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Introduction: Made by Google 2024
The Made by Google 2024 event has wrapped up, and after a flurry of pre-event rumors, we now have the full lineup of announcements and reveals from Google’s biggest hardware showcase of the year. Notably, this year’s event takes place before Apple’s usual September iPhone launch, with a strong emphasis on AI—a trend familiar to anyone following tech events in recent years.
Although the event has concluded by the time you’re reading this, you can still catch up on the livestream archive, which started at 10 a.m. PT. Let’s dive into the details of the Google Pixel 9 lineup, how Google’s Gemini AI will be integrated into the devices, and other updates for the Nest, Pixel Watch, and Pixel Buds.
Our First Impressions of Gemini Live
Our correspondent, Maxwell Zeff, was on the ground at the Made by Google event and summed up his initial thoughts on Google’s biggest reveal with this headline: “Better than talking to Siri, but worse than I’d like.” For more in-depth coverage, check out his full impressions here. In short, Gemini Live was quick and responsive but still prone to occasional errors, even inventing a nearby playground during the demo.
Every AI Reveal You May Have Missed
As with most major tech events these days, the Made by Google event was packed with AI announcements, promises, and teases. With so many reveals, it’s easy to miss some that didn’t get a full demo or press release. You can explore the details on announcements like Pixel Studio, an image generation app, conversation summaries via Call Notes, and more here.
Gemini Live’s Stage Demo Was Indeed Live
Live demos aren’t always a given, but Google started its event with the promise of several live demonstrations showcasing Gemini AI’s new features, which launched on Tuesday. While the first demo stumbled when trying to respond to a prompt about Sabrina Carpenter, the subsequent demos—focused on writing emails, building playlists, and brainstorming ideas—were smoother.
Gemini Live Launches for Android
Google’s answer to OpenAI’s Advanced Voice Mode is now available to the public—if you’re a Google One AI Premium subscriber. Gemini Live enables conversational interactions between users and the AI, responding more naturally to human speech. Google and OpenAI have both showcased their services in recent months, but Gemini might have an edge, as our AI expert Kyle Wiggers explains: “The generative AI model behind Live, Gemini 1.5 Pro, has a longer-than-average ‘context window,’ allowing it to process and reason over large amounts of data—potentially hours of conversation—before crafting a response.”
The Pixel 9 Lineup Gets Better Cameras and Gemini AI Integration
The standard Pixel 9 lineup now includes three phones, along with the new Pixel 9 Fold Pro (more on that later). The Pixel 9 and 9 Pro differ primarily in resolution, with the 9 Pro XL featuring a larger 6.8-inch display compared to the 6.3-inch screen of the standard model. All models come with Gemini as the default assistant. Google has already announced that Assistant will no longer be the default virtual helper for its phones, alongside a host of other camera and hardware upgrades, which you can explore in detail here.
Google’s Foldable Sequel: The Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Google’s second foldable phone doesn’t reinvent the foldable screen, but it does make it slightly bigger, with an 8-inch display when fully opened. It’s thinner, features a larger external display, and includes camera upgrades consistent with the rest of the Pixel 9 lineup. Priced at $1,799, it comes with Gemini as its assistant, of course. You can explore the full details of the Fold here.
New AI-Powered Photo-Editing Tools
Following last year’s launch of the Magic Editor, an AI-powered photo-editing tool, Google announced a series of updates to its editing suite, which will be available on the Pixel 9 line. The screenshot app will now allow for searchable screenshots, Pixel Studio will enable AI-generated images, and the auto framing feature will recompose images to keep the subject in focus. Get all the details on these AI additions here.
Google’s Pixel Watch 3 Doubles Your Options
The Pixel Watch lineup now includes a 45 mm model in addition to the previous 41 mm size. Both models feature a larger display with slimmer bezels and double the brightness. You can get the full details here, including the obligatory AI integration, though pricing and availability are still under wraps.
Pixel Watch 3 Adds ‘Loss of Pulse’ Detection Feature
Google’s most significant health-related announcement was a “loss of pulse” detection feature for the Pixel Watch, which can detect when the heart is “not beating in a life-sustaining manner” due to events like cardiac arrest, respiratory failure, or overdoses. If such an event is detected, the watch will automatically contact emergency services with the user’s location. For a more detailed breakdown of this feature, click here.
Also Read: Apple Foldable iPhone and Hybrid Device Expected in 2026, New Reports Show
Pixel Buds Pro 2, Enhanced with Gemini
Headphones are a natural fit for virtual assistants, and Google is hoping to make the Pixel Buds Pro 2 more appealing with the inclusion of Gemini Live. This upgrade makes the earbuds more compatible with natural language. They also come equipped with a Tensor A1 chip—a first for Google headphones—that enabled a 27% size reduction. Get more details on the $229 Pixel Buds Pro 2 here.
Trick Kids into Smiling for Photos with Made You Look
Capturing good photos of kids can be challenging, but Google’s Made You Look feature uses a foldable screen’s front-facing camera to distract or entertain the subject. Initially, it will display visually engaging content, but Google teased that licensed characters like Joy from “Inside Out” will be added in future updates.
Pixel Weather Makes Its Debut
This year’s new Pixel lineup introduces its own weather app, complete with AI capabilities. Google claims the app can be customized to show only the weather information users want, along with AI-generated weather reports and the standard features expected from a weather app. Get a first look at the app here.
Nest Thermostats Get a Long-Awaited Update
Announced before the Made by Google 2024 event, the Nest Learning Thermostat is receiving its first refresh in nine years, following a challenging period for Nest and the smart home category. The new Nest is tied to Gemini AI, with Google Assistant remaining the brand’s smart home assistant. Gemini will power more natural language interactions. Explore the full details on the new $280 Nest, including its updated hardware, here.
RIP Chromecast, Hello Google TV Streamer
The Chromecast line is officially discontinued after an 11-year run, with the announcement of the Google TV Streamer preceding the Made by Google event. The TV Streamer does more than just stream; it can act as a smart home hub for Google Home and Matter-powered devices. Like the Nest, it will continue using Assistant, with some Gemini-powered upgrades promised. Get all the details on the $100 hub here.
