Google unveils AI tech powered pixel phones
By Oluwaseyi Lawal
Google has on Tuesday the 13th of August, unveiled a new range of Google Pixel smartphones, and other gadgets featuring enhanced integrations of its artificial intelligence technology, as part of its ongoing effort to embed AI into its hardware.
The updates include an exclusive Pixel feature allowing users to search for information within screenshots. Additionally, Android users can now access Google’s chatbot, Gemini, as an overlay on other apps to answer questions or create content.
Rick Osterloh, Google’s senior Vice President of devices and services said, “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.”
The most recent Google Pixel smartphones were unveiled during the summer, breaking the tradition of autumn announcements that had been consistent since the device’s debut in 2016.
The shift to an earlier event timing reflects Google’s effort to stay competitive in integrating AI features into its consumer products, ahead of Apple’s scheduled launch of a new iPhone in September. In June, Apple revealed that its devices, including the latest iPhones, would receive upgrades featuring “Apple Intelligence,” a range of generative AI-powered tools within native apps, along with integration with ChatGPT, the chatbot developed by Microsoft-backed OpenAI.
Google employees demonstrated several live examples of new Gemini features, including a voice conversation tool. However, it took three attempts and two different devices to successfully use Gemini to cross-reference a concert poster with the calendar app.
The base model Pixel 9, featuring a 6.3-inch display, will start at $799, marking a $100 increase over the previous version. Both this model and the 6.8-inch Pixel 9 Pro XL are set to begin shipping later in August, according to a company representative. The Pixel 9 Pro, which includes enhanced features like an improved camera, along with the foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold, will be available in September. Preorders for the new devices open on Tuesday.
As of the second quarter of 2024, Google holds less than 1% of the global smartphone market share, according to IDC. This places it far behind Samsung, which has an 18.9% share, and Apple, with 15.8%. Google’s smaller presence is partly due to its focus on fewer markets and higher-end price segments.
In the U.S., Google ranks as the fourth-largest smartphone maker, holding a 4.5% share. Despite its smaller market presence, the Pixel line has allowed Google to showcase technological advancements and drive the developer ecosystem around its Android operating system, which powers over 80% of smartphones worldwide.
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