Gemini to Steal the Spotlight as Pixel Buds 2A and Pixel Watch 4 Get Quiet Upgrades

Google’s upcoming Pixel launch event on August 20 is shaping up to be less about hardware and more about AI—specifically, the deep integration of Gemini across its new devices. With leaks about the Pixel 10 family, Pixel 10 Pro Fold, Pixel Buds 2A, and Pixel Watch 4 flooding in, it’s clear that the company has already given away most of its hardware secrets. That makes sense: if the product details are out, Google’s best bet is to pivot the spotlight to AI, where it can still surprise and impress. The Pixel Buds 2A, the budget-friendly successor to the Buds A-Series, will reportedly feature a stemless design—keeping Google in step with its current aesthetic, even as rivals like Samsung adopt stemless models with AirPods-style form factors. The earbuds will come in three colors: Iris, Strawberry, and Fog Light. While the design may look similar to its predecessors, the real story could be in how AI enhances audio performance. Google has already used machine learning to improve voice clarity in Pixel phones and cameras, and it’s likely the company will highlight AI-driven noise cancellation and call quality during the keynote. That said, the most important upgrades—like improved sound quality and longer battery life—may get short shrift. The current Buds A-Series offer up to 5 hours of listening time and 2.5 hours of talk time, with a total of 24 hours via the case. If the 2A brings meaningful improvements, they’ll likely be buried under Gemini talk. Meanwhile, the Pixel Watch 4 is expected to retain the familiar round design in 41mm and 45mm sizes, with four color options including a sleek Moonstone gray. The biggest changes appear to be behind the scenes: a larger battery, up to 25% faster charging, and a new puck-shaped stand that allows the watch to be propped upright. These are solid upgrades, especially the faster charging and better battery life, but they’ll likely be overshadowed by the promise of Gemini. Like the Galaxy Watch 8, the Pixel Watch 4 will almost certainly come with full Gemini integration, enabling smarter voice interactions, health insights, and contextual suggestions. Pricing remains consistent with the current model: $349 for the 41mm Wi-Fi-only version, $399 with LTE, and $399/$449 for the 45mm variants. No price increase, though the real value will depend on how well AI enhances the user experience. While AI integration can be valuable when done thoughtfully, the trend of cramming it into mature products risks feeling forced. Google has the chance to make Gemini feel essential—not just a gimmick—especially in devices like the Buds and Watch, where AI could genuinely improve daily use. But with so much focus on the headline-grabbing AI story, the real hardware improvements may go unnoticed.