Everything Google Launched At Their Latest Event
The annual Google Unpacked event took place earlier than usual this year – and with the rake of major products they announced, it’s no wonder they were keen to unleash them asap.
From an expanded range of Google Pixel 9 phones to upgrades for its much-loved earbuds, the 2024 range is tempting thanks to sizeable improvements in both hardware and AI-backed software. But it does come at a price: while Google used to be the value-for-money option in the gadget market, their smartphones are now in a similar price bracket to the premium Android players like the Samsung Galaxy 24 and the OnePlus Open.
So what bang do you get for your buck? Let’s take a closer look at the newly revealed Google products.
Google Pixel 9
Offering more choice this year, Google’s flagship Pixel phone comes in four varieties: the standard Pixel 9 (at 6.3”); the premium Pixel Pro 9 (also at 6.3”); the Pixel Pro 9 XL – a larger version at 6.8”); and the Pixel Fold 9, its foldable phone.
Each have the Android 14 operating system like its previous models, and a host of new AI enhancements – Android 15 will come later this year. Apps include Pixel Screenshots (that lets you search for information in saved screenshots) and Pixel Studio (that allows you to create images, like Midjourney does. Gemini now replaces Google Assistant, and Gemini Live (an advanced conversational assistant) is rolling out to Gemini subscribers – Pro buyers will get a year free.
AI also improves the Pixel’s camera function from its already-enviable starting position. For example, its ‘Add me’ function allows a group shot to be taken twice and then merges the two images, so that the photographer isn’t left out of the pic. Magic Editor can now do things like reframe your photo, and expand your image.
The camera hardware is solid too. The standard Pixel 9’s front-facing camera is the same 10.5MP sensor as on the Pixel 8, which works reliably well, even in low light. Its two rear cameras are a 50MP main camera and a 48MP ultrawide camera.
Meanwhile the Pixel Pros have a similar set-up but with an upgraded 42MP front-facing camera, and an extra 48MP telephoto lens at the back (which is a significant step up from the Pixel 8). The Fold hasn’t changed much from the previous version, with a 10MP front camera, and 48MP wide, 10.5MP ultrawide, and 10.8MP telephoto lenses at the back.
Other major improvements include market-leading brightness, two times as much durability, 20 per cent longer battery life, and a sleeker display, with a pillbox-shaped casing for the camera lenses, rather than a strip. The Fold is also taller and thinner than the previous version.
All four Pixel 9 phones are available in obsidian (black) and porcelain (white). The standard Pixel 9 also comes in two other on-trend shades: wintergreen (mint green), and peony (baby pink), while the Pixel 9 Pro’s and the XL’s additional colours are hazel (grey), and rose quartz (pink).
The phones are available now, and prices start from £799 for the standard Pixel 9, £999 for the Pixel 9 Pro, £1,099 for the Pixel 9 Pro XL, and £1,749 for the Pixel 9 Fold.
Watch 3
Great news for Google Watch wearers – the range has expanded so those with a larger wrist can go for a 45mm screen instead of the regular 41mm screen.
The larger watch has a bigger battery (420 mAh compared to 310mAh of the smaller size), but battery life is improved with both, and they both offer brighter screens too.
The Google Watch 3 also comes with a host of new features. You’ll find Morning Brief that shows a ‘readiness score’ from your previous day’s activity, plus the ability to check if the wearer’s pulse has stopped, and if they don’t respond to the phone, it calls emergency services.
Both watches come with Custom 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 screen, and an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, which helps precise location-tracking in features like Find My Device.
The 45mm is available from 10 September for £399. It comes in a polished silver aluminium case with a porcelain active band; a matte black aluminium case with an obsidian active band; and a matte hazel aluminium case with a hazel active band.
The 41mm is also available from 10 September for £349. It comes in a polished silver aluminium case with a porcelain active band; a champagne gold aluminium case with a hazel active band; a polished silver aluminium case with a rose quartz active band; and a matte black aluminium case with an obsidian active band.
Pixel Buds Pro 2
Two years since Google gave Apple’s AirPods a strong competitor, the Pixel Buds Pro has been given a serious upgrade. While it might look similar, with the egg-shaped charging cradle and two-tone look, there’s more to it than meets the eye. It’s smaller and lighter, and now has a new Tensor A1 chip to help with its active noise cancellation (ANC).
It also has three microphones to help with conversations and commands, and improved touch sensors to help you control music, calls and more. It’s sweat and water-resistant, making them perfect for hard workouts, and allow eight hours of ANC playback with each charge, plus another 30 hours of charge loaded in the case – similar to the older model if you kept ANC off.
It costs £219, and its available in hazel, porcelain, wintergreen, and peony. It starts shipping on 26 September.
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