Upcoming Google hardware event and how to tune in
Google has set the stage for its upcoming hardware launch. The Made by Google event is scheduled for August 12. The event will kick off in New York at 6:00 PM ET. As has become the norm, the company will live-stream the entire event via its YouTube channel. An event listing hasn't been posted just yet. It's expected to go live closer to the date. This will make it easy for people across the globe to watch. Android Central will also be on hand to offer live coverage. Fans can keep up with all the latest product announcements and highlights in real time.
New Pixel 11 devices and design updates
The Pixel 11 lineup is expected to retain the familiar look of the Pixel 10 series. Design-wise, the phones will come with the same rounded corners, flat sides, and the signature camera bar that users have come to recognize. However, one notable change is the rumored addition of a new Pixel Glow LED, a feature Google has been teasing through its online store. This addition seems to point toward a shift in how the company is focusing on user interaction and personalization.
The lineup will once again include four different models. These are the Pixel 11, the Pixel 11 Pro, the larger Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the foldable Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Though the phones will come in fresh color options, the most significant upgrades are expected to be internal. According to leaks, Google is working on a new 2nm Tensor G6 processor from TSMC. This chip is said to address the performance and efficiency issues. Users have experienced with earlier Tensor chips. Making the Pixel 11 series much more powerful than its predecessors.
In addition to the new processor, Google is expected to switch to a MediaTek modem. This will be the first time for Google. This could improve connectivity and reduce dependence on Qualcomm. However, this is likely to come with a price hike. Each model is rumored to cost around $100 more than its predecessor. This mirrors a broader trend in the industry. Manufacturers continue to increase prices for flagship models. On the plus side, Google is also said to offer double the base storage. It will jump to 256GB. This should satisfy user demand for more built-in space. Users need space for apps, photos, and other media.
New Pixel Watch 5 and potential new features
The Pixel Watch 5 is expected to maintain the same curved, circular display. It will have the 41mm and 45mm size options. These have been standard for the Pixel Watch series. Design changes are not expected to be a focus. But there are hints that performance will be boosted. A rumored increase in RAM could allow the new Pixel Watch 5 to better handle on-device AI features. Unlike Samsung's latest Galaxy Watches, Google isn't expected to adopt the new Qualcomm Snapdragon Wear Elite chip this time around.
If the leaks are correct, the Pixel Watch 5 will see a price increase, which would be the first such change in the series. This could signal a shift in Google's strategy, aligning more with industry trends. Beyond the new watch, the Made by Google event is also likely to include a few unexpected announcements. These could range from new features to accessories, or even entirely new product lines, following the pattern of previous events.
As the launch date draws closer, more details about the Pixel 11 series, the Pixel Watch 5, and any additional surprises are likely to emerge. Given Google’s history of delivering both hardware and software updates, the Made by Google event remains one of the most anticipated tech reveals of the year.
Google’s Made by Google events have historically combined hardware launches with software improvements, and this one is no exception. The company has a track record of unveiling new features for its ecosystem, which can often come in the form of software updates for its devices. These updates may include enhanced AI capabilities, new camera features, or improvements to existing Pixel-exclusive functions.
In the context of wearables, the Pixel Watch 5 could come with new health and fitness features that integrate more closely with Android and other Google services. These could include more accurate sleep tracking, improved heart rate monitoring, or even new on-device AI assistants. Such features are particularly relevant in the wearable market, where companies like Apple and Samsung are constantly pushing for more advanced features.
As the event approaches, more leaks and rumors are expected to surface, giving fans a clearer idea of what to expect. The Made by Google event is not just about new products but also about reinforcing the brand’s position in the smartphone and wearable markets. With the Pixel 11 series and the Pixel Watch 5 likely to play a major role, the event is shaping up to be a key moment for Google’s hardware ambitions in 2026.
