At its Made by Google 2026 event on Wednesday, Google unveiled new hardware including the Pixel 11 series, the Pixel Watch 5, and a Pixel Tag tracking device. The company also showcased several Gemini‑powered features that will roll out across its devices.
Gemini enhancements: live sign‑language transcription, Rambler and camera search
Google devoted a significant portion of the presentation to Gemini and related AI features. A notable accessibility update expands Live Transcribe to support American Sign Language (ASL): using the Pixel camera, sign language can be translated into text, offering an alternative communication method to typing.
The company introduced a new voice input mode called Rambler, designed to understand more natural, less structured speech. Rambler handles run‑on sentences, filler words and conversational speech better than systems that expect carefully phrased commands.
Other smaller additions include a more direct access to Circle to Search from the Pixel camera, enabling users to identify objects, search distant scenes, translate text or ask contextual questions without leaving the camera view.
Pixel 11 (standard model)
The standard Pixel 11 features a redesigned camera bar that Google says is more than 40% thinner than the previous generation and uses an all‑glass surface that spans the phone’s width. Base storage has been raised to 256 GB, with the 128 GB option removed.
The Pixel 11 starts at $899, a $100 increase compared with the Pixel 10’s starting price; Google cited ongoing RAM supply shortages as a contributing factor to the price change. The phone will be available in Frost, Hibiscus, Pistachio and Obsidian.
Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL
For the Pro line, Google emphasized durability improvements. The Pixel 11 Pro and Pixel 11 Pro XL offer improved drop resistance and a new anti‑scratch display coating that the company says provides more than twice the scratch resistance of the Pixel 10 Pro models. The Pixel 11 Pro starts at $1,099 (vs $999 for last year’s Pixel 10 Pro).
These phones will be sold in Canyon, Fog, Olive and Obsidian; the Obsidian finish this year is fully matte.
Pixel 11 Pro Fold
The new foldable is nearly 10% lighter and almost 1 mm thinner than the Pixel 10 Pro Fold. It also features slimmer bezels, a 48‑megapixel main camera and 30x Super Zoom.
Building on the IP68 water and dust resistance from the previous foldable, the Pixel 11 Pro Fold uses a glass‑fiber composite back cover to better resist cracking, and a redesigned hinge to protect the inner display. Google says these changes make the model three times more durable than its predecessor. The foldable will be available in Olive and Obsidian.
Pixel Tag: Google’s take on item trackers
Google introduced Pixel Tag, a small tracking device intended for keys, wallets and luggage. It connects to Android’s Find Hub network and its location can be seen through the Find Hub app, similar to Apple’s Find My.
The tag is priced at $29 for a single unit or $99 for a four‑pack. It can be located from a Pixel Watch, and Pixel Buds users can ask Gemini to find or ring a Pixel Tag, providing a voice‑controlled tracking option.
Pixel Watch 5 and Pixel Buds Pro
The Pixel Watch 5 receives several health‑focused updates: the Google Health app will offer monthly summaries of blood pressure trends to help users spot patterns over time, and will also provide monthly summaries of insulin resistance trends.
The 41 mm Pixel Watch 5 starts at $399; the 45 mm model starts at $429. Google will offer a Stephen Curry edition priced at $579 with an exclusive workout‑oriented design.
Meanwhile, the Pixel Buds Pro will be available in a new Olive color.
Overall, Made by Google 2026 delivered hardware updates across phones, a foldable, wearables and accessories, while expanding Gemini AI features aimed at improving accessibility and natural interaction.
