Google will hold a major hardware event on August 13, about two months earlier than its previous fall "Made By Google" events. This event will launch Google's latest flagship product, Pixel 9, ahead of Apple's iPhone 16. Downcodes editors will give you an in-depth look at what the event may cover, including the highly anticipated Pixel 9, new features in Android 15, the future of Google Assistant, and products such as Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2. This event is not only a feast of hardware, but also heralds Google’s latest progress in the field of generative AI.
Google is scheduled to hold its next big hardware event on August 13 at 10 a.m. PT. This is about two months ahead of the "Made By Google" event, which usually takes place in the middle of the fall. It is worth noting that Google will announce its latest flagship product Pixel9 this time, ahead of Apple’s iPhone16.
Google has not yet given an explanation for the reshuffle. Maybe things are getting too confusing less than a month away from the most bizarre presidential election in modern American history. In the meantime, Google undoubtedly has a lot to talk about Gemini. These new devices will almost certainly debut key new generative AI features before the rest of the Android space.
In fact, Google made a conscious effort to differentiate its consumer-focused hardware offerings from its developer conference, announcing the budget-focused Pixel 8a just days before the event. It's worth noting that this year's most notable consumer-facing Android AI features didn't debut on Pixel devices first. Circle to Search first debuted on the Samsung Galaxy S24 in January.
Android15: New features and UI tweaks
The latest beta version of Android 14 (Beta 4) was just released last week. While I/O previewed some features, you'll have to wait until the August 13 event to see the final release. The latest version of the mobile operating system, codenamed "Vanilla Ice Cream" (these cute dessert names are still used internally), will bring new features and user interface tweaks.
Key features already announced include improved multitasking and satellite connectivity. Private Space, meanwhile, is an on-device incognito mode that brings additional authentication requirements for sensitive information. Improved Doze mode should improve device battery life.
The future of Google Assistant
The fate of Google Assistant has been an open question over the past few Gemini updates. Apparently, Google eventually wants its own GenAI to take over Android's most pressing tasks, but it's unclear whether that means directly replacing Assistant, or enhancing it like Apple did with Siri.
Users can currently use Gemini as their primary assistant if they choose, although Google ultimately did the right thing by not directly replacing Assistant.
Pixel Watch3 and Pixel Buds Pro2
The smart home category may have cooled off, but Google has been very bullish on wearables since acquiring Fitbit in 2020. The Pixel Watch 3 seems destined to get some showcase time at the August 13 event. The same goes for Pixel Buds Pro2.
The "Made by Google" event will begin on August 13th at 10am PT. Stay tuned for more information.
All in all, Google’s hardware launch on August 13th will be another milestone event in the field of Android and AI. The editor of Downcodes will continue to pay attention and bring the latest reports, so stay tuned!