google pixel 9 smartphones reveal thinner designs, new generative AI and ‘satellite SOS’

Four pixel 9 smartphones with the latest google AI

During Made by Google 2024, the company’s launch event on August 13th, four Google Pixel 9 smartphones were revealed: the basic model, the ever-foldable Pro Fold, a Pro model, and an even bigger Pro XL. All of these 2024 models feature the latest artificial intelligence developed by Google. In this way, users can treat Gemini, the company’s generative AI chatbot, as their personal assistant, helping them with tasks ranging from sending a text or booking a reservation to editing and refining images so they look clean and social media-ready. The Google Pixel 9 smartphones feature what the company calls Gemini Live.

It allows people to interact with Gemini as if it were a human. Because Gemini uses multimodal models, users can converse with the AI through text, images, or voice. They can also use written prompts, upload images, or even speak directly to Gemini on their Pixel 9 smartphones. Speaking of images, these smartphones combine augmented reality with AI, so those who are missing from group shots or selfies can be easily added into the photo as if they’ve always been there. Regarding the Google Pixel 9 smartphones’ cameras, the Pro and Pro XL models feature an ultra-zoom capability of up to 20x, as well as an upgraded 5x telephoto lens and Video Boost. There’s also a magic editor that uses Google’s generative AI to fill in gaps in pictures and recompose or reimagine them.

all images courtesy of Google

Satellite SOS for the the google pixel 9 smarphones

There are several AI features that Google has integrated into all its Pixel 9 smartphones. They now have the Satellite SOS, the first Android phones of the technology company to have this offering. With this, users can contact emergency responders via satellite and share their location even without cellular service. So far, it is available in the US, and Google has yet to announce its plan to expand it in other countries. There’s also the Call Notes feature, which lets users save the transcript of their phone calls so they can review them after the conversation. Everyone on the call is notified when this feature is activated to protect their privacy.

An app called Pixel Screenshots helps people save, organize, and retrieve information from screenshots they have taken. In this case, they can ask the AI to find specific information they need, such as the QR code for the apartment they booked for their vacation or the restaurant they want to dine in. The new Pixel weather app also tells users when it’s going to start and stop raining. Users can customize what they see on this app, so they don’t have to keep scrolling through numerous updates about the days, weeks, and specific times they want to check. 

Google Pixel 9

Thinner designs and brighter displays for the new models

The Google Pixel 9 smartphones share a thinner look and brighter displays. They feature Super Actua displays (except for the basic Pixel 9 model, which has an Actua display) that make their screens brighter than their predecessors. On the back of the smartphones, the cameras now have their own ‘bar’. This is an elevated platform jutting out from the rear, designed with a sculpted look by Google. A silky matte glass back and polished metal sides give the new smartphones a premium feel. Google claims that this series is twice as durable as their predecessors. The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold is by far the thinnest foldable smartphone the company has created. They also say that it ‘has the biggest inner display ever seen on any mobile device.’

It opens fully flat with a snap, allowing users to enjoy its Super Actua Flex display, whose brightness levels enable users to see the screen clearly even in direct sunlight. It has four cameras on the rear and supports ‘Macro Focus’ in shots. Alongside these smartphones, Google has also introduced its Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2 during Made by Google 2024. Both devices feature the latest Google AI along with the smartphones. With the earbuds, users can talk to Gemini hands-free, and they offer twice the noise-cancellation capabilities compared to their previous models. As of the publication of this story, the Google Pixel 9 smartphones are available for pre-order and are expected to hit the shelves on September 4th.

Google Pixel 9 Pro

Google Pixel 9 Pro

Google Pixel Pro Fold

Google Pixel Pro Fold

Google Pixel 9 Pro XL