Google has unveiled a new lineup of Pixel smartphones, showcasing the power of its artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
AI INNOVATION
Google Tensor G4 chip is powering the Pixel 9 smartphones. Google has upgraded the memory across the entire Pixel 9 family, with 12GB of RAM for Pixel 9 and 16GB for Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL.
This move marks a significant push by the technology giant to incorporate AI into its hardware offerings and showcase its supremacy in AI business.
The latest Pixel 9 smartphone – priced higher by $100 — allows users to search for information within screenshots, as well as the ability for Android users to access Google’s chatbot, Gemini, as an overlay on other apps for content generation and question-answering.
“There have been so many promises, so many coming-soons, and not enough real-world helpfulness when it comes to AI, which is why today we’re getting real. We’re fully in the Gemini era,” Rick Osterloh, Google’s Senior Vice President of Devices and Services, said.
The launch is part of Google’s strategy to stay competitive in the AI space, especially with Apple’s anticipated iPhone release in September. Earlier this year, Apple announced AI-driven upgrades for its devices, including integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Google showcased live demonstrations of Gemini’s capabilities, though some attempts to use the new features encountered technical challenges, Reuters news report said.
Analysts at Canalys forecast 16 percent of new smartphones shipped will be gen AI capable by the end of 2024. This growth is driven by advancements in chipset technology and increasing consumer demand for advanced devices with AI features. The share of AI capable smartphones will represent 54 percent of the total smartphone market in 2028.
PRICE
The Pixel 9 smartphones, starting at a retail price of $799 in the United States, are set to ship later in August, with the high-end models, including the foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold, available in September.
Google also introduced other AI-powered devices, including Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2. The new Pixel Watch features a “Loss of Pulse” function that can detect if a user’s heart has stopped and contact emergency services, initially available in the UK and EU.
WHY AI
Despite innovation, Google’s market share in the smartphone market remains under 1 percent, trailing behind leading China-based smartphone brands, Samsung and Apple. However, the Pixel line serves as a showcase for Google’s advances in AI and its Android operating system, which powers over 80 percent of smartphones worldwide.
Google also announced a partnership with Peloton, giving subscribers to Google’s Fitbit Premium access to Peloton’s training classes, further integrating fitness and technology.
BOOK NOW
AT&T is offering Google Pixel 9, Google Pixel 9 Pro or Google Pixel 9 Pro XL with attractive schemes to its customers.
In India, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL will be priced starting at Rs 79,999, Rs 109,999, and Rs 124,999 respectively.
Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro XL will be available for pre-order starting tomorrow on online platform Flipkart.com as well as at Croma and Reliance Retail, and will be available on-shelf starting 22nd August.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
