Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG)'s Google surprised mobile phone market watchers by unveiling its new range of Pixel 9 phones two months earlier than expected.
AI dominated the launch with the new Android system phones integrated with Google’s Gemini smart assistant to enhance user interaction through chat capabilities.
“We are obsessed with the idea that AI can make life easier and more productive for people,” said Rick Osterloh, a Google senior vice president.
The standard Pixel 9 is priced at $800, or $100 more than last year, while the Pixel 9 Pro folding versions will be available for $1,000 or $1,100 depending on the size.
All buyers of the Pixel 9 phones also get a one-year free subscription to advanced Gemini services, valued at US$240.
Commentators said the early launch reflects the ongoing battle with Apple in the mobile space at a time when it faces growing pressure in the search engine market.
A US judge recently declared its search engine to be 'an illegal monopoly'.
Pixel Watches and wireless earbuds will be the next products off the rank, Google added.