This afternoon, the tech world is fully focused on Google as the company kicked off its annual ‘Made by Google’ event hosted by Jimmy Fallon. Today’s showcase didn’t just mark another product cycle, but a significant milestone: the tenth generation of its Pixel smartphone! Google isn’t just celebrating its past; it’s defining a future where ambient computing and artificial intelligence are at the core of every device we touch.
Different from the sterile “presentation style” roll out that many tech companies default to; Made by Google ‘25 used a combination of live studio audience talk show meets shopping network. With cameos by The Jonas Brothers, Steph Curry, and renowned photographer Andre D. Wagner. This was a tech rollout driven by culture and relatability.
At the heart of this announcement is the Pixel 10 series. Google has heard and answered the demands from photography enthusiasts by including a third telephoto lens across the lineup. The third lens allows for ‘Pro Res Zoom’ allowing users to zoom in 100X. In addition to its camera, its signature metal frame, and polished glass backing the Pixel 10, 10 Pro, 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Pro Fold are clear contenders in the premium space.
What sets Google apart is its AI technology through Gemini. The new phones are packed with advanced features like Magic Cue, which proactively surfaces information, and Camera Coach, a groundbreaking AI that teaches users how to improve their photography skills in real-time. With Gemini Live Video, getting help with a task is as simple as pointing your camera at it. Another disruptive feature for Google AI is live phone translations! Every pixel is equipped with this in-call feature making staying connected seamless!
Folding into the Future: The Pixel 10 Pro Fold
On June 27, 2023, after being announced on May 10, 2023, Google released the Google Pixel Fold. Today Google is doubling down on the foldable phone market with the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. A defining feature of this revamped device is a new gearless hinge with a polished finish, enabling a slimmer design and smaller bezels allowing for a larger and brighter 6.4-inch Actua display without increasing the phone’s overall footprint.
For creators and corporate multitaskers, the Pixel 10 Pro Fold offers an ‘Instant View’ new camera experience that displays the viewfinder and your most recent shot side-by-side.
•Pixel 10 Pro Fold: Starts at $1799, available in the new Moonstone and Jade colorways.
An Ecosystem Connected: Pixel Watch 4 and Pixel Buds 2a
The Pixel product line isn’t the only product getting a facelift! The Pixel Watch 4 has been completely redesigned. Now more durable with a domed, edge-to-edge display and new internal sensors, it’s also smarter. Enhanced with Gemini, the watch offers more intelligent replies and can contextually mute notifications. For active users, the watch offers dual-band GPS and satellite communications for emergency contact off the grid. The watch also seamlessly integrates with Fitbit by providing a Fitbit morning brief every morning. Pixel Watch 4 is the only smart watch that can detect when a pulse stops, automatically contacting emergency services.
•Pixel Watch 4: Starts at $349 (Wi-Fi) and $449 (LTE) for the 41mm model, and $399 (Wi-Fi) and $499 (LTE) for the 45mm model.
In addition to the Pixel Watch 4 Google has unveiled the new Pixel Buds 2a. These earbuds are the lightest yet and allow for hands-free access to Gemini Live.
•Pixel Buds 2a: Priced at $129, available in Iris and Hazel.
The Cultural Play: A Partnership with Stephen Curry
The hardware wasn’t the only star of the show. In a major cultural and marketing move, Google announced a long-term partnership with NBA superstar Stephen Curry, who joins the company as its new ‘Performance Advisor.’ This partnership aligns Google with peak performance and cultural influence making it more than just a celebrity endorsement. Partnerships like Curry’s, The Jonas Brothers debuting a music video filmed solely on the Pixel 10 Pro, and a cityscape by Andre D. Wagner underscore Google’s intent to embed its products not just in our digital lives, but in the cultural conversation.
“This is a pivotal moment for sports and technology.Through our partnership with Stephen Curry, we’re bringing the power of AI with Google Cloud to enhance his performance on the court, in business and in his work with the community including Curry Camp. Tools like the AI Basketball Coach, powered by Gemini, are practical innovations that are redefining how athletes approach training, performance and recovery. We’re not just supporting today’s pros, we’re building the future of athletic training for the next generation of athletes.” Said Sarah Kennedy, VP, Marketing, Google Cloud
Google’s 2025 lineup is making a bold statement. They are unafraid of stepping out of their comfort zone and challenging consumers to do the same.
For those watching the battle for tech supremacy, Google just made its next move, and it was a powerful one.