Google will make you subscribe to use the Pixel 9's new features
Somehow, against all odds, Google seems to be making its hardware worse as well.
Google rolled out its next version of Pixel smartphones overnight. Like any new smartphone launch, there's a better processor, camera improvements, and a bunch of software improvements to help the phone do more.
But the most interesting part of the launch announcement for me was Google's push for Gemini, its AI digital assistant. If you opt for the pricier Pixel 9 Pro or Pixel Fold models, Google's bundling in one year of its Google AI Premium subscription with the purchase.
After that, if you want to use many of the AI features Google is promoting the Pixel 9 and Pixel Fold phones are capable of delivering, you're going to need to pony up $32.99 per month.
