Google will showcase new Pixel hardware on August 20 in New York

Indian Express

2 days ago

Google sent out invitations on Thursday to select media for an August 20 event in New York, where the company is expected to debut its new lineup of Pixel devices, including a foldable phone alongside other hardware.
The company typically unveils new Pixel phones and other devices each fall. Last year, Google launched the Pixel 9 series and smartwatches in August, ahead of Apple's iPhone debut in September.
The new Pixel 10 phones are expected to come in various screen sizes and configurations, likely resembling the Pixel 9 series. However, key upgrades are expected in the processor and camera. All Pixel 10 smartphones will be powered by Google's in-house Tensor G5 processor, which, for the first time, is said to be manufactured by Taiwan's TSMC, marking a shift from Samsung, which had previously handled Tensor chip production.
Among the Pixel 10 lineup, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold is expected to be the star of the show. However, it is unlikely to be as slim or lightweight as Samsung's recently announced Galaxy Z Fold 7. Like Samsung and other competitors, Google is expected to price its foldable phone at a premium.
Google's hardware chief, Rick Osterloh, was recently seen at Samsung's Unpacked event in New York. Google and Samsung have worked closely on several new AI features for the latest Galaxy Fold and Flip devices.
The Pixel 9 series was well-received, signaling that Google's hardware is improving. All new Pixel phones will run Android 16 and feature a bold new user interface, which was unveiled at Google's developer conference in May. Gemini AI integration will also be one of the key selling points of the new devices. Google may also unveil new smartwatches and a pair of wireless earbuds at its New York event next month.
Google has been in the smartphone business for years but is not widely seen as a direct competitor to Apple, at least in terms of public perception. However, the company holds a dominant position in the smartphone market through its Android operating system, which powers 91 per cent of smartphones worldwide.
In recent years, Google has become more aggressive with its own Pixel-branded smartphones, which are designed in-house and follow a model similar to Apple's approach with the iPhone. Despite Pixel phones accounting for just under 1 per cent of global smartphone shipments last year, the lineup remains strategically important to Google. While the Pixel may not bring high volumes for now, it serves as a showcase for Google's AI capabilities and software innovation, highlighting its leadership in artificial intelligence.
Lately, Pixel's design and hardware are becoming less of a priority. Instead, Google has shifted its focus toward integrating generative AI deeply into the Android ecosystem. Features like Gemini Live, a voice-powered conversational AI chatbot, demonstrate Google's software strengths. This focus on AI is even more critical now, as Apple is widely seen as trailing behind in the AI race.