Google reintroduces Pixel Fold, Pixel 9 Pro Fold quickly sells out
Key Points:
- Google to resume sales of the original Pixel Fold.
- Pixel 9 Pro Fold sells out quickly but is still available on Amazon.
- Unclear if the original Pixel Fold will be discounted when reintroduced.
Google recently paused the sale of its original Pixel Fold as it launched the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but it seems the company plans to bring back its first foldable device soon.
The original Pixel Fold was pulled from Google’s store earlier this week, just after the announcement of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. This move wasn’t unexpected, especially as Google also discontinued the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. However, it appears this may only be a temporary halt.
Google told Android Central that the original Pixel Fold will be available again once the Pixel 9 Pro Fold officially launches, likely after pre-orders end in early September. It’s still unclear whether Google will offer any discounts on the Pixel Fold when it returns, as the company didn’t reduce prices for the Pixel 8 series when their successors were released.
This approach—removing the Pixel Fold from the store and then reintroducing it—is puzzling, but it’s a strategy we’ll see unfold in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold and the rest of the Pixel 9 series are currently available for pre-order. However, the Pixel 9 Pro Fold has already sold out at Google’s store, just days after its launch. Although out of stock at Google, the foldable device is still available at some third-party retailers.
The “Porcelain” model of the Pixel 9 Pro Fold sold out within a day of the launch event, and now the “Obsidian” model has also sold out, with Google no longer accepting pre-orders. While the 256GB version is still listed, it only offers a “Get Notified” option instead of allowing orders. Google Fi variants are also out of stock.
At Best Buy, both the 256GB and 512GB models are marked as “Coming Soon,” with an option to get notified when they’re back in stock. On Amazon, the “Obsidian” 256GB model is still available and promises to ship by the September 4 launch day, along with a $350 gift card credit as a bonus.
If you were hoping to get your hands on the new Pixel 9 Pro Fold, Amazon might be your best bet for now.
Top 3 Key Points:
- Google TV adds more free channels, including The Bob Ross Channel, reaching 157 total.
- Google faces a second antitrust trial, this time focused on its dominance in online advertising.
- YouTube rolls out Pause ads, encouraging users to subscribe to YouTube Premium.
Google is continuously expanding its free TV offerings. This week, Google TV added seven new channels, bringing the total to 157. New channels include The Bob Ross Channel, Comedy Dynamics, and The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan. These channels are available on Chromecast and other Google TV devices, allowing users to watch them directly through the home screen or the Freeplay app.
Initially, when Google TV launched its free channel service in 2023, there were around 80 channels. Through partnerships with platforms like Plex and Tubi, users can now access even more content through Google TV’s “Live” tab. As of now, this feature is only available in the U.S., and there’s no information on expanding it internationally.
On a different front, Google is facing another antitrust trial. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has accused Google of maintaining an illegal monopoly in online advertising. This is the second major antitrust case against the company in just a few months, following a ruling in August that Google held a monopoly in online search.
Unlike the search case, this ad case is more complex. Google’s dominance in advertising largely stems from its acquisition of several competitors, creating a highly sophisticated system for managing ads across platforms. Now, the DOJ is arguing that Google used these acquisitions to unfairly maintain control over the digital ad market.
As the trial unfolds, witnesses from news publishers and advertising experts are testifying on how Google’s practices have impacted competition. If the court rules against Google again, the company could face serious consequences, possibly even having parts of its business broken up.
Meanwhile, over on YouTube, the platform has started expanding its Pause ads feature. These ads appear when a user pauses a video, with a static ad popping up next to the video screen. YouTube’s goal is to make these ads feel less intrusive compared to the usual pre-roll and mid-roll ads, but it’s also a clear push to get users to subscribe to YouTube Premium for an ad-free experience.
Although some users are frustrated by the increasing number of ads, YouTube claims that advertisers are responding positively to the new format. However, the platform has made no indication that it plans to reduce the number of other ads users encounter, especially for those who aren’t subscribed to Premium.
In conclusion, Google’s expanding presence in TV, ongoing legal battles, and evolving advertising strategies reflect its continuing influence on both entertainment and online business.
Key points:
- Android 15 for Pixel devices was pushed back to October 15.
- Gemini Live, Google’s AI assistant, is now available for free Android users.
- Pixel 6 and later devices will get Android 15, but Pixel 6/6 Pro won’t get future updates.
Android 15 Delayed
Google’s latest Android update, Android 15, is taking a bit longer to reach Pixel phones. While it was released for developers in September, it won’t be available for Pixel users until October 15th. This delay is likely due to Google wanting to make sure the update is as bug-free as possible.
Gemini Live Goes Free
In other Google news, Gemini Live, the company’s AI assistant, is now free for Android users. This means you can use Gemini to help you with tasks like writing emails, summarizing articles, or even translating languages.
Pixel 6 and Later
The Pixel 6 and later devices will be the first to get Android 15. However, this will also be the last guaranteed update for the Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro. While they will continue to receive security updates, they won’t get any new features after Android 15.
Key Points:
- Google Calendar is coming to the New Tab Page in Chrome for Workspace users.
- Circle to Search is expanding to more Android devices, including Xiaomi 14T.
- Chrome is getting other new features for enterprise users.
Google Calendar on Chrome’s New Tab Page:
Google Workspace users will soon see their Google Calendar on the New Tab Page in Chrome. This will make it easier to see upcoming meetings and join them quickly. You’ll also see your daily schedule below the calendar.
Circle to Search Expanding to More Devices:
Circle to Search, a feature that lets you search by drawing circles around objects in your photos, is expanding to more Android devices. This feature was previously limited to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices, but now it’s coming to Tecno and Xiaomi devices.
Other Chrome Updates:
Chrome is also getting other new features for enterprise users, such as a new sign-in flow that provides more transparency and a feature that lets admins set site shortcuts.
These updates are all designed to make it easier for businesses to use Chrome and Google Workspace.
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