Earlier this week Google made a giant, surprising announcement. The Pixel 9 collection is launching in August, nearly two months forward of the standard schedule. Why?
This concern of 9to5Google Weekender is part of 9to5Google’s rebooted e-newsletter that highlights the largest Google tales with added commentary and different tidbits. Enroll right here to get it delivered to your inbox early!
Traditionally, Google has held its annual “Made by Google” occasion to launch the newest Pixel flagships in October. It began on October 4, 2016, and has continued with roughly that timeline ever since. One of many earliest occasions was in 2020, when Google launched the Pixel 5 and different units on September 30.
However August 13? That’s wildly early, to some extent nobody actually would have guessed it. The occasion can also be transferring to Google HQ in Mountain View, California, after a number of years in New York Metropolis. Clearly, there are huge modifications on the horizon.
Why the early date?
We gained’t know for certain for some time, however there are a number of potentialities that instantly leap out.
For one, there’s the straightforward incontrovertible fact that Google’s subsequent Tensor chip, G4, is extra of a stopgap than anything. 2025 will see the arrival of a completely customized Tensor chip made by TSMC, and G4 is rumored to actually simply be a minor bump on prime of the present Tensor G3. That ought to be nice, as Tensor G3 is holding up means higher than the primary two generations, however we actually don’t understand how a lot better it is going to be. Rumors declare it is going to be higher with warmth and effectivity, and can also be adopting an up to date mobile modem that features satellite tv for pc help. So, given the minor upgrades, it could merely be that Google’s subsequent Tensor chip might be prepared for primetime a bit sooner than final 12 months.
I’d name the chip alone a much less possible purpose for the sooner date, although. A stronger chance, I really feel, is the sheer dimension of this 12 months’s lineup.
If all rumors come to cross – and it definitely seems that means – there might be 4 new Pixel 9 fashions this 12 months. Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Professional, Pixel 9 Professional XL, and Pixel 9 Professional Fold. The naming scheme looks as if a multitude, but when it’s priced accurately, this might be a killer lineup on Google’s half. However to have that a lot {hardware} hitting the market directly, particularly for an organization that solely holds down a small (however rising) portion of the smartphone market, appears insane. I’d take a guess that Google may simply find yourself asserting every thing directly, however trickling out the precise launch over the course of a month or extra. I’d definitely hope that, a minimum of, given the identical occasion can also be pretty more likely to ship new Pixel Watch {hardware} and up to date Pixel Buds.
Lastly, there’s one more reason Google is likely to be pushing this launch up so early, and I feel it is likely to be the most probably of all.
AI.
What else, in spite of everything. Google is pushing AI tougher and tougher as the corporate feels the stress of competitors, and Pixel is a key element of that push. Using the in any other case quiet month of August provides Google an opportunity to indicate off new AI concepts on Pixel forward of Apple’s subsequent iPhones which, now, look to be full of “Apple Intelligence.” As our Abner Li dove into on Friday, Google has already teased that highly effective new AI options are coming this 12 months, corresponding to Gemini Stay.
Which of those three causes is likely to be Google’s inspiration? I feel it’s in all probability a mixture, and a few billion different components, however I’m very curious to see the way it all performs out. In a ballot, 9to5Google readers overwhelmingly appear to assume it’s a good suggestion to get the Pixel out earlier, and it’s one thing I’ve at all times felt the corporate ought to contemplate.
Buckle up, people; it’s in all probability going to be a busy subsequent few weeks within the Pixel rumor mills.
This Week’s Prime Tales
Samsung confirms July 10 launch for foldables, Watch Extremely, extra
Amid a flurry of leaks, Samsung this week formally introduced a July 10 occasion the place it’s set to launch Galaxy Z Fold 6, Flip 6, and different new units such because the Galaxy Watch Extremely. You’ll be able to make amends for all the information beneath.
It’s going to be a huge occasion.
Google says the Discover My System community will get higher
Following early impressions of the primary Discover My System trackers, Google this week first advised 9to5Google that enhancements to the community are coming. This largely pertains to connection velocity, however the full scope of the modifications in all probability gained’t be recognized for a bit. Alongside that, Google additionally straight inspired Android customers to let the Discover My System community work in all places, fairly than its default setting of solely working in “high-traffic” areas.
Motorola additionally this week introduced the primary tracker for the community that helps UWB.
Motorola launches new Razr foldables
Whereas it was shortly buried beneath Google’s huge Pixel announcement, Motorola this week launched its newest Razr foldables. The Razr+ and Razr (2024) hold the costs of their predecessors, however with fairly huge upgrades. The flagship has a telephoto digital camera and much-improved {hardware}, whereas the funds mannequin has a giant outer show and simply an astounding worth for its value.
Keep tuned for our full critiques coming quickly.
Extra Prime Tales
From the remainder of 9to5
9to5Mac: US carriers now enabling RCS for iPhone customers operating iOS 18 beta 2
9to5Toys: NZXT H7 Circulate assessment: New PSU placement provides cool GPU temps [Video]
Electrek: Rivian (RIVN) talks R2, cost-cutting, and extra throughout 2024 Investor Day
Comply with Ben: Twitter/X, Threads, and Instagram
FTC: We use revenue incomes auto affiliate hyperlinks. Extra.