Google’s next “Made by Google” event is happening this Wednesday, Aug. 12, at 6 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. PT in New York City. The company will take the full wraps off the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro Fold, and Pixel Watch 5.
How do we know all that? Because Google has been posting teaser videos with the official names since last week.
Last year, Google had comedian Jimmy Fallon host its Pixel 10 launch event, and this year comedian Trevor Noah will be handling hosting duties. Other big-name guests promoting the new Pixel hardware will include Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry, Call Her Daddy podcast host Alex Cooper, Indian cricket player Shubman Gill, and Japanese actress and model Ayami Nakajo.
As usual with these big tech launches, Gizmodo will be in attendance at the unusually late event and live blogging it all. Come back on Wednesday to hear it all. Let’s see if Noah does a better job than Fallon!
Don’t Expect Any Googlebooks
As Gizmodo’s resident laptop guy, I’m very tuned in to every little rumor that pertains to the supposed souped-up sequel to Chromebooks, dubbed Googlebooks. However, based solely on how we haven’t seen the hide nor hair of these devices in the run-up to the Made By Google showcase, we probably won’t see anything about this new laptop form factor—nary a hint of that supposed “Glowbar” nor the supposed combination of ChromeOS and Android.
Google has promised us some more details in the fall. Based on all the leaked renders and the churning rumor mill, we may hear more details within the next few months. —Kyle Barr
Here Comes Google’s Own AirTag
Apple has AirTag 2, Samsung has the Galaxy SmartTag 2, and Motorola has the Moto Tag 2. So why shouldn’t Google have its own item tracker? That’s exactly what Google is reportedly planning. Its version will supposedly be called… the Pixel Tag. I know, real original. —Raymond Wong
Faster AI for the Pixel Watch
Along with the Pixel 11 phones, Google will announce the Pixel Watch 5. Just don’t expect any major hardware changes. It’s expected to come in the same two sizes (41mm and 45mm) and Google’s signature round, pebble-like shape. Leaks suggest the smartwatch will have more RAM for more responsive Gemini performance. Google might increase the price by $50, too. —Raymond Wong
Imagine a watch that tracks your health, sleep and fitness…but still has the decency to look like a watch.
Google #PixelWatch 5.
August 12.
Learn more and sign up for #MadeByGoogle updates: https://t.co/huJURUYrJK pic.twitter.com/IJ7G3EaWtC
— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) August 7, 2026
Just Better Cameras on the Pixel 11 Pro Fold?
While Samsung is winning everyone with its new, shorter, and wider Galaxy Z Fold 8 (read my review here!), Google will march on with the design that it established with the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. In its teaser video below, we can see raised lenses on the camera bump, suggesting improved optics. There’s also that purported “HiLight” notification light teased for the non-folding Pixel 11 series.
Is that going to be enough to get people buying Google’s new foldable? —Raymond Wong
Return of the Notification LED?
The Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro / 11 Pro XL, and Pixel 11 Pro Fold should look pretty similar to the Pixel 10 series, which looked similar to the Pixel 9 series. So what’s new besides new Gemini software features? Google is teasing some kind of glowing, rainbow-colored LED light inside of the camera bar that replaces the traditional flash and temperature sensor (on the Pro models). Leaks say it’ll be called “HiLight” and display “subtle light and color on the back of your device to inform you of important activity when it’s face down.” —Raymond Wong
