Google Pixel 6 is all about the widgets in latest ad about the upcoming phone

Screenshot from Japanese Google Pixel 6 ad featuring a woman and floating donuts.
(Image credit: Google Japan | YouTube)

Google is taking a very unconventional approach in the lead up to its Google Pixel 6 launch, expected for later this month. Instead of revealing the phone first, and then flooding the airwaves with commercials and advertisements, the search giant is opting to hype up the Pixel 6 with a marketing blitz now before a proper press conference. 

And it seems that Google Japan has uploaded a new ad for the Pixel 6, showing off an array of widgets and colorful pastel themes. 

The ad, embedded below, showcases music widgets in various styles. This includes transparent ones that have the album art along with play and pause buttons and more simple trackwheel-types, with the title and some basic playback controls. 

The widgets are also in different and fun shapes. A clock widget forgoes the basic circular design for a wavy circular pattern instead while a weather widget comes in the form of an oval off at an angle. A contact widget shows the person's face when they're calling or may have called recently. 

It's not surprising that the ad should focus on widgets. That's part of the forthcoming Android 12 update, and it's a cinch that the new mobile software will debut on the Pixel 6.

The ad itself highlights how smartphones, like the people who use them, should be customized and tailored to their lifestyles, whether they be an artist or food influencer. 

Of course, Google wants to show off its new Tensor chip, a custom processor made in collaboration with Samsung that's already been confirmed for the Pixel 6. The tensor chip, which is looking to be a game changer, uses enhanced AI and machine learning for better computational photography. What this means is that the Google Pixel 6 will be able to quickly analyze photos and enhance them for the best possible result. And considering the Pixel 6 is rumored to have a 50MP Samsung GN1 sensor, there's a lot of pixels to analyze on the fly. 

Google Japan also uploaded a more confusing ad two weeks ago featuring a Google branded bag of chips that a lady was using as her personal cell phone. 

While a bevy of information and photos are floating around the net, there's still no exact release date or price for the Google Pixel 6. Right now, the latest rumors suggest the Pixel 6 will launch on Oct. 19, hitting stores Oct. 27 with a starting price of $749. If true, not only will the Pixel 6 be in our hands shortly, it won't be absurdly expensive either for a flagship. 

TOPICS
Imad Khan

Imad is currently Senior Google and Internet Culture reporter for CNET, but until recently was News Editor at Tom's Guide. Hailing from Texas, Imad started his journalism career in 2013 and has amassed bylines with the New York Times, the Washington Post, ESPN, Wired and Men's Health Magazine, among others. Outside of work, you can find him sitting blankly in front of a Word document trying desperately to write the first pages of a new book.

Read more
Google Pixel 9a render
Pixel 9a colors seemingly confirmed by new leak
Google Pixel 9a render
Google Pixel 9a specs just fully leaked ahead of iPhone 16E launch
Google Pixel 9a render
Google Pixel 9a revealed in leaked hands-on video — here’s what we know
Pixel 9a render
Google Pixel 9a spotted at wrestling event — here a live look at what it can do
Pixel 10 Pro concept video
Pixel 10 Pro concept video imagines crazy camera redesign
Google Pixel 9 Pro XL review.
Google Pixel 11 Pro leaks on the day Samsung set to unveil Galaxy S25 Ultra
Latest in Google Phones
back of Iris Pixel 9a
The Google Pixel 9a is lacking one of the Pixel 9’s best safety features — here’s what we know
Google Pixel 9a with thumbs up and thumbs down icons
Google Pixel 9a — 5 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
Pixel 9 Pro XL held in the hand with price drop badge.
Not a typo! This epic deal makes the flagship Pixel 9 Pro XL the same price as the budget Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a hands-on.
Pixel 9a’s on-device AI isn’t as good as the Pixel 9 — here’s what’s different
Google Pixel 9 Pro deal
Forget Pixel 9a — get the Google Pixel 9 Pro for $250 off at Best Buy right now
back of Iris Pixel 9a
Google Pixel 9a pre-orders delayed due to 'component quality issue' — here's when you can get one
Latest in News
Galaxy S25 Ultra Now brief
Samsung’s Personal Data Engine is a big addition to the Galaxy S25 — here’s why
Apple Watch Series 10
Future Apple Watch models could get a surprising new feature — what we know
NYTimes Connections
NYT Connections today hints and answers — Monday, March 24 (#652)
NYT Strands on a cellphone
NYT Strands today — hints, spangram and answers for game #386 (Monday, March 24 2025)
iPhone 16 Pro vs iPhone 16 Pro Max in hand showing displays
Forget iPhone 17 — iPhone 18 could get this huge upgrade
The new Husqvarna iQ series robot lawn mower.
Husqvarna’s new robot mowers offer GPS for less