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Google on Tuesday introduced a new lineup of Pixel smartphones with enhanced integration of its artificial intelligence technology, as it strives to incorporate AI into its hardware.
The upgrades include a Pixel-exclusive feature that allows users to search for information within screenshots, and Android users can now access Gemini, Google's chatbot, as an overlay on top of other apps to answer questions or generate content.
"We've had too many promises and not enough practical assistance when it comes to AI, which is why we're taking concrete steps today," said Rick Osterloh, Google's senior vice president of devices and services.
"We're fully embracing the Gemini era," he told the audience of engineers, executives, analysts and media at the larger-than-usual event at Alphabet's Bay View campus in Mountain View, California.
The event broke with another tradition: Google unveiled the latest versions of its Pixel smartphones in the summer rather than in the autumn, as it had done with every previous iteration of the device since its launch in 2016.
"I've attended many Google events, and this one was not only one of the most elaborate, but also one of the most comprehensive," said Avi Greengart, lead analyst at Techsponential.
He stated that Google demonstrated its leadership in ar
Google's latest move to incorporate AI features into its consumer products comes ahead of Apple's planned launch of a new iPhone in September.
In June, Apple announced that its latest iPhones would receive upgrades, including "Apple Intelligence," a range of generative AI-powered features within native apps, and integration with the ChatGPT chatbot developed by Microsoft-backed OpenAI.
Google showcased new Gemini features, including a voice conversation tool, though using Gemini to cross-reference a concert poster with the calendar app taking multiple attempts.
The base Pixel 9 model will cost $799, $100 more than the previous version, and will ship later in August, while the Pixel 9 Pro and foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold will arrive in September.
Consumers are looking to AI for better organisation and content creation, and Google aims to address these needs.
Despite its small global market share, the Pixel line allows Google to showcase Android advancements and spur the developer ecosystem.
