Google’s big Pixel event starts today

Finally, it’s here. Google’s big hardware press event starts later today, and it looks like it’s going to be an almost entirely Pixel based story, with more phones than ever.

First, the Pixel 9 and 9 Pro will follow the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. Rumors suggest that Google will also launch the Pixel 9 Pro XL, with a larger screen. We expect all three phones to have a major redesigned camera module – the Pixel 9 has a 50MP wide and a 48MP ultrawide lens – and Google may introduce a new chipset, possibly called the Tensor G4. Oh, and expect a new foldable to break cover, with the ‘Pro’ moniker, but will it be more expensive this year?

Expect to hear more about Gemini, Google’s AI-powered assistant, and Android 15. The company has already said that Gemini will be deeply integrated into its next iteration of Android (goodbye, Google Assistant?) and will have awareness the better the context. We’re interested to see how that all turns out.

We predict that Google will launch a next-generation smartwatch and wireless buds, too. But to be sure, you can watch and read along with our live blog or follow the Made By Google YouTube channel—or both!

We should also have visual impressions of everything Google allows us to open our grubby paws. The event starts today at 1PM ET.

— Matt Smith

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Lasts longer than expected

Before seeing its (probable) replacement, how did Google’s first foldable device fare? Our die-hard foldables expert, Sam Rutherford, made the Pixel Fold his flagship phone last year, and for added risk, he doesn’t use a case. It wasn’t a problem: It has a lot of scuffs and scratches, some dents from being dropped and a few scratches on the matte Gorilla Glass Victus back, but these are all cosmetic. While he last repaired the cracked outer screen from repeated falls on the tile, the main (folding!) display remained undamaged. The Pixel Fold is more robust than we thought it would be.

Keep reading.

Team shooter Deadlock is racing to the top of the charts.

Valve’s next game, which has yet to be officially announced, had 16,000 plus players over the weekend. We know it’s called Deadlock and that Valve has been working on it for a while, so this is a soft launch of sorts. Reportedly still in development as of 2018, the game is a competitive MOBA shooter, billed as “the next Dota” by veteran Valve journalist Tyler McVicker.

Big question: Where is my invitation to play?

Keep reading.