Ahead of Apple, Google shows off new pricier wearables, Pixel phones

Alphabet unveiled new Pixel smartphones and wearables at its Made by Google event, highlighting its push into premium hardware and AI-driven features. The Pixel 11 starts at $899, with the higher price attributed to surging memory costs, which could pressure demand among cost-sensitive buyers but may also improve margins. The lineup emphasizes Gemini AI integration, the Tensor G6 chip, camera upgrades, increased base storage, and longer software support. Google also introduced a new Pixel Watch 5 with expanded health and trend-analysis features, reinforcing its strategy to deepen ecosystem lock-in. The launch comes ahead of Apple’s next product cycle and underscores intensifying competition in high-end consumer devices.