Google Packs New Pixel Phones with AI

New York (AFP) – Google on Wednesday unveiled new Pixel 10 smartphones, showcasing artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities woven into its Android mobile operating system.

The line-up of new products included a foldable phone, improved Pixel smartwatch, and ear buds all synced to work with AI and each other.

"Pixel continues to be the best way for people to try out the latest bleeding-edge AI from Google," product manager Tyler Kugler said during a briefing with journalists.

Pixel phones claim a scant portion of a high-end smartphone market ruled by Apple, Samsung and Xiaomi, but custom Google hardware is an opportunity for the internet giant to highlight what is possible with its Android mobile operating system.

And while Samsung routinely ranks as the world's top smartphone seller, it powers handsets with Android software from Google.

"Initially, Google Pixel devices were designed as a technological showcase to limit Android fragmentation and accelerate innovation," said Forrester principal analyst Thomas Husson.

"Ten years later, the strategic challenge is still not to become the market leader, but to demonstrate the value of Google's integrated ecosystem."