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Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL Released with AI-Driven Features and Superior Display Unveiled

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Google has unveiled the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL, highlighting advanced AI capabilities, cutting-edge camera systems, and vibrant displays. Powered by the Tensor G4 chip, these devices offer improved performance and functionality. Built with durability and sustainability in mind, they feature recycled materials and plastic-free packaging.

Designer: Google

The Pixel 9 series is powered by the new Tensor G4 chip, which brings advanced AI capabilities to the forefront. With Gemini Nano’s Multimodality, the phones can effortlessly understand text, images, and audio, providing a more seamless AI experience. One of the standout features is Gemini Live, which lets you have natural, flowing conversations with your phone or Pixel Buds, perfect for planning events or brainstorming ideas. Plus, handy tools like Pixel Screenshots help you keep track of important information, and the improved Pixel Weather app delivers accurate, AI-powered weather updates to help you plan your day.

Design and Display

The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL feature a sleek, sculpted design with the iconic camera bar taking center stage. Both phones are crafted with a silky matte glass back and polished metal sides, offering a premium feel. The Pixel 9 Pro, with its 6.3-inch Super Actua display, measures 6 inches in height (152.4 mm), 2.8 inches in width (71.12 mm), and 0.3 inches in thickness (7.62 mm), and weighs 7 ounces (198.4 grams). It’s compact yet powerful. Meanwhile, the Pixel 9 Pro XL offers a larger 6.8-inch Super Actua display, measuring 6.4 inches in height (162.56 mm), 3 inches in width (76.2 mm), and 0.3 inches in thickness (7.62 mm), with a weight of 7.8 ounces (221.1 grams), providing a bigger screen for those who prefer more display real estate.

The displays are some of the brightest and most vivid in their class. The Pixel 9 Pro boasts a 6.3-inch LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 1280 x 2856 pixels and 495 PPI, capable of reaching up to 2000 nits in HDR and 3000 nits peak brightness. The Pixel 9 Pro XL features a 6.8-inch LTPO OLED display with a resolution of 1344 x 2992 pixels and 486 PPI, offering the same brightness capabilities. Both displays support a smooth refresh rate of 1-120Hz and feature Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for enhanced durability.

Performance and Battery

The Google Tensor G4 chip powers both models, which were developed in collaboration with Google DeepMind. This processor is optimized for running advanced AI models, enabling faster app launches, seamless browsing, and enhanced AI-driven features. The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL come with 16 GB of RAM and storage options ranging from 128 GB to 1 TB, ensuring ample space for all your needs.

Battery life is robust. The Pixel 9 Pro houses a typical 4700 mAh battery, providing over 24 hours of usage and up to 100 hours with Extreme Battery Saver mode. The Pixel 9 Pro XL, with its larger 5060 mAh battery, offers similar endurance. Both models support fast charging, achieving up to 55% and 70% charge, respectively, in about 30 minutes using the Google 45W USB-C charger, sold separately. Wireless charging and Battery Share features add further convenience.

Camera Capabilities

The Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL share a pro triple rear camera system that sets a new standard for smartphone photography. The setup includes a 50 MP wide camera with an ƒ/1.68 aperture, a 48 MP ultrawide camera with Macro Focus, and a 48 MP telephoto lens offering 5x optical zoom and up to 30x Super Res Zoom. These cameras are equipped with advanced features like optical and electronic image stabilization, a multi-zone LDAF sensor, and a spectral and flicker sensor to ensure crisp and clear images in any condition.

Cameras: 50 MP wide with ƒ/1.68 aperture, a 48 MP ultrawide with Macro Focus, and a 48 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and up to 30x Super Res Zoom

The front camera is a 42 MP Dual PD selfie camera with an ƒ/2.2 aperture and a 103-degree ultrawide field of view, designed for sharper and brighter selfies, even in low light.

Video capabilities are equally impressive, with the rear camera capable of 8K video recording at 30 FPS, powered by Video Boost, and 4K video recording at up to 60 FPS. The front camera supports 4K video at 30/60 FPS. Features like Night Sight Video, Super Res Zoom Video, and various stabilization options ensure high-quality video capture.

Pixel Studio is a unique feature that allows users to create images from scratch on their phone, powered by a diffusion model and the Imagen 3 text-to-image model. The camera system includes advanced features like Add Me, which ensures no one is left out of group photos, and Magic Editor’s Reimagine and Auto Frame tools for enhanced editing capabilities.

Comparison with Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro XL

The improvements are clear when comparing the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL to the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro XL. The Pixel 9 series offers a brighter and more vibrant display, enhanced by Super Actua technology, with significant camera resolution and feature upgrades. The new Tensor G4 chip provides faster and more efficient processing compared to the previous generation Tensor G3 chip.

In terms of design, the Pixel 9 series adopts a more refined and durable build, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and increased use of recycled materials. The battery life has also seen improvements, offering longer usage times with faster charging capabilities.

Overall, the Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL present a significant step forward, offering users a powerful, feature-rich smartphone experience. These enhancements make the new Pixel 9 series a compelling choice for those seeking cutting-edge technology with a focus on sustainability and performance. With prices starting at $999 for the Pixel 9 Pro and $1,099 for the Pixel 9 Pro XL, both models provide a range of options to suit different preferences and needs.

The post Google Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Pro XL Released with AI-Driven Features and Superior Display Unveiled first appeared on Yanko Design.

Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: The Thinnest, Brighter, and More Powerful Foldable

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Google has unveiled the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a device that combines the functionality of a high-performance smartphone with the expansive capabilities of a tablet. This new addition to the Pixel family sets a new standard for versatility in mobile devices.

Designer: Google

Pixel 9 Pro Fold: 8-inch (204 mm) Super Actua Flex display (LTPO) and 2076 x 2152 OLED at 373 PPI

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features a sleek design and innovative technology. When folded, it mirrors the size and thickness of the Pixel 9 Pro, making it both compact and portable. Its dimensions are impressive: when folded, it measures 6.1 inches in height, 3 inches in width, and 0.4 inches (10.16 mm) in thickness. Unfolding the device reveals an 8-inch Super Actua Flex display, the largest on any foldable phone, with a resolution of 2076 x 2152 pixels at 373 PPI. This stunning display is 80% brighter than the previous generation, reaching up to 1,600 nits in HDR mode and up to 2,700 nits in peak brightness, making it ideal for everything from entertainment to productivity.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s design is built for durability and elegance. It features a luxurious metal frame with seamless rounded corners and is protected by scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass Victus 2. This construction ensures the device can withstand everyday wear and tear while maintaining a sophisticated appearance. The hinge is crafted from multi-alloy steel with an aerospace-grade high-strength aluminum alloy cover, providing structural integrity and a smooth folding experience.

Underneath its polished exterior, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is powered by Google’s Tensor G4 chip, a fourth-generation processor designed in collaboration with Google DeepMind. This chip optimizes the device for AI-driven tasks, enhancing everyday activities such as web browsing, streaming, photography, and videography with minimal battery impact. The device is equipped with 16 GB of RAM, providing ample memory for smooth multitasking and seamless performance, especially when handling the complex demands of foldable technology.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s camera system is equally impressive. It features a triple rear camera setup with a 48 MP wide lens, a 10.5 MP ultrawide lens with Macro Focus, and a 10.8 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and up to 20x Super Res Zoom. This setup allows users to capture stunning images and videos with incredible detail and clarity, regardless of the setting.

Triple rear camera with a 48 MP wide lens, 10.5 MP ultrawide lens with Macro Focus, and a 10.8 MP telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom and up to 20x Super Res Zoom

Battery performance is robust. With a typical capacity of 4,650 mAh, the device offers more than 24 hours of usage and up to 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver mode. The device supports fast charging via a 45W USB-C charger and wireless charging. To ensure optimal performance, Google has introduced a new vapor chamber cooling system in the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, maintaining peak performance even during intensive use.

Moreover, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is the first in the Android lineup to feature Satellite SOS, enabling users to contact emergency services and share their location even when cellular service is unavailable. Initially available in the U.S., this feature provides peace of mind for those venturing into remote areas.

Pre-orders for the Pixel 9 Pro Fold are now open. Prices start at $1,799 or $49.97 per month, with 36-month financing before trade-in. Customers can choose from Porcelain and Obsidian colors and choose between 256 GB and 512 GB storage options. The unlocked version works with any major carrier, providing flexibility for users who want to switch networks. As a special offer, Google is providing $500 back on the device and $350 in Google Store credit for purchases made by Sept. 7.

Comparing the Pixel 9 Pro Fold to its predecessor reveals several enhancements that make it a worthy upgrade. In terms of design and build, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is more compact and portable, with a weight of 9.1 ounces (approximately 258 grams), making it lighter than the previous model. Its luxurious metal frame, seamless rounded corners, and scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass Victus 2 provide enhanced durability. The hinge is crafted from multi-alloy steel with an aerospace-grade aluminum cover, offering better structural integrity and smoother folding mechanics than the previous Pixel Fold.

The display of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a significant improvement over its predecessor. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold features an 8-inch Super Actua Flex display with a resolution of 2076 x 2152 pixels at 373 PPI, which is 80% brighter than the previous generation, reaching up to 1,600 nits in HDR mode and 2,700 nits peak brightness. The external cover display is a 6.3-inch Actua display with a resolution of 1080 x 2424 pixels and a peak brightness of 2,700 nits. In contrast, the previous Pixel Fold had a smaller 7.6-inch main display with a resolution of 2208 x 1768 pixels at 370 PPI, reaching lower brightness levels and making it less visible in bright conditions. The cover display on the older model was also smaller, at 5.8 inches, with a resolution of 2092 x 1080 pixels.

Pixel Fold

Performance and features have also seen a boost with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. It is powered by the Google Tensor G4 chip and equipped with 16 GB of RAM, which allows for better multitasking and overall performance. The advanced triple rear camera system has improved sensors and zoom capabilities, setting it apart from the previous Pixel Fold’s camera system, which had fewer features and lower resolution sensors.

Powered by the G4 powerful chip and 16 GB of RAM

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold offers battery and durability improvements. It offers a 4,650 mAh battery capacity with extended battery life, supporting over 24 hours of usage and up to 72 hours with Extreme Battery Saver. The device is twice as durable as its predecessor, featuring Gorilla Glass Victus 2 for better protection against damage. Additionally, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold introduces a new vapor chamber cooling system, which provides more advanced thermal management than the previous model.

When compared to the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold holds its own with a folded thickness of 0.4 inches (10.16 mm) and an unfolded thickness of 0.2 inches (5.08 mm). This is thinner than the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, which is typically about 0.51 inches (13 mm) thick when folded and 0.22 inches (5.6 mm) when unfolded. The previous generation Pixel Fold was 0.5 inches (12.7 mm) thick when folded and 0.24 inches (6.1 mm) thick when unfolded, making the Pixel 9 Pro Fold a notable advancement in slimness and portability. These refinements highlight Google’s focus on achieving a more elegant and user-friendly foldable device.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a significant upgrade over the previous Pixel Fold, offering enhancements in almost every aspect of physical hardware. The improved design, brighter and larger display, enhanced performance with the Tensor G4 chip, superior camera system, and increased durability make it a compelling choice for users seeking a foldable phone that meets modern demands. With these upgrades, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a worthy successor, addressing many of the limitations of its predecessor while introducing new features and capabilities. For more details on availability and specifications, visit Google’s official website.

The post Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold: The Thinnest, Brighter, and More Powerful Foldable first appeared on Yanko Design.

Made by Google Event 2024: Pixel 9 Fold, Buds Pro 2, and Watch 3 Launch Details

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Happy Mobile Monday! We’re thrilled you’ve taken the time to visit us today. As we look forward to tomorrow’s Made by Google event, excitement fills the air for tech enthusiasts and Google fans alike. The tech giant plans to unveil its latest lineup of Pixel products, which promise to dazzle with hardware specs and redefine user interaction through cutting-edge software and AI enhancements. This year, Google aims to enhance how its hardware works with intelligent software, creating experiences beyond basic functionality.

Designer: Google

Tomorrow, Google’s Mountain View campus will buzz with activity as the company reveals the Pixel 9 series, Pixel Buds Pro 2, and the Pixel Watch 3. Each device is expected to incorporate Google’s latest innovations, showcasing the company’s dedication to improving the user experience through design and intelligent software. However, the real star of the show might be Google’s AI capabilities, integrated across these devices to create a seamless and intuitive experience.

A New Era of Pixel Phones

The Pixel 9 series will likely be the centerpiece of tomorrow’s announcements. This year’s lineup includes the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, all powered by the latest Tensor G4 chip. These phones promise impressive specs and deeper integration with Google’s AI, transforming how users interact with their devices. Features like enhanced photo processing, real-time language translation, and AI-powered predictive text are just the beginning.

Pixel 9 Pro Fold

The Pixel 9 and its Pro variants are expected to come with advanced camera systems, making photography a key focus. Rumors suggest improvements in low-light performance, better optical zoom, and new software features that leverage AI to improve image quality and editing capabilities. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a significant leap from the previous Pixel Fold, is expected to offer enhanced multitasking capabilities with its larger screen real estate, making it ideal for power users.

Pixel 9 Pro

Next-Level Audio with Pixel Buds Pro 2

Google’s new Pixel Buds Pro 2, debuting at the Made by Google event, promises to be a noteworthy addition to the Pixel ecosystem. According to numerous leaks and rumors, the earbuds will feature wings for a secure grip, maintaining the stemless aesthetic of the current generation, unlike the Galaxy Buds 3 Pro, which has adopted a stem design similar to AirPods. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 display unit has already appeared at a Reddit user’s store, offering a glimpse into the upcoming model.

Google Pixel Buds Pro 2

The new earbuds will be a subtle upgrade to the previous version, with improvements that keep them competitive with options like the Sony WF-1000XM5 and Bose QuietComfort Earbuds II. They will be smaller than the current Pro model, making them comfortable for those with small ears, and the wingtip is slightly larger for a more secure fit. This new design will also be color-matched with options including Raspberry, Mojito, Porcelain, and Haze.

Additionally, the case will be smaller, making it easier to carry in a pocket. A small speaker mesh at the bottom likely supports the Find My Device feature, ensuring you can locate them quickly if misplaced. These earbuds are expected to integrate seamlessly with Pixel devices, enhancing features like real-time language translation and hands-free control via Google Assistant. The new Tensor A1 audio chip will double the active noise cancellation capabilities, providing a significant upgrade in audio quality for users who need to block out ambient noise.

Wearable Tech: Pixel Watch 3

The Pixel Watch 3 will also debut, offering users a refined wearable experience. This iteration is rumored to introduce a larger XL model to accommodate users who prefer a bigger display. The watch is expected to feature a brighter display, improved battery life, and ultra-wideband (UWB) technology support, enhancing features like precise device tracking.

The Pixel Watch 3 aims to build on its predecessor’s health and fitness capabilities, possibly integrating new fitness features developed in tandem with the Pixel Buds Pro 2. Users can look forward to a more comprehensive suite of health monitoring tools, making it a valuable companion for those who prioritize wellness.

Google AI: The Real Game Changers

While the hardware is undeniably exciting, the software and AI advancements will steal the show. Google plans to introduce Android 15, which includes features designed to enhance security and privacy, such as Private Space and Theft Detection Lock. These features highlight Google’s focus on safeguarding user data while offering new functionalities that make devices smarter and more responsive.

Google’s AI initiative, Gemini, will be showcased with new tools that integrate seamlessly into the Pixel ecosystem. These tools, branded under “Google AI,” will include innovative features like “Add Me,” which allows users to add faces to group photos, and “Pixel Screenshots,” which extract information from screenshots. Integrating AI across devices will create a unified user experience, allowing smoother transitions between tasks and more intuitive interactions.

As Google continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible with AI, these advancements are set to redefine user expectations and establish new benchmarks in the industry. The focus on AI reflects a broader trend in tech, where companies increasingly leverage intelligent systems to deliver more personalized and efficient services.

Join Us for the Excitement

The Made by Google event is an exciting moment for the company as it showcases its latest technology. With the launch of the Pixel 9 series, Pixel Buds Pro 2, and Pixel Watch 3, Google is introducing products designed to make everyday life easier and more connected. As we look forward to these announcements, it’s evident that the future of technology is about creating devices and software that work together effortlessly to improve our daily experiences.

Join us to see these exciting new products up close. The event will be streamed live on Google’s official website and YouTube channel at 10 a.m. PST (1 p.m. EST) on August 13. Yanko Design will be covering the event, bringing you the latest news and insights on Google’s innovations. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch how Google is shaping the future of technology.

The post Made by Google Event 2024: Pixel 9 Fold, Buds Pro 2, and Watch 3 Launch Details first appeared on Yanko Design.

Google’s Official ‘Made by Google’ Event on August 13: Here’s What the Pixel 9 Pro and Fold Look Like

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With Google officially announcing the “Made by Google” event on Aug. 13, excitement is high for the new Pixel lineup. This year, Google is shaking things up by revealing the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro series earlier than usual, likely aiming to capture attention before the expected iPhone 16 launch in September.

Designer: Google

In addition to the Pixel 9 Pro, Google is also unveiling the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, accompanied by a Gemini-linked teaser video. While leaks have provided glimpses of these devices, Google’s announcement finally puts to rest any speculation about their appearance and names. The teaser video highlights the double-stacked lenses on the rear camera module and the exterior screen and hinge design.

The Pixel 9 Pro Fold marks a noticeable change from its predecessor. It adopts a taller and narrower profile than the original’s short and wide passport-style form factor. This new design aligns more closely with devices like the OnePlus Open, offering a larger, more practical outer display that enhances usability.

One of the most striking changes is removing Google’s signature camera bar. The first-generation Pixel Fold featured a prominent, elongated camera bar, while the Pixel 9 Pro Fold opted for a new, more streamlined camera housing. This redesign provides a cleaner aesthetic and ensures the phone remains stable when laid flat.

Examining the new model’s inner display, there’s still a noticeable crease, although it appears less prominent. The screen ratio has shifted to a taller and narrower format, with slimmer bezels for a more modern look. However, this change includes an inner camera cutout on the upper-left part of the display instead of being part of the bezel, which might not please everyone.

The first-generation Pixel Fold’s short and wide design made it a great one-handed device despite its weight. However, its cover screen was often too wide to comfortably hold for extended periods. In contrast, the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold’s taller form factor should enhance ease of use and portability.

A potential concern with the new model is its slightly smaller battery capacity of 4,560mAh compared to the first Fold’s 4,727mAh. Given that the original wasn’t known for its battery longevity, this reduction might raise some concerns. However, Google’s latest Tensor processor promises efficiency gains that could help mitigate this issue.

Alongside these design changes, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has a new 45-watt USB-C charger. This new charger, which sports a more rounded design than its predecessors, is part of Google’s effort to improve charging speeds and overall user convenience.

Having used the first-generation Pixel Fold extensively, I can attest to its decent quality despite its drawbacks, such as dim screen brightness, subpar speakers, and limited app optimization. With the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Google can address these issues and deliver a more refined and competitive product.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold represents a significant step forward in design and functionality. By transitioning from the unique but bulky passport form factor to a more practical and user-friendly design, Google is making strides to compete more effectively in the foldable phone market. We’ll have to wait and see how Google plans to structure the pricing this time, but here’s hoping the new model looks impressive and delivers on performance and user experience.

The post Google’s Official ‘Made by Google’ Event on August 13: Here’s What the Pixel 9 Pro and Fold Look Like first appeared on Yanko Design.

Google Unveils Pixel 8 Lineup and More at Its Latest Hardware Showdown

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On Wednesday, Google unveiled its latest products and software updates during the ‘Made by Google’ event. The new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones stole the show, featuring the advanced Tensor G3 chip, which Google claims is their most powerful chip yet. With this new chipset, both devices offer numerous AI features, making the Pixel 8’s machine learning model ten times more complex than the previous model, the Pixel 7.

This year, Google has kept the iconic design of the Pixel while making some subtle changes. The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro feature rounded corners, giving them a softer look. Both models are available in unique colors such as Hazel, Rose, Obsidian, Porcelain, and a new blue color called Bay. The matte finish on the back of the Pixel 8 Pro adds a touch of elegance.

Google has introduced several new features to enhance its user experience. In addition to its existing innovations, the Call Screen feature can now effectively filter out spam calls, while the Clear Calling and Audio Magic Eraser features ensure clear audio and video communication. Furthermore, Google Assistant has improved its capabilities, allowing it to summarize text from websites and create summaries of audio captured in the Recorder app. This ensures that voice-generated messages are quicker and smoother for users.

The displays have been ramped up in brightness, reaching up to 2,400 nits on the Pixel 8 Pro, ensuring crystal-clear visibility indoors and outdoors. The smaller Pixel 8 now operates at a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, matching the fluidity traditionally reserved for more premium models.

In the camera department, the Pixel 8 sports a robust 50-megapixel main camera, while the Pro variant pushes the envelope with a 48-megapixel Quad PD ultrawide and telephoto lens, coupled with Google’s image-processing prowess to capture stunning visuals.

Inside, the phones house the new Tensor G3 chip, marking the third generation of Google’s in-house silicon. While the performance boost wasn’t overly emphasized, the real deal lies in the enhanced AI processing capabilities, promising a smarter smartphone experience.

Google promises an unprecedented seven years of security and feature updates, reinforced by camera and mic toggles, Google One VPN, and a Titan M2 security coprocessor.

Moving on to wearables, the Pixel Watch 2 made a grand entrance with a sleek design and enhanced health and fitness tracking features. The watch now boasts a new multi-path heart rate sensor and a body-response sensor, helping users stay on top of their wellness game.

The Pixel Buds Pro also made a cameo with new color variants and features like a low-latency mode and Conversation Detection to enrich the audio experience.

On the software frontier, Android 14 was rolled out with a focus on customization and enhanced accessibility settings. Additionally, the Assistant is set to become more intuitive and handy with integrating Bard AI, aiming to provide a more seamless user experience across various apps and services.

Google’s latest additions to their product line showcase their signature blend of modern design and advanced software capabilities. The Pixel devices and Pixel Watch 2 cater to photography enthusiasts, tech geeks, and anyone seeking a reliable and intuitive companion, providing an elevated user experience.

The post Google Unveils Pixel 8 Lineup and More at Its Latest Hardware Showdown first appeared on Yanko Design.

Pixel 6 Launch: Google gives us a deep-dive into the new Pixel’s refreshed product design

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It’s rare for Silicon Valley companies to actually explain their design choices and decisions to their customers. Google flouted convention by beginning their Pixel Fall Launch keynote with a pretty comprehensive look at how they designed their latest flagship phone, from its hardware right down to its software.

Just yesterday Apple had us baffled with their MacBooks bringing back ports, connectors, and keyboard elements that Apple took away 5 years ago. Apple’s design process has always been a complete mystery, so it was really odd to see them finally walking back on their past design decisions and bringing MagSafe, HDMI, the SD Card slot, and the Function keys back to their MacBooks. While the Cupertino giant has a reputation of being shrouded by secrecy, Google on the other hand is perceived as much more open, forthcoming, and vocal… After all, they deliberately leaked their own Pixel 6 design MONTHS before it actually launched.

Just 10 minutes into the Pixel 6 reveal, head of hardware Rick Osterloh hands the stage to designer Isabelle Olson to talk about the Pixel 6’s design. Isabelle mentions the Pixel 6’s redesign on the back involves highlighting its breakout feature – its camera. With a bar running across the screen almost like a highlighter running across important text, the Pixel 6’s camera is the first thing you look at.

“So the Industrial Design team designed the phone to celebrate the camera”, Isabel mentions. “The camera bar brings a clean, symmetrical design that puts the camera front and center.” The bar, as strange as it looked back when the images were first leaked, is now an icon of the Pixel’s not-so-subtle evolution, and provides the perfect separating element for the phone’s dual-color back. The Pixel phones originally pioneered this with their split-tone design that had two different colors on the top and bottom of the phone’s rear surface. With the Pixel 6, that split-tone design gets a hearty refresh, with a black belt adding its fair share of contrast in the middle. The phones instantly look refreshing, and are immediately recognizable (a feature that really helps in a market where all smartphones are beginning to look alike).

The Pixel 6 comes in two variants, a 6 and a 6 Pro, which are different sized, and have slightly different designs, but are unified by the same visual language, UI, and the Tensor chip inside the phone. The 6 sports a black metal armature, with 3 color variants with their signature quirky names – Sorta Seafoam, Kinda Coral, and Stormy Black. The 6 Pro, on the other hand, has a more chrome armature (the team used jewelry references to highlight the differences between the Pro and regular models), and comes in Cloudy White, Sorta Sunny, and Stormy Black.

A concern I had earlier with the Pixel 6’s odd camera bump (it’s now referred to a camera bar) was how it made case-design impossible, or rather, difficult to elegantly execute. To subvert these worries, Google even released its own set of cases with a slightly tinted frosted design, matching colors with the phone you have underneath. When paired correctly, the case would actually complement the phone and highlight its color palette rather than being an obstructive piece of plastic that’s only purpose was to protect the phone. The cases, Isabelle claims, are also designed out of recycled plastic (the phone’s chassis is made from recycled aluminum too), helping further Google’s mission to build devices that have a minimal negative impact on the environment. From what it looks like, though, the cases don’t do much to protect the Pixel’s camera bar from direct impact, although that’s the kind of thing you find out months after customers actually buy and use the phones.

Moving onto software, Google has big plans for the Pixel thanks to how powerful its Tensor SoC is designed to be. The new chip unlocks a new era of Material Design that Google calls Material You. Instead of having you adjust to your phone’s settings, Material You has the phone adjust to YOU. For starters, the entire screen’s color palette changes to match your wallpaper, giving you an experience that’s unified. Widgets, icons, and elements complement your theme and they change when you change your wallpaper too. The phone also understands context exceptionally well, serving you up with the information you need right when you need it, from your fitness app’s stats while you’re jogging, to your boarding pass while you’re heading for a flight. As Rick Osterloh keeps reiterating, the Pixel 6 is a completely new take on smartphones, both inside as well as out.

Designer: Google

Watch the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro video below.





Google Pixel 6 leaked images show a smartphone with a ‘camera belt’ instead of a bump

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When John Prosser leaks or predicts something, one usually takes it with a grain of salt. He’s been right about a bunch of designs, including the colorful iMacs, the AirTags, and even the AirPods Max, but he missed it with the Pixel 5, and even made a pretty big bet about the date of Apple’s Spring Loaded event this year. A bet which he lost and had to shave his eyebrows on YouTube for. However, taking things in his stride, Prosser is back for yet another prediction/leak which he feels is right on point. It’s the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, which Google is slated to release this year… with Google’s first homemade silicone chip on the inside to rival Apple’s M1, and more noticeably, a whopper of a camera bump.

I wouldn’t really call this a bump because it’s so wide and protruding, it’s practically a shelf. Prosser claims these images are as legit as they come, because they’re based on actual leaked photos from his inside source. Deciding it was better to protect the source by creating fresh 3D renders rather than just circulating those leaked images, Prosser collaborated with Ian Zelbo to bring the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro to life. Now I’ll be much more critical of Google’s strategy when the phone actually drops (because Google did such a horribly half-assed job with the Pixel 5 last year, drawing the ire of many Android lovers… me included), so let’s just look at these renders for what they are. According to Prosser, Google’s working on two phones, the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro (they ditched the XL name). The smaller 6 has a dual-camera setup on the back, while the slightly taller Pro opts for 3 cameras. The Pixel’s design language has been famous for its color-blocking design, with the upper half being glossy and black, and the lower half being a variety of colors and finishes. This concept develops on that original style, adding a band of black running between the upper and lower blocks.

Objectively speaking, the band protrudes at least 2-3 millimeters from the phone’s back, making it look almost like a belt or a shelf emerging from the phone. Subjectively, it kind of makes the phone look like a criminal – serves them right for stealing the ‘Pro’ nomenclature from Apple! However, that really isn’t an indictment on the phone’s design itself, it gives the Pixel a strong new character, which makes sense, because this is a new era for the Pixel.

Prosser further breaks down the renders, talking about how the two phones come in different colors too. The smaller Pixel 6 has an orange band on top and a pure white block at the bottom. The Pro version, however, ditches the white bottom for an orange-tinted white. Prosser also mentions the presence of a Champagne-Gold Pixel 6 Pro (the first image in this article) that I personally really love.

The renders are as close as possible to the leaked images Prosser has his hands on. In fact, it even exactly mimics the wallpaper and widget on the screen. The screen even comes with a centrally aligned hole-punch camera, and we still have no word on whether there’s an in-screen fingerprint reader, so the jury’s still out on that. Interestingly though, the final image in this piece has the Pixel 6 sitting beside a rather interesting-looking smartwatch. Could it be the highly anticipated Pixel smartwatch?? Let’s wait till Google’s product event to find out!

Image Credits: Jon Prosser & Ian Zelbo

Google teases image of what the Nest Home smart-speaker will look like in 2020

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Even though the Pixel 4a didn’t pan out the way Google wanted to, the rest of the company’s hardware seems to be on track. Images of the new Nest Home speaker inadvertently leaked online during regulatory filings, so Google decided to release a much more cosmetic-looking official photo of what the new Nest smart speaker would look like. The image (which can be found immediately below) was provided to The Verge, and was used as a framework for the renders created by Yanko Design (above and at the end of the article).

The new Nest speaker kind of sits between the large Google Home Max speaker and the small, dottish Nest Mini. There isn’t much clarity on what color options Google will be looking at, although the blue displayed in the images sort of ties in with Pantone’s Color Of The Year (Google released a coral-colored Nest Mini last year to match the 2019 Pantone COTY too). Apart from that, the standard grey and anthracite seem to be Google’s go-to hues.

Details on the speaker’s hardware are scant at the moment, but it looks like the new Nest Home 2020 smart speaker should be a sort of spiritual successor to the Google Home which released in 2016. The Nest Home 2020 (we’re yet to see if it’ll be called that) should make its appearance at the company’s Made By Google event later this year.

Designer: Google

Supplementary Images by Sarang Sheth

What to expect at the Made By Google event next week

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We're less than a week away from Google's hardware event in New York, and Team Engadget will be there to report live from the ground. The leaks and even official reports on Google's next smartphones have been relentless, so much so that we've l...