Made by Google 2024 liveblog: Live updates on Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Watch 3 and more

It’s earlier in the year than usual, but Google is ready to unwrap its latest slew of Pixel devices. At its Made By Google event today, the company is expected to show off the new Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro Fold (or Pixel Fold 2), as well as the Pixel Watch 3 and possibly a set of Pixel Buds Pro 2. Whew, that’s a lot of Pixels. Google’s keynote kicks off at 10am PT or 1pm ET today, and I’ll be live at the company’s Bay View campus to bring you all the news as it breaks. Come join us here on our liveblog, where I’ll start telling you all about my day and the Google event experience as early as 11am ET.

Live32 updates

Tue, August 13, 2024 at 6:53 PM GMT+2

LOL, how you gonna come in here and talk about bathroom comparisons and not be more specific? What is your criteria!
Tue, August 13, 2024 at 6:51 PM GMT+2

This is my first time at Google’s Bay View space, since prior events were either held in New York City or at the Shoreline Amphitheater, which sees a lot more foot traffic. And I have to say, Google’s bathrooms are seemingly on par with Apple’s here. I know, you all come here for our unique tech company bathroom reporting.
Tue, August 13, 2024 at 6:51 PM GMT+2

I’m curious to see if Google can break through the AI fatigue that has set in this year, especially after Samsung and Apple decided to go and make their own suite of AI-powered apps and features.
Tue, August 13, 2024 at 6:50 PM GMT+2

I’m back from my bathroom and water break and, at the risk of sounding weird, I had a thought. When I attend events held by the two companies whose campuses I’ve visited multiple times, I judge them on a few areas (aside from the actual news announcements). There are obvious things like transport logistics, accessibility of the space, whether their seats are laptop-friendly and, of course,
Tue, August 13, 2024 at 6:40 PM GMT+2

Oh hi Cherlynn! Glad you finally made it.
Tue, August 13, 2024 at 6:40 PM GMT+2

By the way, I can confirm there is indeed music playing here at the event space even if the livestream may be muted. I’m about to go hunt down some water and a bathroom. I’m not sure how long this thing will run but I don’t want to rupture a bladder!
Tue, August 13, 2024 at 6:40 PM GMT+2

Ok, back to the event itself. Aside from the Pixel 9 Pro Fold, we’re also expecting to see a handful of phones, some new Pixel Buds and the Pixel Watch 3.

Similar to the teaser for the Pro Fold, Google gave us a sneak peek of the Pixel 9 Pro and of course the company is already hinting at a bunch of new AI features.
Tue, August 13, 2024 at 6:38 PM GMT+2

Also hi everyone! We were finally let in and I’m getting set up. I’m sat next to Julian Chokkattu from Wired, we’re both in ergonomic distress from the laptop-on-lap setup right now. I’d guess there’s room for about 500 to 800 people in here
Tue, August 13, 2024 at 6:36 PM GMT+2

Yes it’s cozy indeed! I hope you shared my pictures of the breakfast bento box Sam. The box that I grabbed has turned out really handy…. As a lapdesk for my laptop! There are no desks or stable surfaces in this auditorium
Tue, August 13, 2024 at 6:34 PM GMT+2

Still no music or anything from the live stream, I’m always curious to hear what kind of playlists big tech companies like making.
Tue, August 13, 2024 at 6:31 PM GMT+2

Ok, T-minus 30 minutes. Now’s a great time to grab a snack or drink before things get started for real.
Tue, August 13, 2024 at 6:26 PM GMT+2

It seems Google is getting playful with its signage.

Made by Google August 2024 entrance (Photo by Cherlynn Low/Engadget)
Tue, August 13, 2024 at 6:25 PM GMT+2

Aaaand now she’s grabbing a quick breakfast bento box before sitting down. Looks extremely healthy, I could definitely go for a chia pudding right now.

Bento box at Made By Google (Photo by Cherlynn Low)
Tue, August 13, 2024 at 6:23 PM GMT+2

Made By Google August 2024 (Photo by Cherlynn Low)

Cherlynn is currently going through registration and snapped this pic of someone posing out in front of the big sign.
Tue, August 13, 2024 at 6:19 PM GMT+2

Alternatively, for those who do want to follow along with the live stream, you can watch it yourself right here.
Tue, August 13, 2024 at 6:17 PM GMT+2

Now I should mention that for today, Cherlynn is covering the event on-site, while I’m remote because I can’t travel right now (personal reasons).
Tue, August 13, 2024 at 6:09 PM GMT+2

That said, while we have time, I must admit I kind of hate the name. Pixel 9 Pro Fold just feels clunky.

As far as I can tell, the name change is because Google wants people to know that this is part of the larger Pixel 9 family, which makes sense. But I still prefer the simplicity of Pixel Fold, Pixel Fold 2, etc.
Tue, August 13, 2024 at 6:00 PM GMT+2

Right away, this has some big clues about what’s going on with the Pixel Fold’s successor including a revamped design.

It looks like Google is doing away with the short and squatty passport shape in favor of something taller. That’s a bit of a bummer because I really the like wider front screen on the Pixel Fold because it makes the outside screen more usable than what you get on a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6.

But we’re going to have to wait and see more to get a better sense of how that might change how you use the Pixel 9 Pro Fold.
Tue, August 13, 2024 at 5:57 PM GMT+2

Naturally, this leads into what Google has in store for the livestream later. And just like in years past, Google decided to pre-empt the leaks by teasing the Pixel 9 Pro Fold ahead of the event.
Tue, August 13, 2024 at 5:48 PM GMT+2

And honestly, it’s really encouraging to see how much wear and tear modern foldables can handle, especially after the fiasco that was the original Z Fold.