Google has launched its new hardware set, which includes Google Pixel 8 smartphone series, Pixel Watch 2, and Pixel Buds Pro. The pick of the lot is the handset series, which is generally considered as an Android-rival or equivalent to Apple’s iPhones. While hardware hasn’t been really Google’s strong suit, the company however has remained committed to the Pixel phones. Moreover, the company does bring a lot of its software prowess to the handsets, especially on-device machine learning as well as photography.
Google is also taking a page from Apple’s book by ensuring older phones receive timely and the latest software updates. At its ‘Made by Google’ event, Google promised the new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will get seven years of software updates, including Android OS upgrades, security updates and regular feature drops.
Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
Size, Design and Price
Let us start with the big guns. After weeks of leaks and Google itself leaking news about their new Google Pixel 8 series and building up the hype, the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro may disappoint fans as it does not bring any radical design changes. The design looks familiar to last year’s model but with more curved edges and corners. The size is also hard to differentiate at first glance as the Google Pixel 8 series comes with a 6.2-inch display instead of the 6.3-inch screen of their last model.
A bigger shock, however, was the hike in price this year as both the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have gotten more expensive. For example, the Pixel 8 will cost $699 — a $100 price hike from last year’s model, while the Pixel 8 Pro will cost $999 — also a $100 price hike from last year’s version. The two Google Pixel 8 series will be available on October 12 next week in select markets.
Also Read: Google Antitrust Trial: Tech Giant Denies Abusing Power to Gain Monopoly
Camera
However, there are some minute improvements on the Google Pixel 8 series, as the front camera now supports face unlocking with the same amount of security as fingerprint unlocking. Thus, you can use it to unlock bank and payment apps now. Moreover, Google claims that the new main camera is 21% more sensitive to light than the Pixel 7 series, and they have separated the app into video and shooting modes.
Furthermore, Google has unveiled their new Magic Eraser and Best Take feature in their Google Pixel 8 series. While the former lets you completely change an image by moving subjects around and shifting backgrounds, the latter will combine pictures taken from a group to ensure that everyone is looking at the camera and smiling at the frame.
Processor and AI Features
How did Google achieve this? The answer lies in their new Tensor G3 processor, which they boast can run an AI machine learning model 10 times more complex than on the Pixel 6. In addition, Google claims it can filter out spam calls, erase unwanted background audio from video recordings, and make your calls sound clearer. As for the keyboard and recorder app feature, they claim users can now switch between multiple languages when using voice transcription, and the new phone can translate a website and read it aloud to them.
Furthermore, Google has tried to reenact how Bard and other online AI assistants work on the desktop by allowing their Google Pixel 8 series to provide bullet point summaries for sites in the Google app and Chrome browser. Lastly, the Google Pixel 8 series will launch with the new Android 14, which we will cover below, as Google promised that it will provide seven years of OS, security updates and Feature Drops every few months.
Related: Google Co-Founder Sergey Brin Dives Into AI Ventures
Pixel Watch 2
The Pixel Watch 2 was probably the event highlight, as the new second-gen smartwatch features many upgrades. Here are some examples in bullet points:
- Tracking is made possible via an upgraded multi-path heart rate sensor. It also applies to other features like sleep tracking, notifying for high and low heart rates, and Active Zone Minutes/Heart Zone Training during workouts.
- A Fitbit-powered stress management system that uses perspiration detection, heart rate variability, and skin temperature as part of its foundation
- Greater variety of activity tracking, with automatic workout identification and cycling and running
- Users can now set a countdown for when they are moving from one place to another using the “Safety Check” feature. If the user fails to respond to the watch prompt by the end of the timer, the watch will send an SOS message to their list of emergency contacts.
From the examples, you can see clearly the amount of resources they have put into monitoring health and fitness in their watches this year. According to the interview of Fitbit CEO James Park: “The goal of Pixel Watch 2 was really to bring the best of the Fitbit health and fitness experiences to the Pixel Watch. The second was, in the areas important to users like heart rate, accuracy, and battery life, to make significant and meaningful improvements on that front.”
The many changes were understandable as their first Pixel Watch paled to rivals Apple and Samsung, with middling battery life and buggy software. Thus, will you buy the improved $349.99 GPS version and $399.99 LTE model? Let us know on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages.
Pixel Buds Pro
While the Pixel Buds Pro may feel overshadowed by the Google Pixel 8 series and the Pixel Watch 2, the earbuds also have massive upgrades besides the two new Bay and Porcelain colours. For example, the Pixel Buds Pro includes Bluetooth Super Wide Band, Clear Calling, Auto-pause and Transparency mode.
According to Google, Pixel Buds Pro is the first earbuds with Bluetooth Super Wide Band speech. The function will work with Clear Calling to make it easier to hear what the other person is saying on a phone call and isolate voice better in a crowded environment.
As for the Auto-pause and transparency mode, the earbuds will automatically pause whatever you are listening to and turn off noise cancellation after detecting speech. Then, the external microphones on the outside of the earbuds will kick on and amplify the words of the person talking to you, similar to the conversation awareness features Apple showcased in their AirPods Pro 2.
Also Read: Analogue Chip Paves the Way for Sustainable AI
Android 14 and Google Assistant AI
Android 14 is arriving on Google Phones, meaning that users can get access to the many new features the update brings in the coming weeks and months. Listed below are some of the additions Google highlighted:
- Lock Screen Customisation: This new feature will make it easier to switch between wallpapers and update what you want to see at a glance. Moreover, users can now set custom lock screen shortcuts, change the colour palette, and a generative AI wallpaper option.
- Health Connect: Serves as a central way to store all fitness, health and wellness data in one place.
- Data and Privacy: With cases of hacking and scams skyrocketing, Google has made this abundantly clear by enhancing its sharing settings. After the update, users can now share only specific images and videos from the gallery to an app rather than give it blanket access to all of them. Moreover, the sharing system will alert users if the app shares location data with third parties.
Moving forward, Google Assistant is also getting an AI-powered update powered by generative AI technologies. For example, the technology combines the functions of Google Assistant and Bard to handle a broader range of questions and offer more intelligent responses.
According to Sissie Hsiao, vice president of Google Bard and Assistant: “Google Assistant, over the past seven years, has been helping hundreds of millions of people get things done through natural and conversational methods. So, things like setting alarms, asking for the weather or making quick calls using a simple Hey, Google. And now, with generative AI arriving, there are new opportunities to deliver an even more intelligent, more personalised, intuitive digital assistant. And we think it should extend beyond voice.”
Also Read: Top 10 Android Games
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does the Google Pixel 8 Series Compare to Its Competitors?
From the features, we consider the Google Pixel 8 series a worthwhile investment. For example, when comparing the Google Pixel 8 and iPhone 15, the former comes cheaper and has double the display of the iPhone 15 with its 120Hz display compared to the latter’s 60Hz. Moreover, the Pixel 8 offers a 4,575mAh battery compared to the measly 3,349mAh in iPhone 15.
When Does Android 14 Go Live?
Announced in February this year, the mobile operating system Android 14 will go live today on Pixel phones (4A 5G and up). Phones from manufacturers such as Samsung, Nothing, OnePlus, and more supporting it will arrive later. As for the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, they will become the first devices to ship with Android 14.
Is the Pixel Watch 2 or Apple Watch 9 Better?
If we go by price, the Pixel Watch 2 comes much cheaper than the Apple Watch 9, but if you go by variety, the latter outweighs the former. However, if you prefer a smartwatch dedicated to health and fitness, we recommend the Pixel Watch 2. Why So? Because the watch has a built-in Fitbit and new generative AI to answer any fitness-related questions you have.