to. But this really does seem good. Of course, they couldn't get through 45 minutes without a cheeky dig at Apple and RCS messaging, though...
Let's talk camera. This is something which Pixel handsets have always been revered for, so it needs to stack up. A redesigned HDR algorithm is a good start, and everything looks fantastic.
A new Panorama mode looks even better, though. The AI-guided system is going to have other manufacturers saying "why didn't we think of that," while night mode integration looks absolutely incredible.
Top marks, Google.
A new camera feature called Add Me is also coming. NBA star, Jimmy Butler is in attendance to demo – and to absolutely dwarf everyone else on stage.
That demo was pretty smooth, too. Essentially you take two images with some kind of static subject, and the phone with stitch them together to add other people into the frame. That's a nifty thing to have – as someone who always has to ask someone else to take a photo.
Made You Look is a new feature for the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold. And it's genius.
You can select from a range of kid-friendly themes for the front display, to hold their attention and get them smiling. Genius.
Magic Editor has gotten a big AI-powered overhaul, too. It uses key photographic techniques like the rule of thirds to accurately reframe shots, while generative AI fills in any blanks surrounding it.
But wait, there's more! Tap section by section – they used ground, but presumably sky would have also worked – and type in what you'd like to replace it with. This is impressive.
It's actually refreshing to see it mess up on one of the goes too. This feels real. And it looks great. That's on every Pixel 9 handset out of the box.
Pixel 9 Pro is the smartphone with the highest quality video. That's a seriously impressive claim, but it really looks to be true.
A range of features including video boost look amazing, but being able to pull 33MP image stills from your video? That's unreal.
Okay, so let's quickly recap: the Google Pixel 9 range feature three traditional Android phones. That's a base model and two Pro variants – one smaller handset and once XL variant.
Then there's the foldable. The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
No rest, though – onto watches!
Google Pixel Watch 3 looks set to be packed with cool features. Call Assist allows you to hold a call until you can find a quiet spot, while a range of health and fitness tracking capabilities look to improve the experience for fitness fanatics.
AI-designed workouts are a nifty sounding addition, with a heart rate sensor specifically tuned for running. That's apparently quite a difficult thing to track, but this is their most advanced yet.
They come in two sizes, too.
Beyond the running capabilities, there are some AI powered features on offer. Cardio Load tells you how intense to make your daily activity, while a Readiness score enlightens you about how you're feeling.
They've also added a function called Loss of Pulse Detection. That includes a range of different life threatening moments, when users have a heartbeat which is not life-sustaining.
Pixel Watch 3 has a first of its kind detection system for that event, and can provide key details to emergency services. The algorithm – which is all on-device – looks at a host of other data, to bring a range of information to users. That's fantastic.
Runners, rejoice: with the new Pixel Watch 3, Google seriously enhanced the fitness prowess of its leading wearable. The smartwatch can not only provide more and better running metrics than its predecessor, but it can also help you analyse how your training affects your fitness via the three new features: Daily Readiness, Cardio Load, and Target Load.
It’s nice to see that the brand now offers two smartwatch sizes. There was nothing wrong with the now-smaller 41mm Pixel Watch, but as someone with huge monkey hands, I appreciate the bigger touchscreen displays of the 45mm version, not to mention the larger battery housed in the expanded case. Plus, the maximum brightness doubled and now maxes out at 2,000 nits – brilliant!
The new health feature – Loss of Pulse Detection – is even less helpful to the average Pixel Watch user than Afib detection (or the battery-munching blood oxygen monitoring). Realistically, older people are in the most danger, and they won’t buy and wear the Pixel Watch 3. Even if they did, the battery life still isn't long enough to work for that demographic; they would likely forget to charge the watch, making the new feature pointless.
Overall, the Pixel Watch 3 follows the formula set out by previous generations and offers an enhanced, albeit not revolutionary, smartwatch experience for Android users. The wearable looks as pretty as ever, and it’s the same price as the Google Pixel Watch 2, so if you didn’t upgrade last year, you can and should do it in 2024.
- Matt Kollat, Active Editor
Now we're onto the Google Pixel Buds 2 Pro, and, as we suspected, there is a big AI push. The Tensor A1 processor is also the star here – 2x ANC performance and 3 million actions per second. Unbelievable.
The audio quality also gets its own part of the processor alongside the ANC, while we learn that the rumoured 8 hour battery life is with ANC enabled. That's amazing!
The twist to lock functionality is cool, too, and should help to ensure they stick in when you're active.
Gemini on the Pixel Buds Pro 2 looks fantastic. We can talk to Gemini Live with just a tap and saying "Let's talk live."
Okay, the demo is quite corny, but if we assume Gemini Live from the Pixel phones will be possible in the buds, too, this could be a really impressive addition.
Full transcripts are kept on the phone for reference, too.
We're almost wrapped here, but there's one last look at some more products and features coming in the next few months. Project Astra – first shown at Google I/O – will bring camera connectivity to Gemini Live.
That means you can show off exactly what you're looking at, for tailored, image-based assistance on your device.
Small powerful phones are the future
Google’s new Pixel 9 line up is certainly impressive. More powerful chips, improved cameras, AI functions and bigger, brighter screens, but one thing stood out for me that is easy to overlook.
By creating a third model in the Pixel 9 Pro XL, the Pixel 9 Pro now comes in a smaller form - with a 6.3-inch screen rather than a 6.7-inch one. That’s a huge plus for those that want a small and powerful phone.
Traditionally, if you want a more powerful phone you need to go bigger. There’s certainly logic to the idea that if you need more power you probably like the idea of more screen real estate. However, there’s a lot to be said for a smaller handset.
Arguably in Apple’s line up, the 6.1-inch iPhone 15 Pro is the one to go for, but Samsung users had to opt for the larger 6.8-inch S24 Ultra if they wanted the fastest specs. The was previously true for Google as well, with the Pixel 8 Pro being a larger 6.7-inch display compared to the Pixel 8’s 6.2-inch. Now though, you can get top spec in the choice of the larger 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL or the smaller 6.3-inch Pixel 9 Pro.
Now, 6.3 inches is hardly a small display. Compared to phones a few years ago it’s still pretty massive, but it at least is a little more pocket friendly. Personally, I’d love to see an even smaller display option with Pro specs - a Pixel 9 Pro Mini, with a sub-6-inch display.
I feel Apple missed a trick by not making an iPhone Pro mini with the same 5.4-inch display as the iPhone 13 mini. But then maybe they knew better with the 14 Plus.
Perhaps it’s why the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6 is so appealing. It’s a small pocket-sized phone with plenty of power. Now a Pixel 9 Pro flip, that would be interesting…
- Mat Gallagher, Editor-in-Chief
And that's a wrap! A seriously impressive array of new products and features across phones, earbuds and smartwatches – all tucked into a neat 80 minute presentation.
Hat's off Google! I can't wait to get hands on and test these out for myself.
That's all from me folks – enjoy Google's After Party!
