Google’s highly anticipated “Made by Google” event is just around the corner, set to take place on Tuesday, August 13, 2024. This annual hardware event is expected to showcase the latest and greatest from Google’s Pixel, aka, the Pixel 9 series. It won’t be a Made by Google event if most of it hasn’t been leaked to death already. It’s the same story again. We have a fairly good idea of what to expect at the event.
Regardless, the 2024 Made by Google event is shaping up to be one of the most exciting hardware showcases yet, more so for India since, Google is readying to launch its first foldable in the country very soon. On the flip side, it seems Google might skip a Pixel or two, and bring only a select few to the Indian market. For those wondering, Google usually launches a pair of Pixel smartphones. This year, it is expected to launch more. There is no surety on other hardware, too, if at all that’s coming just yet. But we’ll know soon enough.
Made By Google event: How to watch keynote livestream
The Made by Google 2024 Pixel 9 series launch event is set for August 13. It starts airing at 10 am PT (Pacific Time) which translates to 10:30 pm in IST (Indian Standard Time) from Mountain View, California. The livestream will be available on YouTube. For your convenience, we’re embedding the live video link below.
Made By Google event: Top 5 things to expect
From the new Pixel 9 series and Pixel 9 Pro Fold to the refreshed Pixel Buds Pro 2 and Pixel Watch 3, Google seems poised to deliver cutting-edge technology that could redefine the smartphone and wearable markets. Here are the top five announcements we’re looking forward to.
1. Launch of the Pixel 9
The star of the show will undoubtedly be the official launch of the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. Google has confirmed that these flagship smartphones will take centre stage, introducing several new features and upgrades. The Pixel 9 is expected to come in two variants: a standard Pixel 9 and a Pixel 9 Pro version available in two sizes—a larger 6.8-inch (Pixel 9 Pro XL) model and a smaller 6.3-inch variant. This marks the first time Google offers Pro features in multiple sizes. Both models are tipped to come with flat edges and a rounded camera module, or visor in Google Pixel parlance.
Leaked specs suggest that the Pixel 9 will come equipped with the new G4 Tensor chip, 12GB of RAM, and a 6.3-inch display. The Pro models will step up with 16GB of RAM and options for up to 1TB of storage. On the camera front, the Pixel 9 is expected to feature a 50-megapixel main camera, a 48MP ultrawide lens, and a 10.5MP selfie camera. The Pro models are rumoured to include a 50MP main camera, 48MP ultrawide, 48MP telephoto, and a 42MP front-facing camera. Google is also expected to introduce a satellite SOS feature similar to the one seen in newer iPhones. Additionally, there are rumours of an ultrasonic fingerprint sensor, which could address some of the issues with the existing optical under-display solution seen on current devices.
2. Introduction of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold
Alongside the Pixel 9 series, Google is set to unveil the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a successor to last year’s Pixel Fold. The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is rumoured to feature a taller and slimmer design (broadly in line with the OnePlus Open), with an updated squircle-shaped camera housing on the rear. The foldable phone is expected to offer a 6.3-inch cover display and a larger 8-inch inner screen, compared to the 5.8-inch outer and 7.6-inch inner displays on its predecessor. Leaks indicate that the Pixel 9 Pro Fold will be thinner than the previous model, measuring 5.1mm when unfolded and 10.5mm when folded.
The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is also rumoured to come with the G4 Tensor chip, 16GB of RAM, and a camera setup that includes a 48MP main camera, 10.5MP ultrawide lens, and 10.8MP telephoto sensor.
3. Refresh of the Pixel Buds Pro 2
The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are expected to come with several design tweaks, including a small wing tip that sticks out from the side of each bud for better fit and stability. Leaked images also show larger grills that match the colour of the buds and a charging case that may feature a small speaker, possibly for Google’s Find My feature.
While details on the specs are still scarce, rumours suggest the charging case may come with a larger 650mAh battery. The Pixel Buds Pro 2 are expected to retain the active noise cancellation and multipoint connectivity features from the previous model, with the addition of new colour options, including gray, white, green, and pink.
4. Launch of the Pixel Watch 3
Google is also expected to introduce the Pixel Watch 3, which will reportedly come in two sizes: 41mm and 45mm. The 41mm version is rumoured to have a 10 percent larger screen compared to its predecessor, thanks to thinner bezels, while both models are expected to feature a brighter 2,000nit display. Another significant upgrade could be the inclusion of an ultra-wideband (UWB) chip, potentially improving location tracking accuracy.
Battery life is another area of improvement, with leaks suggesting that the Pixel Watch 3 could offer up to 24 hours of battery life with the always-on display enabled, or up to 36 hours with a new Battery Saver mode. Other rumoured features include faster charging, offline Google Maps support, and new camera controls when connected to a Pixel phone.
5. Surprise features and integrations
While the hardware announcements are certainly exciting, Google may also surprise us with some new software features. Leaked marketing materials hint at a new “Pixel Screenshots” feature that allows users to save and process helpful details from their screenshots, similar to Microsoft’s Recall feature but limited to screenshots taken manually.
Another potential reveal could be the integration of Google’s AI chatbot, Gemini, along with a feature called “Circle to Search.” These additions would further enhance the Pixel ecosystem, providing users with more powerful tools for managing their digital lives.
More Android 15 details could be announced alongside.
