Google revealed its Pixel 11 smartphone lineup, the Pixel Watch 5, a new foldable, and its first tracking tag at an event in New York City on August 12, 2026. The new devices feature expanded Gemini artificial intelligence tools, a built-in LED notification ring, and higher starting prices.
Made by Google 2026 Event Details and Lineup
Google unveiled its next-generation hardware ecosystem during the Made by Google 2026 event held in New York City. The announcement brings a colorful fresh lineup of devices anchored by the Pixel 11 series, alongside a next-generation foldable, an updated smartwatch, and a brand-new tracking accessory.
According to invitations sent to journalists, the hardware showcase started at 6 a.m. New York time. The broader hardware family spans four distinct models, with the standard Pixel 11 and the Pro variants leading the release.
Pricing Shifts, Storage Upgrades, and Hardware Specs
Google has eliminated its cheapest entry-level option by dropping the 128-gigabyte storage tier entirely, a decision influenced in part by an ongoing RAM supply shortage. Consequently, the standard Pixel 11 now starts at $899 with a base storage capacity of 256 gigabytes, representing a $100 price increase compared to the previous generation’s starting point.
U.S. customers ordering the new devices will encounter tiered retail pricing across the board. The foldable Pixel Pro Fold commands the highest price point in the mobile family, starting at $1,900. These figures reflect a general $100 price increase across the lineup from last year’s models.
Technical specifications vary by model. Both Pro models operate on the new Google Tensor G6 processor built on a 2nm lithography process, and incorporate a Samsung M16 OLED panel alongside a Titan M3 security chip.
Advanced Gemini AI Tools and New Camera Features
Software enhancements remain a primary selling point for the new generation. Google continues to tout new software features, primarily around AI, as the reason to upgrade, according to Forrester senior analyst Andrew Cornwall.
Cornwall noted that the manufacturer has integrated capabilities to extract photos from videos, incorporate a teleprompter, refine video stabilization, and improve speech-to-text functionality. Additional software additions include live translation for videos, podcasts, and voice messages. Accessibility updates feature an expansion of Live Transcribe
to support American Sign Language translation via the Pixel Camera. Google also introduced Rambler
, a voice-input feature built to handle unformatted speech, run-on sentences, and filler words. Furthermore, Circle to Search
can now be accessed directly from the camera experience.
On the hardware side, the standard Pixel 11 introduces a redesigned camera bar that is more than 40% thinner than its predecessor, spanning the width of the phone with an all-glass surface. Pro models feature a new anti-scratch display coating delivering double the scratch resistance of the Pixel 10 Pro series, alongside improved drop resistance. Camera software adds Magic Capture
for taking a series of photos and video with a single tap, while Instant Night Sight captures shots in dark environments faster on Pro models without requiring users to hold the phone completely still.
Pixel Glow Notification Ring and Accessories
The Pro models introduce an innovative hardware detail called Pixel Glow, a small colored light built into the camera module that discreetly alerts users to incoming messages or calls when the phone rests face down. This tool ties into a feature called HiLight, which lets users assign specific colors to favorite contacts so the phone illuminates in that designated shade during incoming calls.
Beyond smartphones, Google expanded its hardware ecosystem with several companion devices.
Worth a look
