This week, Google surprised us with its Made by Google event, which introduced us to four Pixel phones, including the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a new smartwatch, new earbuds, and (of course) plenty of Gemini AI updates to try out.
We were also exposed to major leaks of VR headsets from Meta and Pico, and Apple's iPhone Air was rumored to be a slim alternative to its regular smartphones.
To catch up on all this, scroll down for a roundup of the week's biggest tech news stories. See you next weekend for another quick roundup.
7. Made by Google: Gemini AI received an update
This week, Google surprised the world with Gemini Live at its Made for Google event, where it launched the gorgeous new Pixel 9 phones. The new AI-powered version of its digital assistant can now converse with you about complex topics, knows what’s on your calendar, and can tell you what Jane asked you in an email a week ago. It also has ten different voices to choose from, so you can start having a much more personal relationship with your phone.
Other new AI features include manipulating your photos in Pixel Studio, so you can add elements that weren’t originally there, like the sun, a tree, or even a spaceship. As if that wasn’t enough, Gemini can also do all your research for you now, producing a Google Doc with sources, references, and links. Homework will never be the same!
6. Made by Google: Four new Pixel 9 phones revealed
Google took a big step forward in terms of design with its latest line of Pixel 9 phones. The camera arrays are still striking, but instead of bands, we get islands, and instead of curved backs, we get a view on the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL that has more in common with Apple's iPhone design aesthetic than ever before.
Google has upgraded the power of the entire line, moving from the Tensor G3 to the G4 and adding a lot more RAM. They're joined by the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, a completely redesigned foldable device. It's super-thin and has a massive 8-inch flexible display inside.
Of course, the big story with all of these phones may be how they utilize all of Gemini’s new AI features, like Add Me for photos and Gemini Live. We spent time with all of these phones (and these cool AI features) and came away impressed, but we won’t know for sure if they’re a must-buy or an upgrade until we review them all.
5. Made by Google: The Pixel Watch 3 killed Fitbit smartwatches
As for wearables, the new Pixel Watch 3, unveiled at the Made By Google event, is bigger and better than ever. Joining the existing 41mm model is a new 45mm model, featuring a 40% larger display that can reach up to 2,000 nits of brightness. Both watches include advanced running metrics, Wear OS 5, all-new watch face complications, and Fitbit Premium Readiness Score, now free of its paid-for shackles.
Sadly, it's not all good news for Fitbit: its Versa and Sense smartwatch ranges have been axed. Fitbits are back to slim, wristband-sized trackers like the Luxe and Inspire, while the Google Pixel Watch will be the only smartwatch series Google sells from now on. Rest in peace.
4. Made by Google: The Pixel Buds Pro 2 came out with a bang
Alongside the new Pixel phones, including the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Google also launched a new pair of earbuds, and we got a chance to try them out. The new Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 aim to compete with other high-end earbuds with active noise cancellation, long battery life, and a price tag of $229.99 / £219 / around AU$379.
The biggest possibility, though, isn't more natural default playback or the ability to hear the Gemini in your ears when connected to the right phone, but the fact that Google drastically reduced the size of the first generation to deliver earbuds that are much more comfortable, stick out less from your ears, and offer a much better passive seal. Oh, and they come in two very fun shades: peony or winter green.
We can't wait to spend more time with them and enjoy artists like Bruce Springsteen and Olivia Rodrigo, but for now, head over and read our full first impressions.
This week has been one of the biggest for VR headset leaks. We’ve seen the “final design” of the all-but-confirmed Meta Quest 3S (a cheaper alternative to the Quest 3, a sort of Quest 2.5, whose existence Meta itself has leaked twice), which looks bulkier than we’d like, but could come with a brand new action button that’s programmable or can be used to quickly switch between VR and AR. We’ll likely learn more at Meta Connect on September 25 and 26.
Then there was the Pico 4S, with leaks suggesting it was a higher-end model instead, and the leaker saying that in some regions it would be called the Pico 4 Ultra. If it’s real, it would be Pico’s answer to the Meta Quest 3, which would be exciting. The Pico 4 was a solid rival to the Meta Quest 2, only let down by the software – if the Pico 4S (assuming it’s real) can make up points in this area, it could be the first real alternative to the Quest 3 (ignoring Meta’s other headsets), especially since it has more RAM, making it more powerful. We’ll have to wait and see how the real model shapes up when and if it’s officially announced.
2. OpenAI updated GPT 4-o, but has concerns about its AI
This week, OpenAI revealed that it is observing that users are developing feelings towards its ChatGPT bot. They are using language that you would normally only use with friends or loved ones rather than with a device. It is also concerned that human-to-human interactions could be affected by users’ ability to interrupt the AI, something that is rude in normal conversations.
Additionally, a new update for GPT 4-o has been released. However, because it doesn’t have a standout new feature to point to, OpenAI is at a loss to explain how the update improves ChatGPT, which could also be a problem other AI makers run into in the future. How do you effectively quantify AI utility?
If not resolved soon, these issues could spell bad news for AI manufacturers. Skeptics point to these unintended negative side effects and the black-box nature of AI as reasons why it needs to be regulated more strictly. But we'll have to wait and see if any government bodies take action or if AI development will stay in the Wild West for a bit longer.
1. New iPhone Air rumors put us in a dilemma
Many people will be thinking about upgrading to the iPhone 16 next month, but some new rumors that surfaced this week may have derailed those plans — or at least thrown them into the winds, so to speak.
According to reliable Apple commentators, the company is planning to launch a new iPhone Air model next year, alongside the iPhone 17. This super-slim model will apparently sit somewhere between an iPhone 17 and 17 Pro in price and act as the MacBook Air of Apple's phone lineup.
We don't know what you think, but it seems like a good excuse not to spend more than $799/£799/AU$1499 on a new phone this year…
