Starting from 5717 yuan! Google rushes to launch AI smartphones, putting pressure on Apple

A month ahead of Apple, Google showcases what AI phones can do.

In the early hours of Wednesday Beijing time, Google officially unveiled the Pixel 9 series of smartphones, as well as new hardware such as smartwatches, earphones, etc., at a product launch event. The Pixel 9 series smartphones, as the most anticipated products, are equipped with advanced cameras, improved performance, and deep integration of artificial intelligence technology. Additionally, Google announced the integration of the Gemini AI assistant into the Android system, which means that Android devices will have new AI features with Gemini assistance, making it the first mobile operating system equipped with a large device-integrated multimodal large model.

In terms of stock price, as of the closing on August 13th local time, Google Class A shares were at $164.16, up 1.15%, with a market value of $2.0 trillion.

The Pixel 9 series includes the Pixel 9, 9 Pro, and 9 Pro XL smartphones, as well as a high-end folding model named 9 Pro Fold. The Pixel 9 is a basic model with a 6.3-inch display, starting at $799 (approximately RMB 5717), which is $100 higher than the previous generation. The Pixel 9 Pro starts at $999, the Pixel 9 Pro XL starts at $1099, and the Pixel 9 Pro Fold starts at $1799. In addition, Google also released two sizes of Pixel Watch3 and Pixel Buds Pro2. A Google spokesperson stated that the Pixel 9 and the Pixel 9 Pro XL with enhanced features such as better cameras will begin shipping in late August, while the foldable Pixel 9 Pro Fold will ship in September.

According to Google, the Pixel 9 series will change the way users interact with smartphones. The Pixel 9 series, equipped with the Gemini AI assistant, will allow users to interact with their phones through chat and receive help with daily tasks.

Specifically, in terms of enhanced AI features, the main highlights of the Pixel 9 series AI phones are as follows:

Firstly, the AI voice function is powerful. The Pixel 9 series smartphones feature Gemini Live, a voice function comparable to GPT-4o, allowing users to have smooth conversations with Gemini via their phones or Pixel Buds "Whether you are planning a fun tailgate party, need help with home repairs, or want to brainstorm gift ideas, Gemini Live will provide a whole new level of assistance in a more intuitive and natural way," said Brian Rakowski, Vice President of Product Management at Google.

At the same time, the Pixel 9 series phones with AI voice capabilities will make the process of app invocation smarter and smoother. For example, Gemini can filter Google apps such as Gmail, Google Drive, and Maps, allowing users to simply ask for the information they need. For instance, if you are about to go to the airport but can't find your flight confirmation code, you can chat with Gemini and say, "Hey Google, please give me the confirmation code for my upcoming flight to Miami. Check @Gmail."

Secondly, it integrates AI image and text generation capabilities. Pixel introduces the first image generator, Pixel Studio, which combines on-device diffusion models running on Tensor G4 with the cloud-based Imagen 3 model to provide fast text-to-image capabilities on the phone.

Three, AI has been used to enhance phone photography and image editing functions. For example, when taking group photos, it's often a headache for users to figure out how the photographer can also join in. By using the "Add Me" feature, users can take a group photo with everyone present (including the photographer) without needing a tripod or asking strangers for help.

In addition, Google's AI image editing tool, Magic Editor, has added two new features: Reimagine and Auto Framing. Reimagine can generate and edit images based on text, such as changing the appearance of grass, sky, trees, interior decorations, etc., in a photo; Auto Framing can generate better framing through AI, allowing for photo recomposition, essentially "one-click saving of discarded photos."

It is reported that the Pixel 9 series phones are equipped with Google's new custom chip, Tensor G4. This is Google's most efficient chip to date, designed by Google DeepMind, and will be the first to run the GeminiNano processor with multimodal capabilities, helping the phone understand text, images, and audio.

Currently, global tech giants such as Apple, Samsung, and Google are all making comprehensive efforts in AI phones. At Apple's WWDC conference held in June this year, Apple introduced the artificial intelligence system Apple Intelligence, placing generative AI models in devices such as iPhone, iPad, and Mac, igniting everyone's imagination and expectations for Apple's AI phones." According to tech journalist Mark Gurman's recent revelations, the upcoming iPhone 16 series set to be released in September this year may adopt a relatively conservative strategy in terms of design and features, with no significant differences compared to existing models and no major new features added. Gurman also anticipates that the biggest selling point of the iPhone 16 will be Apple Intelligence, with all iPhone 16 models running on Apple Intelligence. With Google taking the lead in releasing a brand new generation of AI phones, the pressure is also on Apple as they prepare to launch their new products.

Author: Zhou Chunmei, Source: Securities Times, Original Title: "Starting from 5717 yuan! Google rushes to release AI phone, pressure on Apple?"