Google’s next big Pixel | The Vergecast

Introduction and vacation recap (0s)

• The speaker is back from vacation and is excited to discuss the latest news, particularly Google's upcoming hardware event.
• The speaker mentions that they missed a lot of news while on vacation and is eager to catch up.
• The speaker emphasizes the importance of a buffer day after returning from vacation to avoid feeling rushed and overwhelmed.

Google's Pixel hardware event (2m2s)

• The discussion focuses on Google's upcoming hardware event, which is scheduled to take place on Tuesday.
• The participants, who are reporters with access to information about the event, are discussing the products that are expected to be announced.
• The list of products includes the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro.

Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro (3m11s)

• The Pixel 9 is the entry-level phone in the Pixel 9 lineup, priced at $100 more than its predecessor. It features a 6.3-inch screen, upgraded ultrawide camera, larger battery, and the new Tensor G4 chip.
• The Pixel 9 Pro is available in two sizes: a smaller 6.8-inch screen version and a larger 6.8-inch screen version. Both Pro models feature 16GB of RAM and the Tensor G4 chip.
• The Pixel 9 Pro Fold is a foldable phone with a larger screen size and is considered the most compelling device in the Pixel 9 lineup.

Pixel Fold (9m48s)

• The Pixel Fold is a new foldable phone from Google that addresses many of the shortcomings of the first generation.
• The new Pixel Fold features a taller outer screen that is similar in size to the Pixel 7, making it more usable as a regular phone.
• The inner screen is now a larger tablet-sized display, and Google has improved app compatibility to ensure apps open full screen by default.
• The Pixel Fold also boasts a brighter display and a lighter design compared to its predecessor.
• While the camera system is still not as good as the Pixel Pro series, the overall design and functionality of the Pixel Fold are considered a significant improvement over the first generation.
• The Pixel Fold is priced at $1,800, which is considered expensive, even for a foldable phone.
• The speaker believes that the Pixel Fold has the potential to be the best foldable phone on the market, but the high price point may be a barrier for many consumers.
• The speaker also expresses concern about the trade-off between camera quality and price, arguing that a phone at this price point should not have significant compromises.
• The speaker believes that the Pixel Fold is a significant step forward for Google in the foldable phone market and could be a strong contender against Samsung's offerings.

Pixel Watch 3 (16m12s)

• The Pixel Watch 3 features a new 45mm size in addition to the existing 41mm size.
• The hardware is largely similar to the previous model, but includes an upgraded Ultra Wideband chip and a brighter display.
• The Pixel Watch 3 boasts a significant number of software updates, including the ability to stream Nest doorbell or camera feeds, unlock BMWs and Pixel phones, create custom workouts, and receive a morning summary of activity and weather.
• Google is emphasizing health and fitness features, mirroring Garmin's offerings, with additions like cardio load tracking, custom running workouts, and running metrics.
• The Pixel Watch 3 can now detect a loss of pulse and automatically call emergency services in the EU, but not yet in the US due to regulatory requirements.
• Google claims the pulse detection feature is more accurate than other smartwatches due to its higher heart rate sampling frequency.
• The Pixel Watch 3 is still branded as a Pixel product, despite its heavy integration with Fitbit features, leading to confusion about its identity.
• The Pixel Watch 3 is still susceptible to scratches, with no improvements made to its durability.

Fundrise (24m58s)

• The chapter discusses Fundrise, a company that offers investment opportunities in artificial intelligence (AI).
• Fundrise's Innovation Fund provides access to a portfolio of AI startups, which are typically funded by venture capitalists and not publicly traded.
• The fund aims to allow investors to participate in the AI revolution by providing access to these private market opportunities.

Pixel Buds (26m30s)

• The Pixel Buds are considered to be underrated headphones.
• This opinion has been held for multiple generations of the product.
• The newest Pixel Buds are smaller and lighter than previous versions.

New Pixel Buds Pro (26m42s)

• The new Pixel Buds Pro feature a new Tensor A1 chip, which is said to improve noise cancellation by two times.
• The sound quality of the new Pixel Buds Pro is expected to be significantly improved, addressing a previous criticism of the original Pixel Buds Pro.
• The new Pixel Buds Pro are smaller and lighter than the previous model, and they have brought back the fin tip for better ear fit during workouts.
• The charging case now includes a speaker that can be used to locate the case if it is lost.
• The new Pixel Buds Pro are designed to be a competitive alternative to Apple's AirPods for Android users.

Google TV Streamer (28m24s)

• Google is discontinuing the Chromecast streaming device and replacing it with a new device called the Google TV Streamer.
• The Google TV Streamer is a set-top box that costs $100 and runs the same software as the most recent Chromecast with Google TV.
• The new device is said to be 20% faster than the Chromecast with Google TV and features Gemini AI capabilities.
• The Google TV Streamer is not considered a high-performance device and is unlikely to compete with devices like the Apple TV or Nvidia Shield.
• The Chromecast casting feature will still be available, allowing users to cast content to the Google TV Streamer.
• The Google TV interface is considered to be the best streaming interface, offering a content-first approach and easy access to apps.
• The Google TV Streamer is positioned as a mid-range device, offering a balance between affordability and performance.
• The device is expected to be released in late September.

Pixel Screenshots and AI integration (36m49s)

• The text discusses the integration of AI into Google's Pixel phones, specifically focusing on the "Pixel Screenshots" feature.
• The feature allows users to take screenshots and then use AI to search for information within the screenshot, such as a Wi-Fi password.
• The speakers discuss the potential for this feature to be integrated with other AI features, such as Google's Gemini, to create a more seamless and comprehensive experience.
• They express concerns about the potential for AI features to be overwhelming or intrusive, and the need for a balance between functionality and user experience.
• The speakers also discuss the current state of AI integration in other platforms, such as Apple's intelligence features, and highlight the challenges of creating a cohesive and reliable AI experience.
• The speakers acknowledge that while AI features have the potential to solve specific problems, the technology is still in its early stages and often fails to deliver consistent results.
• The speakers also mention that Google's approach to AI integration seems to be influenced by Samsung's lead in the field.

AI in Fitness (40m39s)

• The speaker expresses skepticism about AI-powered fitness suggestions, particularly those that are overly critical or judgmental. They cite an example of a fitness tracker that suggested they might gain weight despite having run three miles that morning.
• The speaker criticizes the trend of wearables using HRV (heart rate variability) as a proxy for overall health and fitness, arguing that it is not a reliable indicator of injury or individual needs.
• The speaker believes that AI-powered fitness suggestions can be helpful for beginners or those with new goals, but they are not a substitute for personalized training plans and should not be overly prescriptive or critical.

Google's hardware strategy (44m24s)

• Google has been consistently investing in hardware for almost a decade, but it has yet to achieve mainstream success as a hardware company.
• The Chromecast was Google's most successful hardware product, but it has not had a similar hit since then.
• The Pixel Watch has been surprisingly successful, particularly in the smartwatch market, where it has been able to compete with Samsung.
• Google's hardware strategy is focused on creating an ecosystem of devices that work seamlessly together, with the goal of attracting users to the Google ecosystem.
• The Pixel Fold is seen as a potential game-changer for Google, as it could be a way for users to enter the Google ecosystem.
• Google's focus on AI integration in its hardware is a key differentiator, but it remains to be seen whether these features will be compelling enough to drive adoption.
• The Pixel Watch is seen as a potential star product, as it is well-integrated with Google's ecosystem and offers a compelling alternative to Samsung's smartwatches.
• Google's hardware strategy is focused on creating a seamless experience across its devices, with the goal of attracting users to the Google ecosystem.
• The success of Google's hardware strategy will depend on its ability to create compelling products that offer a clear advantage over the competition.