Google finally unveiled at Google I/O 2023 the Pixel 7a and Pixel Fold, its first foldable smartphone, along with other new features (including AI-powered ones) that will be released later this year.

The Google Pixel 7a price starts at $499 and has the following specifications:

  • New powerful processor: Tensor G2
  • Memory: 8 GB of RAM
  • Updated camera: new ultrawide lens (13 megapixels) for the main camera
  • New options: Face unlock and wireless charging
  • New call assist features: Direct My Call, Call Screen, Hold for Me, Clear Calling and Wait Times

The design is similar to that of the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro, with the phone available in 4 different shades: Charcoal, Snow, Sea and Coral.

As for the Pixel Fold, Google’s first foldable phone, the price starts at $1,799. If you didn’t faint yet, here are some extra details:

  • New powerful processor: Tensor G2
  • Slim design: 7.6-inch screen
  • Powerful camera with new features: Super Res Zoom (5x optical zoom), Real Tone, Night Sight and Portrait options
  • Design: two color options, Porcelain and Obsidian

When closed, the outer screen allows users to do usual tasks, for instance replying to messages, using the browser or the new call assist features.

When fully open, the phone basically becomes a tablet: you can watch shows, read books or play games. The phone can also be used just like a laptop, without the need for a stand or tripod.

In addition to its new phones, Google also announced new features it will release this year, most of them based on generative artificial intelligence.

Here are some of the new featured announced by Google:

  • Help me write feature in Gmail. Gmail launched Smart Reply in 2017, those short replies that users can quickly select when they want to send a fast response. Smart Compose followed, which offered writing suggestions as users typed various messages. Now, the Help me write feature will help respond to emails and generate short or elaborate responses depending on the context of the conversation.
  • Immersive view for routes on Google Maps. Users can visualize each segment of their route before the journey starts – whether walking, cycling or driving. With this function they will be able to access information about air quality, how the weather changes throughout the day (during the route), etc.
  • Magic Editor in Google Photos. This feature will allow users to edit photos in a more complex way. Using a combination of AI technologies (generative AI), users are able to edit specific parts of an image – such as the main character, sky or background.
  • Dark Theme feature for Bard, Google’s AI chatbot. Google is launching an option so that the answers generated by Bard can be sent directly to Gmail and Google Docs. Bard will be extended to more than 180 countries.
  • Duet AI for Google Workspace. Google Slides presentations will be improved with the help of AI. It will be possible to generate original images and insert them in presentations. Google Sheets will be able to generate plan that will help users organize themselves better.
  • Google updates Labs, a space where Google ideas (features, for example) can be tested before release. The new Labs offer a first impression of Google experiments (new features, updates, improvements) and the chance to provide feedback directly to the teams that built those features. Currently, only US users will be able to sign up to test the new features.
  • Google Search AI. More AI features will be included in Google Search. When users search, for various products for example, they will receive information such as: what features to take into consideration and which products fit the requirements, product descriptions that include relevant reviews, ratings, prices and images. This new shopping experience is built on Google’s Shopping Graph, which has over 35 billion product listings.
  • “About this Image” tool in Google Search. You will be able to upload an image and have Google tell you where that image has been seen online before, or when and where similar images published.
  • Extending the Find My Device feature. Find My Device will help locate other products besides your phone, such as headphones, tablets, and more.

Android gets some new features as well:

  • Magic Compose, a new feature based on generative artificial intelligence in the Messages app
  • Emoji wallpaper – allows combinations of emojis, colors and patterns for a background that matches the users’ mood
  • Cinematic wallpapers – once selected, a photo will be able to come to life when the phone is moved/tilted
  • Generative AI wallpaper – the device will generate custom backgrounds based on user request.

This is just the first day of Google I/O, we’ll see what else is announced. You can view the Google I/O 2023 live presentation for the full announcements here: