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Google expanded its Pixel ecosystem on Wednesday, unveiling the Pixel 10 smartphones, a foldable phone, a revamped Pixel smartwatch, and new earbuds, all featuring enhanced artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. The new devices are designed to seamlessly integrate with AI and each other within Google's Android operating system. Google product manager Tyler Kugler said Pixel is the best way to experience Google's leading-edge AI.
Pixel phones claim a scant portion of a high-end smartphone market ruled by Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi, but custom Google hardware is an opportunity for the internet giant to highlight what is possible with its Android mobile operating system.
And while Samsung routinely ranks as the world's top smartphone seller, it powers handsets with Android software from Google.
The tactic promises to promote use of Google's platform by handset makers and is a spin on the way Apple ties together its iPhones and other devices with its software. Meanwhile, with Apple seen as lagging in the fierce AI race, Google has touted all-out efforts to integrate advanced AI throughout its offerings as it competes with powerhouses such as Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft.
AI built into new Pixel phones lets Gemini AI assistant look through the cameras to "see" what users see, answering questions or providing tips about locations, objects or situations, according to Kugler.
Google is not the only one putting AI in phones. South Korean consumer electronics giant Samsung has made AI a centerpiece of its Galaxy smartphone line and recently released a new Galaxy Z Fold7. Google's product team described the new Pixel Watch 4 as a redesigned experience that marks the biggest update to the line.
Features include smartwatch fitness tracking fine-tuned to distinguish between activities such as walking, bicycling, or tennis.
The Pixel Watch also enables users to command Gemini AI assistant from one's wrist. Gemini detects the mood of whoever is speaking to it and adjusts its responses accordingly, and can even "look" through the phone camera to offer photo suggestions, according to the Google team.
