Google Unexpectedly Shakes Up the Pixel Launch Event on August 13

Google surprised everyone in the tech community by announcing a surprise Pixel event on August 13th, abandoning its customary October timetable. There has been a lot of conjecture about what the search giant has planned since the surprise announcement, which was made barely two months ahead of the usual launch timeframe, was made.

Even though the invitation from Google is still ambiguous—it reads, "You're invited to an in-person Made by Google event where we'll showcase the best of Google AI, Android software, and the Pixel portfolio of devices"—the fact that the keynote speech is scheduled for 10 AM PT suggests that new hardware is likely in the works.

A revealing teaser video on the Google Store set the gossip mill in motion. A conspicuous "IX," the Roman numeral for nine, quickly caught the attention of onlookers, indicating the impending release of the much-awaited Pixel 9 series. Further stoking anticipations for the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and maybe even a Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the page's URL itself includes the string "google_pixel_9_pro," adding gasoline to the fire. There are also rumors of the much anticipated Pixel Watch 3 making its debut.

The earlier-than-usual announcement may have been a calculated attempt by Google to counter the constant barrage of leaks that dogged past Pixel launches. Google could be trying to maintain a sense of surprise and manage the story around its most recent hardware offers by getting ahead of the rumor mill.

Everything will become clear on August 13th when Google makes its announcement on the direction of Pixel.