Google held its annual Made by Google event on Wednesday, unveiling the Pixel 11 series, the Pixel Watch 5, and a new competitor to Apple's AirTag: the Pixel Tag. Beyond hardware, the tech giant showcased a range of new Gemini-powered features designed to make its devices smarter and more accessible.
Gemini Gets More Useful on Pixel
A significant portion of the event focused on Gemini and other AI-driven capabilities coming to Pixel devices. Among the standout announcements, Google expanded Live Transcribe to support American Sign Language (ASL). Leveraging the Pixel Camera, users can now have sign language interpreted into text in real time, offering an alternative communication method that doesn't rely on typing.
Another notable addition is "Rambler," a new voice-input feature engineered to understand natural, conversational speech. Unlike traditional voice assistants that require carefully structured commands, Rambler is built to handle run-on sentences, filler words, and less formal phrasing while accurately capturing user intent.
The event also highlighted smaller refinements. "Circle to Search" is now more directly accessible from the Pixel Camera, enabling users to identify objects, search for distant landmarks, translate text, or ask questions about their surroundings—all without leaving the camera interface.
Pixel 11 Series: What's New
The Pixel 11 lineup continues Google's tradition of blending advanced hardware with intelligent software. While the company emphasized the integration of Gemini across the devices, the Pixel 11 also brings refinements in camera technology, battery life, and display performance. Specific details regarding processor upgrades and regional availability were not disclosed at the event, but early hands-on impressions suggest a focus on seamless AI-assisted photography and enhanced on-device processing.
Pixel Watch 5
Alongside the smartphones, Google introduced the Pixel Watch 5, which adopts a more rounded design while maintaining its signature minimalist aesthetic. The new watch emphasizes health tracking, with improved sensors for heart rate monitoring and sleep analysis, alongside tighter integration with Gemini for proactive wellness insights. Battery life has also seen a bump, addressing one of the most common criticisms of earlier models.
Pixel Tag: A New Contender in Item Tracking
The Pixel Tag marks Google's entry into the item tracker market, directly challenging Apple's AirTag. Integrated with the Find My Device network, the Pixel Tag offers precise location tracking, with compatibility across Android devices. A standout feature is its support for UWB (Ultra-Wideband) technology, enabling augmented reality-powered navigation to locate misplaced items with impressive accuracy.
Looking Ahead
Made by Google 2026 underscored the company's commitment to embedding AI throughout its ecosystem. With expansions in accessibility, voice interaction, and camera-based search, Google is positioning the Pixel line not just as a hardware showcase, but as a platform for intuitive, AI-first experiences. As these devices roll out in the coming months, users can expect a more connected and capable suite of tools.
For a full replay of the event, visit the official Made by Google YouTube channel.
via TechCrunch AI