Google unveils new Pixel 11 series, Gemini AI steals spotlight over hardware

The competition in artificial intelligence technology in the smartphone market is intensifying. Google has unveiled its new Pixel 11 series, with the company placing greater emphasis on Gemini AI alongside the new hardware.

Google's parent company Alphabet unveiled the new Pixel 11 series on Wednesday, August 12. The series includes the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL and Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Google's primary goal this time is not just to add AI features to smartphones, but to fundamentally change how phones are used. The new Gemini feature can understand user needs and work directly across various apps.

Gemini can collect information from Google's various services, including messages, calendar and maps, to plan the next steps for a task. It can compare travel options, check seat availability at specific times or initiate restaurant booking processes. Users will not need to open a separate chatbot for this; the AI features will be integrated with the phone's operating system.

Rick Osterloh, head of Google's Devices division, told CNBC that AI could change the conventional concept of smartphone use. There has not been a significant change in how mobile phones and laptops are used over the last 10 to 15 years. But technology like Gemini could quickly change that. Gemini will not just answer user questions but will also be able to complete various tasks on behalf of the user as needed.

Meanwhile, Apple is also preparing to revamp Siri using Google's Gemini model. However, according to Osterloh, Pixel and iPhone are moving in different directions in how they utilise AI.

Google no longer sees Gemini as just a feature of smartphones. The company's plan is for this AI technology to become the primary medium for using various devices, including phones and laptops, in the future.