There was plenty to unpack at Google’s two-hour long keynote. Amid updates to nearly all its services – AI and Android technologies alike – consumers can look forward to six Pixel devices that are sure to appease even the most astute tech enthusiasts. Let’s proceed, shall we?
Pixel 6A
The Pixel 6A is touted as Google’s new budget smartphone. It features the company’s signature two-tone design in an aluminium chassis complete with a compact 6.1in screen. Google’s Tensor chip will cover all the technical grunt work and performance ought to be impressive as the same processor powers Pixel 6 Flagship devices.
Cameras have been downgraded a touch and include a 12.2-megapixel main snapper alongside a secondary 12-megapixel camera for ultrawide shots. Selfies are covered by an 8-megapixel camera in the front with a punch hole design top-centre of the display. It also features the Titan M2 chip for added security and a fingerprint scanner beneath the screen.
Priced at £399 pre-orders open July 21 ahead of availability starting July 28.
Android 13
Google’s Android OS has experienced an impressive growth and improvement over the past decade. Android 13 proves no exception to the rule and the company has announced the new update will focus on key areas such as user safety and privacy.
Doubling down on Android 12’s ‘Material You’ feature, users will now have access to more customisation options such as adding colour schemes to third-party apps, icons and media player. As well as adding various languages for Google apps.
Android 13 will be further optimised for large screen devices and foldables, with YouTube Music, Messenger, and Maps among the 20 apps that will be updated to look and work better on these devices.
There are many other tweaks and improvements to performance and overall user experience. For those itching to give the new Android a shot, the second public beta is currently available.
Pixel Buds Pro
These bad boys will feature active noise cancellation – a company first – as well as a custom audio processor and neural processing engine. Transparency mode is available for when you need to be aware of your surroundings.
The device touts 11 hours of battery life and 7 hours with ANC turned on. Spatial Audio will also make an appearance later via an update and Google assistant will supposedly be a highlight on the device. For those predisposed to losing tiny buds, Google’s Find My Device app will also be able to locate your Pixel Buds Pro when lost.
Priced at £179, the Pixel Buds Pro will also be available for pre-order July 21.
Pixel Watch, Pixel 7 series and Pixel Tablet
Looking ahead to the future, Google unveiled the next generation of its smartphones with the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. The teaser image showcased a white unibody with a sleek aluminium camera bump design. As expected, Android 13 will be available on these devices from the get-go.
The long-awaited Pixel Watch was also announced featuring a tactile crown and a round bezel-less dial. The strap mimics the Pixel 7 series colour and appears to be a white rubber-like affair. Wear OS will be the UI of choice on this device, naturally, and Fitbit integration will play a big part following Google’s acquisition of the fitness giant.
Plenty of details are missing – Google hasn’t announced which chip will power its watch – and though pricing remains a mystery, we do know the wearable will be made available this fall.
Finally, an unexpected Pixel Tablet also made an appearance at the keynote. Promising the full Pixel experience on a large screen, this could be a worthy competitor to Apple’s iPad. Google plans on introducing the Pixel Tablet in 2023.
