Google Pixel event centers on Gemini AI with no hardware surprises

Gizmodo analyzes Google's Made by Google event with a focus on Gemini AI and a lack of major hardware surprises.

Google Pixel event centers on Gemini AI with no hardware surprises

Google kicked off its Made by Google event in Brooklyn on August 20 with the Pixel 10 lineup, a second generation foldable, a new Pixel Watch 4, and Pixel Buds 2A. Leaks in the months before the event had laid out most of the hardware, so the day emphasis shifted to Gemini, Google’s AI chatbot, and how it will operate in real life. The big question remains whether Gemini can handle multitasking across apps without constant prompting.

During the presentation, executives framed Gemini as the core idea behind a more seamless Pixel experience. Demos suggested the AI could summarize information, edit photos, and trigger actions across apps, signaling a push to integrate AI more deeply into daily tasks across apps. Analysts noted that the event stayed within expected hardware bounds, while the AI narrative will determine how compelling the Google ecosystem feels in the near term. Privacy controls and user consent will matter as Gemini becomes more capable.

This moment marks a strategic shift for Google, using Gemini to differentiate hardware through services rather than specs. It mirrors a broader industry move where AI is becoming the main selling point. Google faces a careful task to balance usefulness with simplicity so users are not overwhelmed by prompts or intrusive data collection.

If Gemini delivers reliable multitasking with clear privacy controls, Pixel users may grow attached to a tighter ecosystem and a smoother workflow. If the AI promises prove hollow or opaque, critics could view the push as overhyped and slow to earn trust among everyday users.

Highlights

Google bets on Gemini to define the Pixel experience, not just the hardware that surrounds it.