Key Points:
- Pixel 9 lineup receives FCC certification, hinting at improved smart home connectivity and UWB support.
- Pixel 9 Pro XL appears in a hands-on video, showcasing the size difference compared to the Pixel 9.
- Google confirms the surprise August 13th launch event for the Pixel 9 series.
The highly anticipated Pixel 9 series is inching closer to release, with recent developments including FCC certification and a leaked hands-on video. This news follows the unveiling of the Pixel Watch 3, further solidifying Google’s commitment to its hardware ecosystem.
The FCC filing, crucial for regulatory approval, reveals several interesting details. Firstly, the sheer number of entries, with at least five distinct FCC IDs and eight models, suggests a diverse Pixel 9 lineup. Secondly, all models appear to boast Thread radios, a technology poised to revolutionize smart home management by enabling direct communication between your phone and compatible devices. This finding contradicts earlier rumors suggesting the base Pixel 9 might lack this functionality. While the exact mapping of model numbers to specific devices (Pixel 9, 9 Pro, 9 Pro XL, and 9 Pro Fold) remains unclear, the presence of Thread across the board is a promising sign.
Adding fuel to the Pixel 9 hype, a recent TikTok video offers a glimpse of the Pixel 9 Pro XL. The brief footage highlights the phone’s size disparity compared to the standard Pixel 9, suggesting a clear distinction between the two models. This leak follows last week’s hands-on videos showcasing the “vanilla” Pixel 9.
In a surprising turn of events, Google has announced an unexpected launch date for the Pixel 9 series. The company will unveil the highly anticipated devices on August 13th, a full two months earlier than their customary schedule. While the rationale behind this move remains unconfirmed, some speculate it might be an attempt to mitigate leaks, a strategy that appears less than successful based on recent events.
The Pixel 9 series is poised to be a significant upgrade from its predecessors. The Pixel 9 succeeds the Pixel 8, while the Pixel 9 Pro XL takes the mantle from the Pixel 8 Pro. The Pixel 9 Pro, meanwhile, offers the Pro XL’s internal specifications in a more compact form factor akin to the standard Pixel 9. Finally, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold serves as the successor to the original Pixel Fold. A recent leak revealed a mixed bag of pricing for these devices, with some models maintaining last year’s costs and others experiencing a price hike. This trend aligns with Samsung’s recent adjustments for the Galaxy Z Fold6 and Z Flip6.
GGH2X
- Includes model GC15S
This device features a Thread radio that will presumably allow your phone to directly control smart home devices.
GZC4K
- Includes GQ57S
GGX8B
GEC77
- Related to A4RGR83Y (below), but without mmWave
- Includes GWVK6
GR83Y
- Identical to GEC77 (above), but with mmWave
