If you're not on the AI bandwagon yet, Google's new Pixel products are likely going to coax you along.
The latest Pixel lineup has been revealed and from their latest phones, to their newest earbuds, there is a deep integration of Google Gemini (their AI model).
From nuanced software improvements, to overhauled hardware, there is lots to be excited about for the new Pixel devices. Here's a few things that are particularly noteworthy.
Canada's Getting A Folding Pixel Phone
While this isn't Google's first Pixel folding phone, the new Pixel Fold Pro is the first folding Pixel that will be making its way to Canada.
While the price is likely going to be a barrier for many ($2,400 before trade-ins), for those who have been holding out for a foldable worth decimating the savings account for, there are some really nice aspects of this device compared to other foldables.
Most notably is how thin this folding phone is. It's less than 2 millimeters thicker than the Pixel 9 Pro. The bulk of a foldable is usually a main deterrent for many, but with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold it's extremely sleek, giving you a similar experience to having a Pixel 9 Pro in your pocket, with the versatility of folding out into an 8-inch screen.
Made You Look
Taking photos of pets and toddlers with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold just got a bit easier thanks to a new feature.
Made You Look takes advantage of the Fold's outer screen to capture the attention of even the most reluctant photography subjects.
By displaying interactive animations on the outer display while you're snapping a photo, you can help direct the attention of your kid (or your pet) toward the camera lens.
Pair that with last year's great Best Shot feature (combs a series of photos to find the best expression - eyes open, nice smiles, everyone looking - then stitches into one picture) your photos will be turning out great, even with an easily-distracted infant.
Add Me (Pixel photography feature)
Another practical but innovative photography feature revealed with the Pixel 9 lineup is Add Me.
@realdrewkozub Google Pixel's new Add Me photgoraohy feature allows EVERYONE to be in a photo, even the person snapping the pics. Heres how it works! #Pixel9 #googlepixel #pixel #teampixel #techtok ♬ original sound - Drew Kozub
This allows you to frame up a photo in such a way that the photographer and subject can pass off the phone, between each other. They each take a shot, and Add Me does a little photo editing magic to put both people in the photo together!
This could be great when traveling and you want to get the perfect backdrop but want to make sure you and the person you're traveling with are in the shot.
Gemini Live
Another feature that is great AND available in Canada for launch is Gemini Live.
Every company says their AI, virtual assistants, etc. are very conversational and natural to talk to. But if you've ever struggled to figure out the exact right phrase you have to utter to get the action you want, you know that those claims can be a bit exaggerated.
With Gemini Live, you can speak to Google Gemini Live and converse with it in a very natural way, even interrupting or interjecting as it speaks to you.
The feature requires a Gemini Advanced subscription and at launch is only available on Android devices with the Gemini App, but it will be rolling out to more devices.
Pixel Buds Pro 2
Google's new earbuds show that many small changes combined can add up to make a big difference. At first glance the Pixel Buds Pro 2 look the same, but the form factor is changed just slightly.
The centre of gravity moves "deeper" (if that makes sense) into the bud so the weight holds the buds in your ear easier. You can slightly twist the earbuds and a small protrusion helps to hold them more securely (example you're running and want them tighter vs. on an airplane and don't need that extra snug fit).
Beyond the physical changes in my brief audio testing the active noise canceling was the best I've ever heard.
Now, that testing happened in a pretty controlled environment, so I'm looking forward to some real world tests, but my hot take is that the Pixel Buds Pro 2 are being outshined by the flashiness of some of the other hardware and software features, but these things deserve some love because they're excellent!
Pixels galore!
All of that, and more, I'll be able to cover after some more time testing out the hardware in the real world.
If you have any questions about the new Pixel devices, any of the apps/software/AI features I mentioned above, please hit me up in the comments section or on Instagram.
And hey, this site is still really new, so if you found this article interesting share it with someone you think would enjoy it as well.
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