It’s finally here. Google’s big hardware press event today starts late and with more phones than ever, it looks almost entirely a Pixel-based affair.
First, the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro will be the direct successors to the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. Rumors suggest that Google will also introduce the Pixel 9 Pro XL with a larger screen. We expect all three phones to have a redesigned core camera module – the Pixel 9 50MP wide and 48MP ultra-wide lenses – and Google may introduce a new chipset, possibly called the Tensor G4. Oh, and we’re expecting a new foldable to break cover with the ‘Pro’ moniker, but will it be even more expensive this year?
We’re waiting to hear more about Gemini, Google’s AI-powered assistant, and Android 15. The company has already said that Gemini will be more deeply integrated into the next iteration of Android (goodbye, Google Assistant?) and have better contextual awareness. We are very interested to see what form this will all take.
We predict that Google will also introduce a next-generation smartwatch and wireless buds. But you can watch and read with us to be sure live blog or follow the Made By Google YouTube channel, or both!
We should also have hands-on impressions of everything that Google allows us to get our nasty paws on. The event starts today at 1pm ET.
– Matt Smith
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More durable than expected
On the brink of seeing its replacement (probably), how did Google’s first foldable fare? Our hard folding expert Sam Rutherford made the Pixel Fold his primary phone last year and doesn’t use a case because of the added risk. No problems: It has countless scratches and dings, some scratches from being dropped, and a few scratches on the matte Gorilla Glass Victus back, but these are all purely cosmetic. While it fixed the outer screen, which was cracked by multiple drops on a tile floor, the larger (foldable!) display was undamaged. The Pixel Fold is a lot tougher than we thought.
Team shooter Deadlock is moving up the charts.
Valve’s next game, which has yet to be officially announced, had more than 16,000 concurrent players over the weekend. we know it’s called Impossible and Valve has been working on it for a while, so it’s kind of a soft release. Reportedly in development since 2018, the game is a competitive MOBA shooter billed as “the next Dota” by veteran Valve reporter Tyler McVicker.
Big question: where is my invite to play?
