Understanding the Pixel 11 launch event is official – with some curious changes
Okay, I admit it: I was wrong. Google has announced 12 August as the date for its next big launch event, where we’ll see new devices including the Pixel 11 range.
I predicted 18 August as the most likely date, based on the last five years of Pixel launch events and a bit of a hunch. The Pixel 11 phones will arrive on 12 August, so I was only a week off.
Of course, Google hasn’t mentioned the phones by name yet, but it’s not difficult to put two and two together when the invite says: “Where the next generation of Google Pixel takes the stage.”
There’s also the fact that the teaser shows a new Pixel phone from a couple of different angles, although seemingly in a gold colour for the frame and camera bar and a glossy black back, which doesn’t match previously leaked information about the Pixel 11 colours.
What we can’t see is any sign of the rumoured Pixel Glow rear lighting system, which will be used for subtle notifications and the like, although it may not arrive on the Pixel 11 range.
The Made by Google event will take place in New York, but what’s unusual is that it’ll start at 6pm local time (ET). That’s much later than usual and means that it’ll be 11pm in the UK by then – but maybe the World Cup has influenced the tech world too.
There’s just over a month to wait for the event. We’re expecting four Pixel 11 phones to launch – a regular, two different sizes of Pro and the Pro Fold. The phones are expected to be in for price hikes, but we’ll have to wait for the event to find out for sure.
Google is also highly likely to launch the Pixel Watch 5 as its new smartwatch and there could well be other new devices such as Pixel Buds. Who knows, I might even get my wish for a Fitbit smart ring.
The news came just hours after Samsung announed 22 July as the date for its next Galaxy Unpacked event, where we’re expecting new Galaxy Z foldable phones and new Galaxy Watch models.
