Google launches first AI-powered Android update, new Pixel 9 phones and gadgets lineup

Google on Tuesday unveiled new AI features for Android devices, alongside its latest Pixel 9 smartphones. The company is intensifying its efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into its hardware, aiming to get ahead of competitors like Apple.

The introduction of the Gemini AI assistant on supported devices highlights Google’s push to bring its AI capabilities directly to users before Apple rolls out similar features across its iPhones, Macs, and iPads later this year.

While Google’s hardware division doesn’t contribute significantly to its overall revenue, these new Android updates might boost income through the Gemini AI subscription service.

In a blog post on Tuesday, Google said: “For years, we’ve relied on digital assistants to set timers, play music, or control our smart homes. This technology has made it easier to get things done and saved valuable minutes each day.”

“We’ve reimagined the assistant with Gemini, allowing for more natural interactions. It understands your intent, follows your thought process, and handles complex tasks,” said Sameer Samat, President of Android Ecosystem.

As of today, users can access Gemini’s overlay feature on top of any app to ask questions about the content on their screen. According to Google, this will be available on hundreds of phone models from various manufacturers.

This event, held at Alphabet’s Mountain View, California headquarters, marks a shift from Google’s usual schedule of unveiling new Pixel models in the fall. The decision to release the Pixel 9 earlier appears to be a strategic move to stay competitive in the race to integrate AI into consumer products, ahead of Apple’s upcoming iPhone launch in September.

In June, Apple announced that its latest devices, including new iPhones, would come equipped with “Apple Intelligence,” a suite of AI-powered features and ChatGPT integration.

“We’ve seen a flurry of AI announcements recently. Google can’t afford to delay,” said Linn Huang, an analyst at IDC.

New Pixel 9 phones, Pixel Watch 3, and More

Among the AI enhancements revealed on Tuesday is a feature exclusive to Pixel devices that allows users to search for information within screenshots. Android users can also use Gemini as an overlay on top of other apps to get answers or generate content.

Google also introduced its new lineup of “Pixel” phones, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, all equipped with Gemini AI features.

The Pixel 9 series comes with a brighter screen for better outdoor visibility, an upgraded camera, and Google’s latest Tensor G4 processor paired with 16GB of RAM to support AI functionalities. The amount of memory, or RAM, plays a significant role in a phone’s ability to handle AI tasks, something Google has emphasized.

In contrast, only the most recent high-end iPhones can run Apple Intelligence, likely due to lower memory in older models.

The Pixel 9 starts at $799, which is $100 more than its predecessor, reflecting a broader trend of rising smartphone prices. The Pixel 9 Pro, which includes a free year of the “Gemini Advanced” subscription, starts at $999, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL is priced at $1,099. The foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold comes in at $1,799.

The Pixel 9, featuring a 6.3-inch display, will start shipping later this month, with the Pixel 9 Pro XL following suit. The Pixel 9 Pro and the foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be available in September.