Google’s recent ‘Made by Google’ event was all about artificial intelligence (AI). AI is now in your phone, your earbuds, your smartwatch—basically, everywhere Google could put it.
New Pixel Phones: AI at the Heart
Google unveiled its new line of Pixel phones, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and a foldable model, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. These phones run on Google’s Tensor G4 processors, which are specially made to handle AI tasks.
The AI in these phones is designed to understand text, images, and audio. Sounds impressive, but some might wonder if this is also a way for Google to collect even more of our data.
Pixel Buds Pro 2: AI in Your Earbuds
Google also introduced the Pixel Buds Pro 2, which, although they don’t have an AI chip, are designed to work with Google’s AI assistant, Gemini. You can have conversations with Gemini through the earbuds, even when your phone is locked and in your pocket. Earbuds that are always listening? Not sure that’s something everyone asked for, but here we are.
Pixel Watch 3: AI for Better Sleep
Next up, the Pixel Watch 3. This smartwatch uses AI to automatically detect when you’re sleeping and silence notifications during bedtime. That feature sounds pretty useful and less intrusive.
Android, Rebuilt with AI
Google isn’t just adding AI to its hardware—it’s rebuilding the Android operating system with AI at its core, specifically focusing on its new AI platform, Gemini. Google wants AI to be a natural part of your everyday phone experience.
What does that mean? For example, you’ll be able to ask Gemini questions while using any app, and if you give it access to your personal files—like emails—Gemini can help you with tasks like building a custom workout routine based on your conversations with a trainer. While this might sound convenient, some people worry about privacy, even though Google says your data will stay safe.
Why So Much AI?
Why is Google focusing so heavily on AI? Well, AI is the hot topic right now, and Google has had a few stumbles in the past (remember the pizza-ordering AI incident?). The company also faces tough competition from Apple and Meta.
Apple is integrating more AI features into its iPhones, and Meta has its AI assistant built into apps like Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger. Plus, new AI-powered search tools like SearchGPT are threatening Google’s dominance in search. So, Google needs to keep improving its AI to stay competitive.
What’s Next for Google?
With these new AI-powered devices and the redesigned Android system, Google is clearly pushing to gather more data to improve its AI models. But the big question is: will this AI revolution make our lives better, or is it just a way for Google to tighten its grip on our data and the tech world? Only time will tell.