Don't Miss the Pixel 9 Launch: Made by Google Event Live Stream Guide

Google is set to unveil its Pixel 9 series, along with other significant product releases, during the 2024 Made by Google event live stream. This guide outlines how to access the live announcement.

Google typically hosts two major events annually: Google I/O and Made by Google. While Google I/O primarily focuses on software developments for developers, including updates to Google's AI suite and various feature releases, Made by Google is dedicated to showcasing the company's hardware products.

The Made by Google event is the platform where Google introduces its physical products, including the entire Pixel device lineup—smartphones, earbuds, smartwatches, and other accessories. This event often includes announcements of new features debuting on these devices.

Anticipated Announcements

This year's event is expected to feature the launch of the Pixel 9 series, comprising the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL. Additionally, Google is slated to introduce the Pixel 9 Fold, succeeding the original Pixel Fold released last year.

Accessing the Event Stream

The Made by Google event is scheduled for August 13 at 1:00 p.m. EST. Google will broadcast the event through multiple online channels:

1. Google Store Website: The event will be featured on Google's online store.
2. YouTube: For ease of access and native reminder notifications, viewing through YouTube is recommended. The live stream will be available on two channels:
   • Made by Google channel
   • Android channel

Both YouTube channels will broadcast identical streams, allowing viewers to choose their preferred platform.

For optimal viewing experience and to ensure you don't miss any announcements, it's advisable to set a reminder through your chosen platform. This will help you stay informed about Google's latest product launches and innovations in the Pixel ecosystem.

   Source: Made by google youtube channel

From Code to Creation: Google Pixel 8's Indian Manufacturing Debut

Pic: Google India X handle

Google has officially confirmed the commencement of Pixel 8 smartphone production at its manufacturing facilities in India. This marks a significant milestone for the company, representing its first foray into direct Pixel phone manufacturing within the country. The move follows an announcement made less than a year ago outlining Google's plans to expand its production footprint to India.

While currently limited to the base Pixel 8 model, this development signifies a strategic shift in Google's manufacturing strategy. The Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8a will continue to be produced at other global locations. According to sources Google is collaborating with Dixon Technologies for its Pixel device manufacturing operations in India.

Although the Indian market hasn't traditionally been a stronghold for Google's Pixel devices, previous reports suggest that a majority of the Pixel 8 units produced in India are destined for export to other international markets.

The newly manufactured devices are anticipated to begin shipping imminently from Indian production lines to consumers both domestically and internationally.

As Google prepares to unveil the Pixel 9 series, the company's plans for its production in India remain undisclosed. It remains to be seen whether the Pixel 9 series will also be manufactured within the country, further solidifying Google's commitment to local production.

Google Implements User Interface Refinements for Lens' Drag-to-Search Feature

Google has recently introduced subtle yet significant improvements to the user interface of its Lens drag-to-search functionality. This feature, which allows users to initiate visual searches by dragging images from supported applications, has undergone modifications to enhance its usability and visual appeal.

The most notable change is the relocation of the drag handle. Previously positioned at the bottom of the image preview, it has now been moved to the top-right corner. This adjustment aims to provide users with a more intuitive and ergonomic interaction experience.

Additionally, Google has refined the aesthetics of the feature by implementing rounded corners on the image preview. This design update aligns with the company's broader Material You design language, contributing to a more cohesive and modern visual presentation across Google's product ecosystem.

The drag-to-search feature's activation process remains unchanged. Users can still initiate a search by long-pressing an image and dragging it towards the designated search area. However, the refined user interface is expected to make this process more seamless and visually appealing.

These enhancements are currently being rolled out to users and may not be immediately available to all. As with many Google updates, the deployment is likely to occur gradually across the user base.

The drag-to-search functionality continues to be accessible in various Google applications, including Chrome and the Google app on Android devices. This feature exemplifies Google's ongoing efforts to integrate visual search capabilities more deeply into its core products, facilitating a more intuitive and efficient search experience for users.

Google Photos Introduces New Collections Tab, Streamlining User Experience

Source: 9to5Google

Google Photos is implementing a significant user interface update, transitioning the existing "Library" tab to a new "Collections" tab. This change comes after a previous redesign attempt in 2022 was met with negative feedback and ultimately shelved. The tech giant has taken a more measured approach this time, directly addressing user concerns about the discoverability of shared albums.

In a recent support post, Google acknowledged the previous design's shortcomings and emphasized the new "Collections" tab's focus on improved content accessibility. Retaining the familiar bookshelf icon, the updated tab will feature prominent shortcuts ("pills") for key functionalities such as Favorites, Trash, Screenshots, Archive, and other frequently accessed sections. Notably, the Locked Folder will no longer be included in these shortcuts and the pills themselves will adopt a transparent aesthetic, departing from the current Material You design.

Central to the redesign is the consolidation of user content under a single, unified view. Accessing personal albums, shared albums, people-based groupings, documents, and other media types will be streamlined within the "Collections" interface. Furthermore, the "Photos on device" carousel has been replaced with a more intuitive "On this device" folder. Album navigation has also been enhanced, with clear filtering options for "All," "Shared with me," and "My albums."

To further optimize the user experience, the "Utilities" pill has been removed and its associated functionalities have been strategically relocated within the application:

Locked Folder: Accessible directly from the bottom of the "Collections" view.

Import Photos: Integrated under the "Create +" menu.

Content Creation: Streamlined under the "Create +" menu.

Free Up Space: Accessible via the user's Account profile.

Move Photos to Archive: Incorporated into the individual photo options menu.

Manage Photo Frames: Located within the Photos settings under "Apps & devices."

Analysts Predict Potential Premium Pricing for Select Apple Intelligence Features

Industry analysts are forecasting that Apple may introduce a premium pricing tier for certain advanced features within its suite of artificial intelligence (AI) offerings. Estimates suggest this premium tier could cost users up to $20 per month.

While Apple has yet to officially confirm these plans, analysts cite the increasing computational costs associated with developing and deploying cutting-edge AI models as a key driver behind this potential pricing strategy. The sophisticated algorithms and extensive training data required for advanced AI functionalities necessitate significant investment, which Apple may seek to recoup through a subscription model.

This premium tier is speculated to encompass features that leverage more resource-intensive AI capabilities, potentially including enhancements to Siri, personalized content recommendations, advanced photo and video editing tools powered by AI, and proactive health monitoring functionalities.

Such a move towards a tiered pricing structure for AI features aligns with broader industry trends, as other tech companies explore various monetization strategies for their AI investments. However, the potential impact on user adoption and the competitive landscape remains to be seen.

Analysts will be closely monitoring Apple's upcoming announcements and product releases for further indications on the pricing and availability of these premium AI features. The success of this strategy will likely depend on the perceived value proposition of these features and the overall market demand for advanced AI capabilities within the Apple ecosystem.