Google to Bundle Gemini Advanced with Pixel 9 Pro Smartphones

According to a new report, Google will bundle a valuable AI subscription with its upcoming Pixel 9 Pro smartphones, significantly increasing the appeal of these devices for consumers interested in advanced AI capabilities.

Key details of the bundled offer: The report reveals that Google will include a one-year subscription to Google One AI Premium, worth $239.88, with each purchase of a Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, or Pixel 9 Pro Fold smartphone:

• Google One AI Premium provides 2TB of cloud storage and access to Google’s premium Gemini Advanced AI features, enabling the use of the powerful Gemini 1.5 Pro model and headline features like Gemini in Gmail and Docs.
• The offer represents a significant value proposition for consumers, as the subscription would normally cost $19.99 per month, totaling $239.88 over the course of a year.

Limitations and potential changes to Google One subscriptions: Not all customers will be able to take advantage of the bundled offer due to the current structure of Google One subscriptions:

• Customers subscribed to the most expensive tiers of 5TB and higher won’t be able to redeem the offer without setting up a new account, as Google One AI Premium is currently only available at the 2TB level.
• However, Google may be considering introducing new Google One subscription plans, which could potentially address this issue in the future.

Eligibility requirements for using Gemini Advanced: To use Gemini Advanced, users must meet certain criteria:

• Users must be at least 18 years old, able to use the software in English, and reside in one of the countries where Google One AI Premium is supported.

Potential offer for the standard Pixel 9: While the report does not mention the standard Pixel 9, a previous report suggests that it may receive a similar subscription bundle lasting six months instead of a full year.

Expanded capabilities for Gemini Advanced on Pixel 9 Pro: A recent report reveals that Google is testing six new Gemini extensions that allow Gemini to connect to other apps and services, enhancing the experience for Pixel 9 Pro users with their bundled Gemini Advanced subscriptions:

• Three of the extensions (Google Calendar, Keep, and Tasks) were previously announced, while three new extensions (Google Home, Phone, and Utilities) appear to bring capabilities currently available only to Google Assistant.
• These extensions work with standard Gemini but can be used to their fullest potential with Gemini Advanced, which provides access to Google’s most powerful Gemini 1.5 Pro model.

Analyzing the implications: The bundling of a valuable AI subscription with the Pixel 9 Pro smartphones demonstrates Google’s commitment to positioning its devices as leaders in the AI space:

• By offering advanced AI capabilities out of the box, Google is targeting consumers who are interested in leveraging the latest AI technologies in their daily lives.
• The expanded capabilities of Gemini Advanced on Pixel 9 Pro devices, enabled by the new extensions, further enhance the appeal of these smartphones for users seeking a comprehensive AI experience.
• However, the limitations on redeeming the offer for certain Google One subscribers may lead to some frustration among potential customers, and it remains to be seen how Google will address this issue.