This first generation of Pixel established much of what defines it today: the revolutionary AI-powered camera, helpful (and exclusive) software features and a deeply personalized Google experience.
“From day one, Pixel’s mission has been to bring the best of Google to users,” says Peter Prunuske, senior director of product management for Pixel.
Since that first launch in 2016, we’ve released dozens of models, including regular Pixel phones, larger XL models, entry-level A-series devices and cutting-edge foldables. “It’s been a nearly decade-long journey with one central goal: bringing together the best of Google’s software, hardware and AI to create the best possible experience for users,” says Shakil Barkat, VP of Devices and Services at Google.
“Pixel has been the place where we debuted lots of our most popular features over the years, like Night Sight, Car Crash Detection, Photo Unblur, Magic Eraser and more,” says Shenaz Zack, senior director of product management for Pixel software. She says some of the team’s earliest projects focused on supporting backup and restore functions across Google apps, so it would be painless for people switching to Pixel. There was also the Top Shot feature in the Pixel camera and Google Photos app. “Our goal was to make sure every part of the phone offered the best of Google, in your pocket,” Shenaz says. “And we want to keep doing that with each new model and each new Pixel Drop.”
A bar, a chip and a big step up
A key focus for Pixel since the beginning has been the close tie between our hardware, software and services. Every time one part of the Pixel improves — when camera hardware is upgraded, for example — it opens up new avenues for software features, like the popular Astrophotography mode. Over the years, the hardware, software and services teams get better and better at building the pieces that make up Pixel, and doing it together.
While early generations of the Pixel introduced new features we’ve come to love (like IP67 water resistance with the Pixel 2 and the second telephoto camera lens with the Pixel 4) the Pixel 6 generation of devices was a turning point. It marked the debut of several major additions to the Pixel line: the now-iconic Camera Bar, which gave our devices a cohesive visual identity centered on our best-in-class-winning camera; and our first “Pro” phone, reflecting the more premium devices our hardware team was able to produce.
