Pixel 9 Launch

  Pixel 9 launch on 13 August : Probably to rival Apple's iPhone 16 

Earlier this week Google made a big, unexpected announcement. The Pixel 9 series is launching in August, almost two months ahead of the usual schedule. Google has moved its Made by Google event to August 13, aiming to preempt Apple's iPhone 16 launch and control leaks about the Pixel 9. Expected upgrades include AI features, a Tensor G4 chip, adaptive touch, enhanced connectivity and advanced camera capabilities across the Pixel 9 series. 

American tech giant Google has announced a surprising shift in its schedule for the annual Made by Google event, traditionally held in October. This year, the event will occur on 13 August at Google's Mountain View headquarters. The adjustment in timing is believed to be a strategic move to preempt Apple's expected iPhone 16 release in September and to minimize leaks about the highly anticipated Pixel 9 devices. Historically, Google has held its annual “Made by Google” event to launch the latest Pixel flagships in October. It all started on 04 October, 2016, and has continued with roughly this timeline ever since. One of the earliest events was in 2020, when Google launched the Pixel 5 and other devices on September 30. The event is also moving to Google HQ in Mountain View, California, after a few years in New York City. Clearly, there are big changes on the horizon.

The event's teaser, titled "AI...meet IX," offers a glimpse of the forthcoming Google Pixel IX and suggests significant new AI features. The teaser video, shared on YouTube, briefly showcases the Pixel IX against a dark backdrop. Google's decision to advance the event likely aims to sidestep competition with Apple's iPhone 16 and to control the narrative around the Pixel 9 amid on going leaks. We won’t know for sure for a while, but there are a few possibilities that immediately jump out. There’s the simple fact that Google’s next Tensor chip, G4, is more of a stopgap than anything else. 2025 will see the arrival of a fully custom Tensor chip made by TSMC, and G4 is rumoured to really just be a minor bump on top of the current Tensor G3. This should be fine, as Tensor G3 is holding up way better than the first two generations, but we really don’t know how much better it will be. Rumours claim that it will be better with heat and efficiency, and is also adopting an updated cellular modem that includes satellite support. So, given the minor upgrades, it may simply be that Google’s next Tensor chip will be ready for primetime a bit earlier than last year.

If all rumours come to pass and it certainly looks that way, there will be four new Pixel 9 models this year. The naming scheme seems like a mess, but if it’s priced correctly, this could be a excellent line up on Google’s part. But to have that much hardware hitting the market at once, especially for a company which holds down a small (but growing) portion of the smartphone market, seems insane. Google might just end up announcing everything at once, but trickling out the actual release over the course of a month or more. We certainly hope that, at least, given the same event is also fairly likely to deliver new Pixel Watch hardware and updated Pixel Buds.

Finally, there’s another reason Google might be pushing this launch up so early, and might be the most likely of all is AI. Google is pushing AI harder and harder as the company feels the pressure of competition, and Pixel is a key component of that push. Utilizing the otherwise quiet month of August gives Google a chance to show off new AI ideas on Pixel ahead of Apple’s next iPhones which, now, look to be packed with “Apple Intelligence.” Google has already teased these powerful new AI features are coming this year, such as Gemini Live. Despite efforts to maintain secrecy, details about the Pixel 9 have surfaced online. Google seems committed to unveiling the device officially, similar to its approach with the Pixel 8a, which was released earlier than expected before the Google I/O event.

Now the question is, which of these reasons might be Google’s inspiration? It’s probably a mix, and about a billion other factors. But user's overwhelmingly seem to think it’s a good idea to get the Pixel out earlier. It’s probably going to be a busy next few weeks about the Pixel related news. The Made by Google event will commence with a keynote at 10 a.m. PT (10:30 p.m. IST), followed by a hands-on product experience for attendees. This year's event is anticipated to highlight Google's advancements in AI, a domain where the company has been a significant player. Recently, Google introduced its AI chatbot, Gemini, and has been integrating AI across its product line up.

At the event, exact number of devices in the Pixel 9 series remains unspecified, rumours suggest the line up may include the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, a new Pixel Pro variant, and possibly a Pixel Fold, potentially named Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The Google Pixel 9 series is rumoured to feature substantial upgrades in design, performance and functionality. The Pixel 9 Pro models might be available in two sizes: a 6.1-inch standard model and a 6.7-inch XL model, both equipped with OLED displays offering high refresh rates. These displays are anticipated to provide vibrant and smooth visuals with excellent colour accuracy. The new design is rumoured to include a reduced camera bar in a vertical pill shape on the back. An expected feature is Adaptive Touch, which aims to improve how responsive the screen is under different environmental conditions and with various screen protectors. The Pixel 9 Pro is rumoured to be available in colours such as black, white, green and pink.

The Pixel 9 series will run on Google's custom Tensor G4 chip, co-developed with Samsung. This chip is anticipated to offer improved performance, better thermal efficiency and enhanced AI capabilities, representing a modest improvement from its predecessor. Additionally, the Pixel 9 Pro models are expected to offer up to 16GB of RAM, facilitating seamless multitasking and supporting AI-powered applications. As far as camera capabilities are concerned, it is expected that the Google Pixel 9 Pro models will sport a triple-lens configuration with advanced computational photography capabilities. Rumours suggest the inclusion of a sizable sensor on the camera module, enabling variable aperture to enhance performance in low-light conditions and creativity in photography. Enhanced AI functionalities such as the Magic Editor and innovative tools powered by Gemini Nano AI are anticipated to offer advanced options for editing both photos and videos.

Improved connectivity is also expected in the upcoming Google Pixel 9 series, aiming to resolve previous issues. These devices are anticipated to feature enhanced modem capabilities and satellite connectivity, similar to the iPhone's satellite-enabled Emergency SOS, thereby improving reliability in remote locations. They will launch with Android 15, introducing fresh software enhancements and a more cohesive hardware-software interaction. As the event approaches, excitement builds for what Google will reveal. The shift in timing not only avoids competition with Apple but also sets the stage for Google to showcase its latest innovations in AI and mobile technology for all it's users around the world.