Stealing the Start, Google Releases New AI-Based Smartphone Launch Event Earlier than Apple
Google launched Pixel 9 before Apple (photo: x @TechaBox)
- Google usually reveals new Pixel smartphones in the fall, but this year it seems they don't want to waste any time getting ahead of competitors.
The tech giant has confirmed that its annual 'Made by Google' event will take place on August 13, where it will showcase new AI devices and software. It is expected that Google will announce the newest smartphone in the Pixel line, namely the Pixel 9, which may be equipped with various new AI features to compete with Apple.
A short teaser video shows the Google Pixel branding and the number nine in Roman numerals – a reference to the ninth phone in the series.
Fans who signed up for the Google update also received an email from the tech giant telling them to mark the date on their calendars.
The video, titled 'AI... meets IX at Made by Google', confirms the event date in Roman numerals – VIII-XIII-MMXXIV, or August 13, 2024. Google has been filling its phones with AI features for years, but these could get even more enhanced after the success of ChatGPT and Apple's big AI announcement this month.
Rumors suggest that the Pixel 9 phones will have a new AI-powered assistant called Pixie, which will be similar to the new ChatGPT-powered version of Siri coming to the iPhone.
The Pixel 9 may also offer a flatter design with a chunky rear camera, according to renders leaked to 91Mobiles.
The redesigned camera bar appears to be a smaller pill-shaped 'island' rather than extending across the entire phone like on last year's Pixel 8.
Google typically releases a standard Pixel and a more expensive 'Pro' model, but there's also the possibility of a third 'Pro XL' version with a larger screen and bigger battery. As for pricing, the Pixel 8 starts at 699 US dollars (Rp. 11.4 million) and the Pixel 8 Pro from 999 US dollars (Rp. 16.3 million), but unfortunately for Pixel fans, the new line may see a price increase.
Typically, Made by Google takes place in early October and the new Pixel phones revealed at the event go on sale about a week later. However, Google is holding this year's Made by Google event almost two months earlier than usual, on August 13 – with a possible release date at the end of the month.
It's unclear why this change was made, although the company may have wanted to get ahead of Apple on the calendar, which is holding an iPhone event in September. Leaks suggest that Apple's next iPhone, the iPhone 16, will have new buttons, restyled camera lenses, and thinner bezels.