Google Unveils Pixel 11 and Watch 5 in Trevor Noah-Hosted Keynote

Google held its Made by Google keynote event on 12 August 2026, introducing the Pixel 11 smartphones and Pixel Watch 5 to a broad audience. The broadcast, which commenced at 6PM ET (3PM PT), was hosted by Trevor Noah and featured appearances by Steph Curry and other celebrities. This marks a change from the 2025 event, which was hosted by Jimmy Fallon.

The event showcased the new hardware and associated camera features, aiming to reach viewers watching the livestream after work or as a replay, rather than solely targeting tech enthusiasts. Press and creators had already published extensive hands-on impressions of the new devices hours before the broadcast began, providing early details on the Pixel 11 phones and the Pixel Watch 5.

Google’s Gemini app has reached one billion monthly active users, underscoring the company’s growing presence in the AI sector. The launch of the new Pixel devices coincides with this milestone, highlighting the integration of hardware and software services.

The Verge’s Victoria Song attended the event in person, providing live blog commentary for remote viewers. The broadcast was designed to be accessible to a mainstream audience, with the potential for unexpected announcements remaining unconfirmed at the time of the event.

While the specific nature of Steph Curry’s appearance was not detailed in the source material, the inclusion of high-profile guests signals Google’s intent to broaden its appeal beyond the core tech community. The event serves as a key moment in the annual product cycle, setting the stage for consumer adoption of the latest Pixel devices.