Google embraces leaks by officially teasing the Pixel 9 Pro, highlighting its AI capabilities powered by the Gemini model.
Key details from the official teaser: Google has released a video on X (formerly Twitter) showcasing the upcoming Pixel 9 Pro, confirming earlier leaks and highlighting the phone’s AI features:
- The teaser video emphasizes the phone being “built for the Gemini era,” referring to Google’s powerful AI model that surpasses GPT-4.
- It playfully suggests that the AI can even help users “let your old phone down easy” by generating a breakup letter, hinting at the phone’s advanced AI capabilities.
- The video reveals the back of the Pixel 9 Pro, confirming the design seen in previously leaked regulatory photos.
Confirming leaked images and specs: Google’s official teaser and store page corroborate details from recent leaks, providing a clearer picture of the Pixel 9 lineup:
- The Pixel 9 Pro’s design, including the camera bar and color scheme, matches the leaked images from the Taiwanese regulatory authority NCC.
- Google is expected to launch four devices at its August 13 “Made by Google” event: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
- The Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL are expected to offer more robust AI integration due to increased RAM and other spec improvements compared to the regular Pixel 9.
Embracing the inevitability of leaks: By officially teasing the Pixel 9 Pro weeks before the launch event, Google is taking a proactive approach to the seemingly inevitable leaks:
- Rather than trying to maintain secrecy, Google has chosen to leverage the leaks to generate excitement and focus on the phone’s AI capabilities.
- This strategy allows Google to control the narrative and highlight the features it wants to emphasize, such as the integration of the Gemini AI model.
The bigger picture: Google’s focus on AI in the Pixel 9 series reflects the growing importance of artificial intelligence in the smartphone industry:
- As AI becomes more advanced and integrated into various aspects of the user experience, it is becoming a key differentiating factor for smartphone manufacturers.
- Google’s Gemini model, which surpasses GPT-4, could give the Pixel 9 series a competitive edge in terms of AI-powered features and functionality.
- However, the teaser also includes a disclaimer about the simulated screen and the need to check responses for accuracy, suggesting that there may be limitations to the AI’s capabilities in real-world use.
Google, its cat fully escaped from bag, shows off the Pixel 9 Pro weeks early