The annual Made by Google launch event happened last night and the tech giant treated us to a whole host of new and exciting products.
From the new Pixel mobiles to the latest watch models, let's take a look at everything that was announced during the Made by Google 2024 Pixel launch event.
Google Pixel 9 family
The latest edition to the Pixel line is the Pixel 9, and it isn’t just the two phones announced as usual this time around…
Pixel 9 & 9 Pro
As usual, the latest line of Pixel phones starts with the base and the Pro - in this case, the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro.
Both phones feature great cameras (a general improved feature across all phones in the Pixel 9 range), and impressive AI features that stem from the new and improved AI that was also announced at the event.
The Pixel 9 range also features a new sleeker design, with rounder edges that to us resemble the old iPhone 4 but with a high-resolution edge-to-edge screen on the front.
The most notable new design feature though comes in the shape of the camera system, which no longer sits as a bar running width-ways across the top of the phone but instead puts it in the centre with curved edges that don’t run all the way to the side of the device.
Overall, the Pixel 9 takes a fairly strong step up from the 8, being 35% brighter and with a camera that matches that of the Pixel 9 Pro. Saying that though, the Pro still has some advantages over the 9, which includes a Super Actua display, a new 42MP selfie camera, and superior charging speeds.
At 6.3 inches for both the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro, there really isn’t too much to choose from between the pair. They look the same and perform similarly.If you wanted a step up, you could go for the new-to-the-family Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Pixel 9 Pro XL
Google announced a new addition to the Pixel family, bringing to life the Pixel 9 Pro XL.
Truth be told, there isn’t much to say about this new addition as aside from the larger 6.8-inch display and higher price tag, the 9 Pro XL is almost exactly the same as the 9 Pro.
That’s no exaggeration either. Google say it themselves on their website; “other than display size, charging speed and power, Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL share all the same specs and features.”
Whether you think it's worth going for the larger phone or not is up to the user. But you should also know that Google seemingly values that extra 0.5 inches at £100, as that is how much more the 9 Pro XL is over the 9 Pro.
- Google Pixel 9 = £799
- Google Pixel 9 Pro = £999
- Google Pixel 9 Pro XL = £1099
Pixel 9 Pro Fold
As expected, Google had been working on the next generation of their foldable phone (just like every company other than Apple seems to be doing) and announced the new iteration during the event.
Interestingly though, they didn’t carry on with it having its own line per se and instead have essentially included it as part of the Pixel 9 family, naming it the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
The 9 Pro Fold features a 6.3-inch Actua outer display that unfolds into an 8-inch Super Actua Flex inner display that resembles a mini tablet - which is basically the point of these new foldable phones.
Google impressed the first time around with their hinge technology, seemingly getting it right on their first try in the sense that no gap is left when the phone is folded. They have now improved on that and have come with an even more durable hinge and have been able to update the design of the phone as a whole to match the new-look Pixel 9 range.
The camera setup is somewhere in between the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro, featuring an Advanced triple rear camera setup that includes a telephoto lens and 0.5x, 1x and 5x optical quality zoom.
Like with all the Pixel 9 phones in the range, it will also feature the new and impressive Google Tensor G4 chip and will have 16GB of RAM to bring sublime performance.
This does all come at a rather high premium though, as the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will cost £1749.
Pixel Watch 3
Google has impressed in the world of wearables with the previous two iterations of the Pixel Watch, and they seem to have taken another step forward with the new Pixel Watch 3.
One of the most requested features for the next generation was different sizes to choose from, and thankfully Google has delivered, giving you the chance to choose between 41mm and 45mm.
Some of the improvement over the Pixel Watch 2 includes an improved display, better brightness, and better, more detailed workout tracking.
As usual with wearables, there are varying costs depending on size and whether you want simply just WiFi connectivity or 4G LTE.
- 41mm (WiFi) = £349
- 41mm (4G LTE) = £449
- 45mm (WiFi) = £399
- 45mm (4G LTE) = £499
The Pixel Watch 3 is available to pre-order now
Pixel Buds Pro 2
Like with much of the tech released this year, the new Pixel Buds Pro 2’s main feature is that they are AI-powered.
Installed with the Tensor chip, the Buds Pro 2 will have AI capabilities that are claimed to help vastly improve noise cancellation features, create crisper sound on phone calls, and automatically detect a conversation your having and will adjust accordingly so you’ll be able to clearly hear the other person without having to remove a bud.
Plus, the twist-to-adjust stabiliser is said to help keep the buds from falling out, regardless of the situation. Big news for the runners, then.
The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are available to pre-order now for £219.
Gemini Live & new AI features
The big talking point from all tech events this year has been how each company is implementing AI into their devices, and the same came from Google during their launch event.
Quite possibly the most impressive announcement was that of Gemini Live, which some are saying performs so well it may just be the biggest threat to ChatGPT right now.
The Google AI chatbot has an impressive voice and listening mode that rivals that of ChatGPT.
But it wasn’t just Gemini Live that was revealed as Google will be bringing to life a bunch of new and impressive AI features, including:
AI-powered Pixel weather app – A normal weather app but with added features like a rundown of the day’s weather and any recommendations, such as wearing sunscreen or bringing an umbrella.
Made You Look – Exclusive to the 9 Pro Fold and perfect for parents, the Made You Look feature is for photo taking, allowing you to unfold the phone so that a projecting can be displayed on the outer display that will draw the attention of the subject to the screen and thus the phone, giving you the perfect photo (in theory).
Add Me – Often find yourself behind the camera and not in front? Now when taking a group photo, you can snap the pic as normal, then take one of yourself, after which the AI will seamlessly merge the two together to give you a natural group photo with everyone included.
