Digest

The podcast begins with a sponsor announcement for "Read Write Own," a book by Chris Dixon exploring the evolution of technology and the future of the internet. The hosts then discuss Google's recent event where they unveiled the new Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel Buds Pro 2, Pixel Watch 3, and Gemini updates. They delve into the new features of the Pixel 9 series, highlighting AI-powered features like Pixel Weather, Call Notes, Pixel Studio, Admi, and Magic Editor. The hosts also discuss the new Pixel Screenshots app and Google Photos' new screenshot feature. They explore Gemini Live, a new conversational AI feature from Google, and its potential for multimodal interactions. The hosts then shift their focus to the new Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2, discussing their features and comparing them to similar offerings from competitors. They conclude their discussion of the Pixel 9 event, sharing their overall impressions of the new devices and their plans for upcoming reviews.

Outlines

00:00:00

Google Pixel 9 Event Discussion and New Features

The podcast hosts discuss Google's recent event where they unveiled the new Pixel 9 series, including the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel Buds Pro 2, Pixel Watch 3, and Gemini updates. They delve into the new features of the Pixel 9 series, highlighting AI-powered features like Pixel Weather, Call Notes, Pixel Studio, Admi, and Magic Editor.

00:51:16

Pixel Screenshots App and Google Photos Screenshots Feature

The hosts discuss the new Pixel Screenshots app, which allows users to organize and search through their screenshots, including a feature that adds metadata to screenshots taken in Chrome, enabling users to jump back to the original page. The discussion revolves around Google Photos' new screenshot feature and its potential benefits and drawbacks.

00:58:31

Gemini Live: Conversational AI and Multimodal Interactions

The hosts delve into Gemini Live, a new conversational AI feature from Google. They discuss its hands-free capabilities, its integration with Pixel Buds, and its potential for multimodal interactions. They explore Gemini's ability to explain complex concepts in a way that's relatable to gamers.

01:06:35

Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2: Features and Comparisons

The hosts shift their focus to the new Pixel Watch 3 and Pixel Buds Pro 2. They discuss the watch's new features, including a larger size, improved heart rate tracking, and a "readiness score." They also examine the buds' slimmer design, enhanced noise cancellation, and Gemini Live integration. They delve into the Pixel Watch 3's AI-powered loss of pulse detection feature and its potential benefits and limitations. They continue their discussion of the Pixel Watch 3, focusing on its Fitbit integration and running features. They highlight the watch's ability to create personalized running plans and provide real-time feedback during workouts. They also compare these features to similar offerings from Garmin and Apple.

01:16:02

Pixel Buds Pro 2: Design, Features, and Gemini Live Integration

The hosts discuss the new Pixel Buds Pro 2, emphasizing their slimmer design and improved noise cancellation. They also highlight the buds' new wing tips, which offer enhanced stability during intense activities. They discuss the Pixel Buds Pro 2's integration with Gemini Live, allowing users to have hands-free conversations with their AI assistant. They also comment on the live demo of this feature, which they found to be somewhat rough.

01:21:10

Pixel 9 Event: Overall Impressions and Upcoming Reviews

The hosts conclude their discussion of the Pixel 9 event, sharing their overall impressions of the new devices and their plans for upcoming reviews. They also mention the staggered release dates for the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel Fold.

01:22:31

Google Trivia: Pixel Buds 1 and Project Bernanke

The hosts engage in a Google trivia game, testing their knowledge of past Google products and projects. They discuss the original Pixel Buds 1 and Project Bernanke, a real Google project that was made public during antitrust investigations.

Keywords

Q&A

• What are some of the key features of the new Pixel 9 series?

  The Pixel 9 series features improved hardware, including brighter displays, more RAM, and a new Tensor chip. It also includes AI-powered features like Pixel Weather, Call Notes, Pixel Studio, Admi, and Magic Editor.

• How does the Pixel 9 Fold compare to the previous generation?

  The Pixel 9 Fold is thinner, has a larger interior display, and features a new camera system. It also has a more traditional aspect ratio on the outside screen, making it more usable as a regular phone.

• What is Admi and how does it work?

  Admi is a new camera feature that allows users to take group photos without needing an extra person to take the picture. It works by stitching together multiple images, allowing the user to be included in the photo even if they were the one taking it.

• What are some of the limitations of the Magic Editor feature?

  While Magic Editor can reframe photos, add background, and even reimagine scenes, it can sometimes produce unrealistic results, especially when adding complex elements like hot air balloons.

• What is the Pixel Screenshots app and how does it differ from Google Photos?

  The Pixel Screenshots app allows users to organize and search through their screenshots, including a feature that adds metadata to screenshots taken in Chrome, enabling users to jump back to the original page. While Google Photos already has a screenshots folder and search functionality, the Pixel Screenshots app offers a more dedicated and organized experience.

• What are the key features of the new Pixel Watch 3?

  The Pixel Watch 3 features a larger 45mm size, improved heart rate tracking during running, a "readiness score" that assesses your overall well-being, and AI-powered loss of pulse detection.

• How does Gemini Live differ from traditional AI assistants?

  Gemini Live allows for natural, conversational interactions with AI, similar to a real conversation. It offers hands-free capabilities, multimodal interactions, and the ability to save the context of the conversation.

• What is the significance of the Tensor A1 chip in the Pixel Buds Pro 2?

  The Tensor A1 chip is claimed to process audio 90 times faster than the speed of sound, which would enable faster audio processing and potentially improved noise cancellation and transparency. However, the validity of this claim is questioned.

• What is Project Bernanke and why was it made public?

  Project Bernanke was a real Google project that was made public during antitrust investigations. It involved a process that was deemed legally questionable and was named after former Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke.

Show Notes