Google will use its upcoming phone launch to “get the jump” on its rivals and try to “claim leadership” of the AI market in smartphones, an expert has said. The US firm is widely expected to introduce its Pixel 9 smartphone range during its Made by Google event on Tuesday evening. The launch is taking place earlier than normal, and will see Google make its announcement before Apple unveils the next iPhone, which is traditionally introduced in September. Ben Wood, smartphone expert and chief analyst at CCS Insight, said Google is trying to get ahead of its rival with new AI tools. “It is intere…