Google unveils Pixel 11 lineup in latest push to expand AI use

Google unveiled the Pixel 11 lineup of phones on Wednesday, showcasing slimmer cameras with enhanced zoom and artificial intelligence capabilities to streamline user interactions. The company aims to entice customers to upgrade and increase adoption of its AI tools. Forrester senior analyst Andrew Cornwall noted that Google frequently highlights new software features driven by AI as incentives for purchasing new devices.

Among the introduced features are the ability to extract photos from videos, a teleprompter, video stabilization, and improved speech-to-text functionality. Although Pixel phones have not matched Apple's iPhone in popularity, Google has been progressively integrating more AI functionalities into its phones since 2023. In contrast, Apple has been slower to adapt, unveiling AI enhancements in June that focus on enhancing everyday life experiences, with a particular emphasis on privacy and security.

Leveraging Google's Gemini AI, Apple demonstrated potential applications for the technology. At Wednesday's presentation, Google announced that the new Pixel phones will offer double the storage capacity of previous models, starting at 256 gigabytes, and provide 30 hours of battery life along with faster wireless charging. The previously lowest-priced Pixel 11, priced at $800, has been discontinued.

The Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel 11 Pro XL will be available for pre-order in the U.S. starting at $900, $1,100, and $1,300, respectively. The Pixel Pro Fold begins at $1,900, marking a $100 price increase from last year's models. New capabilities include live translation for videos, podcasts, and voice messages. Pro models feature the HiLight tool, which allows users to assign colors to preferred contacts and have the phone light up in that color when the associated person calls while the device is placed face down.

This complements the "Flip to Shhh" feature, which silences the phone by detecting it face down. Google is offering a complimentary six-month subscription to the AI Pro plan for users purchasing the Pixel 11 Pro or Pixel 11 Pro XL. The company hopes to encourage more users to engage with the AI Gemini toolkit, developed to compete against OpenAI's ChatGPT.

Camera enhancements include a new Magic Capture mode, which captures a series of photos and videos with a single shutter press. Improved light sensitivity and Instant Night Sight for Pro models enable faster high-quality images in dimly lit conditions without the need for long exposure periods. Additionally, Google introduced Pixel Tag, a tracking device costing $30 for a single unit or $100 for a four-pack, compatible with Android 9 or higher devices.