Google Pixel 9 event is less than a week away, on Tuesday, August 13th, excitement builds up. From several leaks, we more or less know what Google may announce this time around. The company has already confirmed the launch of Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Other surprising gadgets like Buds Pro 2 and probably Pixel Watch 3 will make up the list. Here’s what we know so far.
Pixel 9:
Of all the updates, perhaps the most exciting one is including a smaller Pro option in the Pixel 9 lineup. According to rumors, Google might have two sizes. The larger one will come with a 6.8-inch display, while the small one will be fitted with a 6.3-inch screen. For the first time, Pro features like the telephoto camera will make their way to a small phone model.
Design changes are also likely to happen. Both the Pro and regular models will have flatter edges, and a curved camera module protruding from the back. Leaked images show a rose-colored Pixel 9 Pro, which could be another new color variant added to the lineup.
Pixel 9 Pro models will have G4 Tensor chip with 16GB of RAM, while only the base Pixel 9 will get the same chip but paired with 12GB of RAM. Storage options might start at 128GB, but the Pro variant may go as high as 1TB of storage.
The cameras are also getting upgrades. The Pixel 9 will have 10.5MP selfie camera, with (50MP main camera and a 48MP ultrawide lens). For the Pixel 9 Pro, it is believed to come with a 42MP selfie camera and triple cameras at the back. (A 50MP main camera, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 48MP telephoto camera).
The other significant addition would be Samsung’s Exynos 5400 modem, which would allow for satellite SOS as on new iPhones. An ultrasonic fingerprint sensor will replace the under-display optical fingerprint sensor currently in use to fix many of the issues people are experiencing.
Colors for the Pixel 9 will include Obsidian, Porcelain, Rose, and Green; for the Pro model, it’s Charcoal, Porcelain, Rose, and Hazel.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold:
Apart from the usual Pixel 9 handsets, Google is also prepping up for its next-gen foldable, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, besides the usual Pixel 9 handsets. The rumors suggest that this time around, it will be taller and slimmer compared to the model. The design changes can be noticed at the back, with the squircle-shaped camera module changing to accommodate two sets of cameras.
Pixel 9 Pro Fold could be as big as 6.3 inches when closed and when opened, as large as 8 inches, compared with the smaller 5.8-inch outer display and 7.6-inch inner display on the Pixel Fold. It’s supposed to be thinner at 5.1mm open and 10.5mm close. It might lay completely flat when unfolded. Specs include the same G4 Tensor chip as the other Pixel 9 devices and 16GB of RAM. With regard to the camera, there could be a 10MP front-facing camera, a 48MP main camera, a 10.5MP ultra-wide lens, and a 10.8MP telephoto sensor. This Pixel 9 Pro Fold is said to be available in porcelain and obsidian.
More AI Integration in Pixel Devices:
It goes without saying that with the increased integration of AI in smartphones, Google will most definitely keep up. Leaked marketing material is pointing toward a myriad of new AI capabilities within its Pixel 9 series. According to the feature, one of them could be Pixel Screenshots, trying to help users save and remember things like events and places. Using this feature, users may be allowed to search in their screenshots for helpful details. A basic version of Microsoft’s Recall feature but limited to manually captured screenshots.
Another cool AI feature is “Add Me,” which uses AI to add a person in a photo even if they weren’t really in it. Google is also going to beef up its Magic Editor tool, where users will change the background of an image with just a prompt.
Pixel Buds Pro 2:
It’s been two years since the original Pixel Buds Pro launched, and Google is said to be readying a follow-up in the form of the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Leaked images show a design that features a small wing tip for extra stability. Somewhat like the “stabilizer arc” on the original Pixel Buds. Other design tweaks include larger grills that match the bud colors and a charging case that may sport a small speaker – possibly for Google’s Find My feature.
With minimal details revealed about the Pixel Buds Pro 2, a regulatory listing showed off this model with a larger 650mAh battery in the case. We might see the same active noise cancellation and multipoint features as the previous model.
Pixel Watch 3:
Pixel Watch 3 indicates a slightly more chunky design compared to its predecessor, with the new model most probably coming in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. The former will feature a 10% larger screen thanks to thinner bezels. The new sizes will supposedly to have a brighter 2,000-nit display. It also has ultra-wideband chip to track one’s location more precisely.
We’re told that battery life will be improved, too. The 41mm watch is said to have 310mAh battery that charges 20 percent faster. It’s rated for up to 24 hours of general use with the always-on display on and up to 36 hours with the new Battery Saver mode. Other new stuff might include offline Google Maps, better camera controls. The ability to view Nest Cam and Nest Doorbell live feeds from the watch.
This might be a problem for compatibility with current Pixel Watch 2 bands. Though—particularly when it comes to the larger 45mm device. Apparently, it would have a different band connection.
Other News:
While targeting the Pixel 9 series, some new products have been unveiled ahead of the event by Google itself. There’s the new TV Streamer, purportedly the equivalent of the Apple TV 4K, and the 4th-gen Nest Learning Thermostat. Also, new Gemini-powered features in the Google Home app have been announced as well.
