The first Made by Google event of the year was jam-packed with announcements, with a whole suite of Pixel products, new Google Gemini features, and a host of smart AI-powered tools to go along with the new hardware.
For a beat-by-beat account of the showcase, take a look at our Made By Google event live blog. But read on for the seven biggest announcements that caught our collective eye during the showcase.
1. The Fold goes Pro
(Image credit: Google)
Rather than make a simple sequel to the Pixel Fold, the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, as its name would suggest, is a folding take on the Pixel 9 Pro. That means it gets the powerful camera suite of the non-folding version, along with a mix of AI-powered features, and puts them in a neat folding phone package.
So you get the likes of a Tensor G4 chip, 16GB of RAM and a 8-inch OLED Super Actua Flex folding display. Add in the AI features, and a thinner and lighter design, and you’re looking at a folding phone that has some proper ‘pro’ chops.
Read more: check out our Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold hands-on review
2. The Pixel Watch gets bigger and smarter
(Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)
The Google Pixel Watch 3 is a surprisingly comprehensive update, including the most visually impressive upgrade of the bunch – a new larger size option. The new 45mm Pixel Watch 3 XL model has a brighter-than-ever screen – it’s 40% bigger than the screen on the Pixel Watch 2 – but there are plenty of new features under the glass too.
A 35% bigger battery in the XL keeps maintains the day-long battery life even with a more powerful screen and always-on-display enabled, while on the health side, Loss of Pulse Detection can identify if your heart stops and send a message to emergency services. There are a bunch of new Fitbit training tools too, including a revamped Daily Readiness score and improved running information. The Pixel Watch 3 is certainly shaping up to be Google’s best wearable yet.
Read more: check out our Google Pixel Watch 3 hands-on review
3. Don’t want a folding phone? The Pixel 9 Pro has gone XL
One could argue that the Google Pixel 9 Pro has a display that’s plenty big, but perhaps you’re of the belief that bigger is indeed better: enter the Google Pixel 9 Pro XL. The new addition to the Pixel phone lineup takes the core of the Pixel 9 Pro and ups the display to 6.8 inches and the battery to 4,700mAh. And that’s it.
As such, you get a new Pixel Pro phone with a display that’s only 0.1 inches bigger than the screen on the Pixel 8 Pro; that’s not a huge amount, but a little bit of space can go a long way when you’re holding a phone horizontally and watching Netflix on it. But the flipside of this is that the Pixel 9 Pro now has a smaller 6.2-inch display, making it easier to use one-handed for people who want ‘pro’ features but not a big, girthy phone. And for those who do, the XL fills that gap.
Read more: check out our Google Pixel 9 Pro XL hands-on review
4. The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 have shrunk, yet can now ‘cancel twice as much noise’
(Image credit: Google)
Active noise cancellation that’s “two times as strong” as the older model is a big claim, but that’s what Google says it has achieved, thanks to the Tensor A1 chip nestled in the Pixel Buds Pro 2. It’s the first time Google has put its own chip in its earbuds, and it apparently processes audio 90 times faster than the speed of sound – which means that its ANC algorithm can adapt to your environment (and nix that extraneous noise) up to three million times per second.
They’re also the “smallest premium earbuds on the market” according to Google – and for sure, at 4.7g and 27% smaller than the outgoing set, they’re bijou indeed.
In addition to a transparency mode, active in-ear pressure relief and a new Conversation Detection feature (it can detect when you’re talking and switches automatically to transparency mode) you also get an extra ear tip to make four in total. Finally, you get onboard Google Gemini for your innermost queries, with transcripts saved on your Google phone for reference later.
Read more: The Google Pixel Buds Pro 2 are here, with a custom AI chip and ‘double’ the noise-cancelling power
5. There’s more to the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro than meets the eye
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
The Google Pixel 9 and Pixel 9 Pro were the most predictable of the four Pixel 9 phones launched at Google’s Made by Google event, but both models bring a host of worthwhile upgrades over their respective predecessors. In a nutshell, the Google Pixel 9 gets the same 50MP main and 48MP ultra-wide cameras as the Pixel 9 Pro, as well as a more durable design, a brighter screen, and a more powerful chipset than its predecessor.
The Pixel 9 Pro, meanwhile, gets a whopping 16GB RAM to power a smorgasbord of Google Gemini tricks, not to mention improved camera performance and a similar-but-not-the-same design as the standard Pixel 9. Yes, these upgrades sound iterative (on paper, at least), but the Google Pixel 9 Pro, in particular, will almost certainly prove one of the best AI phones of the year.
Read more: check out our hands-on Google Pixel 9 review and hands-on Google Pixel 9 Pro review
6. Gemini Live kinda encourages you to be rude to the Ai
(Image credit: Google)
We’ve probably all had moment when we’ve been snide towards Siri or antagonized Alexa, and Google seems to know that there’s an inherent pull to being a bit rude to AI-powered assistants. So with Gemini Live, a function of Gemini assistant designed to respond to casual-language and provide speciation and brainstorming, you can interrupt the assistant and switch topics mid-conversation.
Now that’s not as rude as bleating obscenities at a virtual assistant for mishearing a command, but it’s also not the most polite way to carry out a conversation. Still, such an approach means using AI-powered chatbots and tools can feel more natural, rather than as if you’re just talking into a soulless machine – even if you are.
Read more: Google Gemini Live is the first AI that almost encourages you to be rude
7. And Gemini can do a heck of a lot more…
(Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)
Gemini Live takes AI voice interaction to a whole new level, enabling you to have a conversation with your phone about complex topics just as if you were talking to a real person (which, as we established above, you’re not).
Then there are the new multimodal features – Gemini can analyze a photo you’ve taken and use the information it contains to answer questions, while a Screenshots feature analyzes your screenshots to help you find information within them. Gemini also integrates into Google apps, so it can look in your inbox and calendar to know details of your life, if you allow it to. Pixel Studio uses Gemini AI to generate pictures on the phone – you just type in some AI prompts and let Gemini do the rest.
Another AI image-related feature is Add Me, which can drop a separate picture of you into a photo of your friends, so you no longer need to hand your expensive phone to a stranger to take a group shot. Google has also added Call Notes, which uses Gemini to record your phone conversations and produce transcripts, and Gemini is now a proper research tool, creating Google Docs documents of whatever topic you want it to research.
If you know a real person that’s this helpful, then lucky you.
Read more: our favorite Google Gemini feature so far
Here’s our round-up of August’s Made by Google event, featuring the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Pixel 9 Pro XL, Pixel Watch 3 and more.
The Amazon Marketplace: Empowering Sellers and Shaping Consumer Behavior
The Amazon Marketplace has emerged as a powerful force in the global economy, redefining how businesses operate and how consumers shop. Since its launch in 2000, Amazon Marketplace has grown into one of the largest online marketplaces in the world, with millions of sellers and an even larger base of customers. This platform has not only democratized e-commerce, providing opportunities for businesses of all sizes, but it has also significantly influenced consumer behavior. This article explores how the Amazon Marketplace empowers sellers and shapes consumer behavior.
Empowering Sellers: Opportunities and Challenges
The Amazon Marketplace has opened up unprecedented opportunities for sellers, from individual entrepreneurs to large corporations. One of the most significant benefits for sellers is the access to Amazon’s vast customer base. With over 300 million active users globally, Amazon provides a ready-made audience for sellers, eliminating the need for extensive marketing efforts to drive traffic to their products.
Lower Barriers to Entry
One of the most profound ways Amazon empowers sellers is by lowering the barriers to entry into the e-commerce space. Traditionally, setting up an online store required significant investment in website development, payment processing systems, and logistics. Amazon Marketplace simplifies this process by providing a platform where sellers can list their products, handle transactions, and even manage shipping through Amazon’s Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) service.
FBA, in particular, has been a game-changer for many small and medium-sized businesses. It allows sellers to store their products in Amazon’s warehouses, where Amazon takes care of packing, shipping, and even customer service. This service not only reduces the logistical burden on sellers but also ensures that their products are eligible for Amazon Prime, which can significantly boost sales.
Global Reach
The global reach of Amazon Marketplace is another significant advantage for sellers. With Amazon’s presence in numerous countries, sellers can tap into international markets with relative ease. Amazon’s Global Selling program enables sellers to list their products in multiple countries, allowing them to expand their customer base far beyond their home market. This global reach is particularly beneficial for small businesses that may not have the resources to enter international markets independently.
Data and Analytics
Amazon provides sellers with valuable data and analytics tools that can help them optimize their listings and marketing strategies. Through the Seller Central dashboard, sellers have access to detailed reports on sales, customer behavior, and advertising performance. This data-driven approach allows sellers to make informed decisions about pricing, inventory management, and advertising, ultimately leading to better business outcomes.
Challenges for Sellers
However, selling on Amazon is not without its challenges. The competition on the platform is fierce, with millions of sellers vying for the attention of customers. To stand out, sellers must invest in optimizing their product listings, managing reviews, and running targeted advertising campaigns. Additionally, Amazon’s fee structure, which includes referral fees, FBA fees, and other charges, can eat into sellers’ profit margins, especially for those selling low-margin products.
Moreover, Amazon’s control over the marketplace means that sellers are subject to its policies and regulations. This can be a double-edged sword; while Amazon’s strict guidelines help maintain a level of quality and trust on the platform, they can also be restrictive for sellers. Policy changes, such as adjustments to fee structures or new regulations regarding product listings, can have a significant impact on sellers’ businesses.
Shaping Consumer Behavior: Convenience and Choice
The Amazon Marketplace has not only empowered sellers but also transformed consumer behavior in profound ways. The platform has become synonymous with convenience, choice, and competitive pricing, which are key drivers of consumer decisions.
Convenience and Speed
One of the most significant impacts of Amazon on consumer behavior is the expectation of convenience and speed. Amazon’s streamlined shopping experience, coupled with services like Amazon Prime, has set a new standard for online shopping. Consumers now expect fast, often same-day, delivery, easy returns, and a seamless shopping experience across devices. This has raised the bar for other e-commerce platforms and even brick-and-mortar stores, which have had to adapt to meet these heightened expectations.
The convenience offered by Amazon extends beyond just delivery speed. Features like one-click purchasing, personalized recommendations, and a user-friendly mobile app have made shopping on Amazon almost effortless. This ease of use has contributed to the platform becoming the go-to destination for many consumers, particularly for everyday purchases.
Broad Product Selection
Amazon’s vast selection of products is another factor that has shaped consumer behavior. The marketplace offers a seemingly endless array of products across virtually every category, from electronics to groceries. This extensive selection is possible because of the millions of third-party sellers who list their products on the platform, alongside Amazon’s own offerings.
This breadth of choice has shifted consumer expectations, leading to a preference for platforms that offer a wide variety of options. Consumers are now less willing to visit multiple websites or stores to find what they need, preferring the convenience of one-stop shopping. This trend has also put pressure on traditional retailers to expand their product offerings and improve their online shopping experiences.
Price Sensitivity and Competitive Pricing
Amazon’s pricing strategies have also influenced consumer behavior, making customers more price-sensitive. The platform’s dynamic pricing model, where prices can change frequently based on factors like demand and competition, encourages consumers to compare prices and seek out the best deals. Additionally, features like Amazon’s price tracking tools and the ability to view historical prices have made consumers more aware of price fluctuations and more likely to wait for discounts before making a purchase.
This increased price sensitivity has impacted the broader retail landscape, forcing competitors to adopt more aggressive pricing strategies to stay competitive. It has also led to the rise of price comparison tools and apps, further empowering consumers to find the best deals.
The Role of Reviews and Ratings
Amazon’s review system is another key factor influencing consumer behavior. Customer reviews and ratings have become a critical component of the decision-making process for many shoppers. Positive reviews can significantly boost a product’s visibility and sales, while negative reviews can deter potential buyers. This has led to a culture where consumers rely heavily on the experiences of others to guide their purchasing decisions.
The importance of reviews has also created a new challenge for sellers, who must actively manage their reputation on the platform. This has given rise to practices like review solicitation and even, unfortunately, fake reviews. However, Amazon has taken steps to combat these practices, implementing stricter policies and algorithms to detect and remove fraudulent reviews.
Conclusion
The Amazon Marketplace has had a profound impact on both sellers and consumers, reshaping the e-commerce landscape in the process. By empowering sellers with access to a global customer base, powerful data tools, and logistical support, Amazon has lowered the barriers to entry for businesses of all sizes. At the same time, the platform has transformed consumer behavior, setting new standards for convenience, choice, and pricing.
As Amazon continues to evolve, its influence on the global economy and consumer culture will likely only grow. For sellers, the challenge will be to navigate the complexities of the platform and find ways to stand out in an increasingly crowded marketplace. For consumers, the Amazon Marketplace will continue to be a driving force behind the expectations and behaviors that define the future of shopping.
