The Made by Google 2024 event has begun, and while rumors were flying ahead of the event, the first announcements and reveals have come from Google's biggest hardware event of the year. Notably, this year's event takes place ahead of Apple's usual September iPhone launch, and there's a strong focus on AI that will be familiar to anyone who's watched tech events over the past two years.
The event is still airing as you read this, so you can watch the livestream, which began at 10am PST, here. But our team was able to get a look at some of the biggest announcements in advance, so let's dive right in and take a look at what the Google Pixel 9 lineup will look like, how Google's Gemini AI will be built into the devices, and other updates to Nest, Pixel Watch, and Pixel Buds.
The Gemini Live stage demo was definitely live.
While live demos aren't always guaranteed, Google kicked off the event with the promise of plenty of live demos of new features in Gemini AI, which is being released today. The first demo got off to a shaky start as the app tried to respond to a prompt about Sabrina Carpenter, but subsequent demos of composing an email, building a playlist, and brainstorming ideas went more smoothly.
Gemini Live released for Android
Google's answer to OpenAI's advanced voice mode is rolling out (for Google One AI Premium subscribers). Gemini Live allows for conversational back and forth between the user and the AI, allowing it to react more realistically to human speech and ideally provide more human-like responses. Both Google and OpenAI have been demoing their services over the past few months, but as AI expert Kyle Wiggers highlights, Gemini may have the advantage.
“The generative AI model architecture underlying Live, Gemini 1.5 Pro, has a longer-than-average 'context window', meaning it can ingest and reason about large amounts of data – theoretically the equivalent of hours of conversational back and forth – before formulating a response.”
The Pixel 9 series has improved camera performance and is equipped with Gemini AI
Image credit: Google
There are three phones in the standard Pixel 9 lineup, with the addition of the Pixel 9 Fold Pro (more on that later): the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro offer a higher resolution phone, while the 9 Pro XL is larger (6.8-inch display versus 6.3-inch), and each includes Gemini as the default assistant.
Google has already announced the end of Assistant as the default virtual assistant on its smartphones, and with that comes a host of camera and hardware upgrades – you can read more about it here.
Google's foldable smartphone sequel: Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google's second foldable phone doesn't get a completely new screen, just a slightly larger 8-inch screen when fully unfolded. Like the rest of the Pixel 9 line, it's thinner, has a larger external display, and upgraded cameras. It's still priced at a steep $1,799, but of course it comes with Gemini as your assistant. Read our full rundown of the Fold here.
After announcing Magic Editor, an AI-powered photo editing tool, last year, Google has announced a series of updates to the editing suite on its Pixel 9 series phones. The Screenshot app lets you search for screenshots, Pixel Studio lets you create AI-generated images on your device, and Auto-Framing reframes your image to keep your subject in focus. Learn more about other upcoming AI features here.
Google's Pixel Watch 3 doubles your options
Image credit: Google
The Pixel Watch has previously only come in a 41mm size, but this year a 45mm model has been added to the lineup. Both have smaller bezels, resulting in a larger display that's twice as bright. You can find the full rundown here, including all the must-have AI-powered features, but pricing and availability have yet to be announced.
Pixel Buds Pro 2 with Gemini
Image credit: Google
Headphones are a natural fit for virtual assistants, and Google hopes the Pixel Buds Pro 2 will be appealing by adding Gemini Live, an upgrade that brings better natural language compatibility, as mentioned above. They also feature the Tensor A1 chip, a first for Google headphones, and are 27% smaller in size. You can find more information on the $229 Pixel Buds Pro 2 here.
Nest thermostat gets long-awaited update
Image credit: Google Nest
Announced ahead of Made by Google 2024, Nest's Learning Thermostat is its first refresh in nine years, following a tough past few years for Nest and the smart home space as a whole. The new Nest pitch is, you guessed it, tied to its Gemini AI. Google Assistant will continue to be the name of the assistant for the company's smart home products, but Gemini will be used to power more natural language interactions.
Get a full rundown of the new $280 Nest, including improved hardware, here.
Gone with Chromecast, hello to Google TV Streamer
The Chromecast line has officially ended, concluding the 11-year series with the announcement of the Google TV Streamer. This announcement came ahead of the Made by Google launch. The TV Streamer does more than just streaming though, it acts as a smart home hub for Google Home and Matter-powered devices. It will also still have Assistant capabilities like Nest, but it also promises a Gemini-powered upgrade. You can find a full rundown of the $100 hub here.
Watch Made by Google live
If you've read this far and still want to watch the event or watch the archives, you can go here or check out the embed below.
