Coming as a bit of a surprise, the Pixel 6a and Pixel Buds Pro weren’t the only devices shown off during the Google I/O 2022 Keynote. Instead of waiting around for the leaks to spoil the fun, Google decided to spoil the fun itself.
The Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, and Google Pixel Watch were all teased during today’s event. This came closer to the end of the Keynote, in a segment dedicated to Pixel hardware.
Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro
Starting off with the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, very little about these phones was actually revealed. We were shown a few images of the design, revealing a slight redesign to the rear camera module. With the Pixel 6 series late in 2021, Google implemented a camera bar of sorts, allowing for the design to stay slim, along with providing plenty of room for the different camera modules.
When the Pixel 7 arrives this fall, the two modules on the left side of the bar will be grouped together. Because the Pixel 7 Pro sports a tertiary camera sensor, this will be housed separately, with the flash model placed on the right side. This camera bar, along with the frame of the phone, will be made from a single piece of machined aluminum.
The other big piece of information that we know now is that Google’s next-generation Tensor chip will be at the helm. The original Tensor processor is what’s found in the Pixel 6, 6 Pro, and now the Pixel 6a, providing near-flagship performance.
And while it may fall a bit short compared to the Galaxy S22 Ultra, it excels in other areas that depend more on Machine Learning. Tensor is partially what makes unique features like Magic Eraser even possible on a smartphone.
Shortly after the Keynote concluded, Google shared just a little bit more insight, mainly surrounding the upcoming color options. The Pixel 7 will arrive in Obsidian, Snow, and Lemongrass, while the Pixel 7 Pro will come in Hazel instead of Lemongrass.
Both of these phones will ship with Android 13 out of the box, meaning that we’ll see at least three major OS software updates. And Google is likely to continue the trend of five years of security updates for its upcoming flagship models.
Google Pixel Watch
There have been rumors and leaks regarding a potential Pixel Watch release ever since Wear OS was introduced. In years past, Google has partnered with some hardware makers, such as LG and Samsung, but those days are in the past.
The Google Pixel Watch will be the company’s first wearable device and is also arriving this fall alongside the Pixel 7 series.
Following some surprising leaked images from a Pixel Watch that was left in a bar, those images match up exactly with what Google teased today. We’re seeing a circular, domed design, with a rotating crown on the side and a single button near the top of the watch.
Google didn’t share much in the way of what health and fitness tracking sensors would be on board. However, the company did reveal that there will be “deep Fitbit integration”, which is something that was expected following Google’s acquisition of the company.
From a software standpoint, Google confirms the Pixel Watch will run an updated version of Wear OS 3. Barring any other smartwatch releases, this marks just the second wearable to feature Google’s latest wearable OS. As we expected, Google is also expanding the usefulness of various on-watch features. This includes things like dedicated apps for Assistant, Wallet, and Google Maps. There’s even a new Google Home app that allows you to control your smart home devices, right from your wrist.
Unfortunately, that’s pretty much where the announcement stopped. Google said that we’ll have to wait until later this year to learn more about pricing and other features.
Conclusion
Between the Pixel 7, Pixel Watch, and Pixel Buds Pro, Google is finally attempting to create the seamless ecosystem that we’ve been wanting. It’s what makes the Apple and Samsung ecosystem so tempting, as all of your devices can easily communicate and provide the information that you need when you need it. And that’s without touching on the Pixel Tablet that was teased during today’s announcement, slated to arrive in 2023.
Let us know what you think about today’s announcements, and whether you’ll be planning to get your hands on these new devices.
