CNBC's MacKenzie Sigalos reports on Google's new Pixel lineup, noting that hardware changes are modest while Gemini software is the main story. The Pixel 11 is framed as a test of whether Gemini intelligence can drive phone upgrades. Google devices chief Rick Osterloh says Google's edge over Apple comes from controlling the model, Android, and services, and he expects agentic capabilities to grow in importance.
- Google introduced its new Pixel phone lineup including its latest foldable.
- Samsung is moving toward a shorter, wider foldable design similar to expectations for Apple.
- Google's hardware upgrades include a more efficient chip and new camera features.
- Gemini software is the headline, with the Pixel 11 seen as a litmus test for Gemini-driven upgrades.
- Gemini is becoming an agentic layer on top of the operating system and works across apps.
- Rick Osterloh said Google's edge over Apple is controlling the model, Android, and underlying services.
- Osterloh expects agentic capabilities to grow in importance and potentially become the primary way people use devices.