Google has revealed that comedian Trevor Noah will host the Made by Google 2026 event on August 12 in New York City, replacing Jimmy Fallon from last year’s show. In a new teaser video, the company also briefly showed off the Pixel 11 Pro with what it calls “HiLight active” technology and offered the first official glimpse of the Pixel Watch 5.
Event Details
The live event starts at 6:00 PM ET (3:00 PM PT / 3:30 AM IST on August 13) and will be streamed on Google’s YouTube channel and the Google Store. The New York City venue continues the company’s shift away from daytime keynotes toward prime-time presentations.
Celebrity Guest List
Beyond Noah, Google has lined up an unusually international roster of guests, including podcast host Alex Cooper (returning from last year), Indian cricketer Shubman Gill, Japanese actress Ayami Nakajo, and NBA star Stephen Curry. Additional participants include DJ Peggy Gou, YouTube creator Jesser, college basketball star JuJu Watkins, musician PinkPantheress, track athlete Chari Hawkins, soccer manager Steven Gerrard, and actor Daniel Durant.
Whether all of these names will appear live on stage in New York or in pre-recorded segments is unclear — last year, Curry appeared only in a video rather than on the physical stage.
What Google Teased
The teaser video offered two product glimpses worth noting. The Pixel 11 Pro appeared with “HiLight active” displayed on screen — a feature name Google has not explained yet, though the phrasing suggests a display or camera technology rather than a software feature. Separately, the Pixel Watch 5 made its first appearance in official Google material, following weeks of leaks about the wearable’s upgraded specs and design.
Google is widely expected to announce the Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, Pixel 11 Pro XL, and Pixel Watch 5 at the event. The Pixel 11 Pro Fold, Google’s next foldable, is expected to follow in October rather than launching alongside the main lineup.
Sources: The Verge, 9to5Google
