Google launches five new Pixel devices, array of Gemini Intelligence features

Google launches five new Pixel devices, array of Gemini Intelligence features Google LLC today expanded its Pixel consumer hardware line with a foldable handset, three smartphones and a smartwatch. The devices will ship with an upgraded version of the company’s Gemini Intelligence software. It’s a set of artificial intelligence features for the mobile market that Google introduced earlier this year. The new device family is headlined by the Pixel 11 Pro Fold. It’s an 8-inch handset that can be folded like a book thanks to a hinge in the middle of the display. When folded, the Pro Fold activates a 6.5-inch external screen made of what Google describes as “ultra-strong ceramic cover glass.” “Pixel 11 Pro Fold has improved crease performance, thanks to the new hinge’s larger bend radius and thicker glass layer on the inner display,” Google product manager Justin Savich wrote in a blog post. “And both displays are 20% brighter than last year at 3600 nits.” The Pro Fold will ship alongside three new smartphones. The smartphone lineup includes two 6.3-inch devices, the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro, that differ in their resolution and frame rate. There’s also a 6.8-inch device called the Pixel 11 Pro XL. All four handsets in the Pixel 11 series feature a custom system-on-chip called the Tensor G6. According to Google, it includes an integrated AI accelerator with 50% more computing power than its previous-generation silicon. The built-in central processing unit has been upgraded as well. As a result, the Tensor G6 can run on-device AI models up to 3.5 times faster than its predecessor while using less energy. Google is using the chip’s increased processing capacity to power an array of new AI features. The handsets all include a primary camera and a telephoto lens optimized for recording distant objects. According to Google, the Tensor G6 runs imaging models that enable the Pixel 11 and Fold Pro to provide a 30-fold zoom. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel Pro XL, which have a more advanced telephoto lens, offer a 120-fold zoom. Another AI capability called Magic Capture can record two-minute videos and automatically save the best frames as photos. Additionally, the Tensor G6 includes an image signal processor that increases the quality of footage taken in low-light conditions. Not all of the new AI features in the Pixel lineup focus on photography. The entry-level Pixel 11 ships with a heavily upgraded version of Gboard, Google’s keyboard app. The new release uses an AI model called SL2T to transcribe sign language into text. Google says Pixel 11 owners can use sign language to interact with Gemini, search the web and perform other tasks. The company plans to bring the feature to additional devices in the future. “SL2T is the most capable sign language translation model to date according to key benchmarks like FLEURS-ASL,” researchers at Google DeepMind wrote in a blog post. “SL2T achieves a remarkable zero-shot score of 70 BLEURT, which is significantly higher than any previously reported score.” Another new AI feature will display “glanceable cards” inside some apps at opportune moments. If a user is researching a restaurant, the AI might generate a card that makes it possible to book a reservation with one tap. Cards can also speed up other tasks such as saving information to an app. The standalone Gemini app is receiving a location-specific information retrieval feature. The capability, which is currently in preview, displays data points relevant to the user’s current location on the lock screen. For example, it might highlight the most popular menu items at a restaurant where a Pixel owner is dining. The three new Pixel 11 smartphones start with 12 gigabytes of memory and 256 gigabytes of flash storage. The Fold Pro, in turn, includes the same amount of storage and 16 gigabytes of RAM. Google will offer higher-priced configurations with more capacity. The handsets will go on sale alongside Pixel Watch 5, the latest iteration of the company’s smartwatch. The device features 50% more memory than its predecessor and a CPU with a 12% performance boost. An AI feature called Gemini Intelligence Proactive Suggestions can retrieve information from apps and show it on the Watch 5’s display. The Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL range from $899 to $1,299 while the Pro Fold is set to retail for $1,899. The Pixel Watch 5 will be available from $399. Image: Google A message from John Furrier, co-founder of SiliconANGLE: Support our mission to keep content open and free by engaging with theCUBE community. Join theCUBE’s Alumni Trust Network, where technology leaders connect, share intelligence and create opportunities. 15M+ viewers of theCUBE videos, powering conversations across AI, cloud, cybersecurity and more 11.4k+ theCUBE alumni — Connect with more than 11,400 tech and business leaders shaping the future through a unique trusted-based network. Are you AWS customer? Support SiliconANGLE Financially by buying your AWS services from our Marketplace portal page and links. About SiliconANGLE Media SiliconANGLE Media is a recognized leader in digital media innovation, uniting breakthrough technology, strategic insights and real-time audience engagement. 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