Wednesday saw Google take the stage to unveil a range of devices and updates, with the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro as the star attractions. However, the event was packed with notable reveals, including the introduction of the Pixel Watch 2 and the public release of Android 14.
To get a comprehensive look at all the announcements, you have the option to watch the Made by Google event directly, peruse our liveblog for real-time commentary and analysis, or conveniently find a summary of the key revelations right here.
Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
The focal points of the Made by Google event are undoubtedly the company’s latest smartphones, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Powered by the formidable Tensor G3 chip, Google boasts that it’s their most potent processor to date.
Given the year is 2023, both devices come equipped with an array of generative AI capabilities, all driven by this cutting-edge chipset. Google highlights that the Pixel 8 features a machine learning model that’s a staggering 10 times more intricate compared to the Pixel 6, which was introduced two years ago.
Google claims to have extended its AI technology’s reach to various aspects of the device beyond just image processing. With the Tensor G3, the Call Screen function has been enhanced to better detect and filter out spam calls. Interestingly, Clear Calling improvements aim to provide clearer phone call experiences. Additionally, an audio version of Magic Eraser has been introduced, allowing users to eliminate unwanted sounds from their videos.
Google Assistant is now equipped to summarize text from websites, providing concise bullet-point highlights. Additionally, the Recorder app can offer summaries of captured content. Users who utilize Assistant for composing written messages using voice input will experience significantly faster performance on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
The Pixel 8 boasts a 6.2-inch Actua display renowned for delivering sharp colors and vivid details. This screen also supports a higher refresh rate of up to 120Hz, ensuring smoother interactions while scrolling through web pages or playing games. Furthermore, it offers impressive brightness levels, with up to 1,400 nits for HDR content and a peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits.
Google Assistant is now equipped to summarize text from websites, providing concise bullet-point highlights. Additionally, the Recorder app can offer summaries of captured content. Users who utilize Assistant for composing written messages using voice input will experience significantly faster performance on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
The Pixel 8 boasts a 6.2-inch Actua display renowned for delivering sharp colors and vivid details. This screen also supports a higher refresh rate of up to 120Hz, ensuring smoother interactions while scrolling through web pages or playing games. Furthermore, it offers impressive brightness levels, with up to 1,400 nits for HDR content and a peak brightness of up to 2,000 nits.
Everyone should be able to take great a photo using #Pixel 📷💖
Made together with people with vision impairment, #GuidedFrame now works on both the front & the rear camera.
And it recognizes more than just human faces. Like your pet, your food & even documents.#MadeByGoogle pic.twitter.com/xDqySLEnd2
— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) October 4, 2023
The 8 Pro boasts a larger display, measuring 6.7 inches. Google claims it will provide up to 1,600 nits of brightness for HDR content and a peak brightness of up to 2,400 nits. The Super Actua screen offers a higher resolution than the Pixel 8, with 1344 x 2992 compared to 1080 x 2400, resulting in a pixel density of 489 PPI compared to 428 PPI on the smaller device. In terms of weight, the Pixel 8 Pro weighs 7.5 ounces (213g), while the Pixel 8 comes in at 6.6 ounces (187g).
Google is placing a greater emphasis on security this year. The company pledges to provide seven years of OS, security, and feature drop updates for both phones. Both devices feature camera and microphone toggles, include Google One VPN at no extra cost, and incorporate a Titan M2 security coprocessor. Google highlights anti-malware and anti-phishing protection, as well as support for passkeys.
In terms of battery life, Google is guaranteeing “over 24-hour battery performance” for both phones. Activating Extreme Battery Saver could potentially extend their runtime to as long as 72 hours before requiring a recharge. Fast charging is also supported, with Google asserting that they can reach approximately 50 percent capacity in just about 30 minutes.
An intriguing addition to the Pixel 8 Pro is the inclusion of a temperature sensor. This feature has various potential uses, from checking for a person’s fever to monitoring the temperature of other devices for overheating concerns.
Reading temperatures from your phone?#Pixel8 Pro has a new temperature sensor so you can conveniently check temps while cooking, warming bottles, and more.#MadeByGoogle pic.twitter.com/Q5DjFmC3Gi
— Made by Google (@madebygoogle) October 4, 2023
Both models come with 128GB of storage in their base configurations. The Pixel 8 is equipped with 8GB of LPDDR5X RAM, while the Pixel 8 Pro boasts 12GB of RAM.
Pre-orders are currently open, and the phones are set to be available on October 12. The Pixel 8 has a starting price of $699, which is $100 higher than the Pixel 7. It’s worth noting that Verizon’s version of the Pixel 8 starts at $800 due to its inclusion of mmWave 5G support. On the other hand, the Pixel 8 Pro will begin at $999.
If you pre-order the Pixel 8, Google will include a complimentary pair of Pixel Buds Pro. For those pre-ordering the Pixel 8 Pro, you’ll receive the Pixel Watch 2 at no additional cost. Speaking of which…
Pixel Watch 2
The follow-up to Google’s original in-house smartwatch has arrived: the Pixel Watch 2. It boasts a redesigned form factor, now offering an IP68 water protection rating. Google has emphasized sustainability with a lighter housing made from 100% recycled aluminum, and the device is available in four color combinations: polished silver/bay, polished silver/porcelain, matte black/obsidian, and champagne gold/hazel.
Regarding functionality, Google has centered its efforts on four key areas of personalization with the Pixel Watch 2: health, fitness, safety, and productivity.
Google claims that the Pixel Watch 2 features the most advanced heart rate tracking it has ever offered. The inclusion of a new multi-path heart rate sensor, in conjunction with Google’s AI, powers features like sleep tracking, high and low heart rate notifications, and the Daily Readiness Score. Stress management is another highlight, featuring a body-response sensor and a skin temperature sensor.
When your Pixel Watch 2 detects body responses related to factors like stress, illness, or the impact of caffeine or alcohol, the device, along with the Fitbit app on your phone, will prompt you to log your mood. It will also suggest activities such as guided breathing exercises or taking a walk to help alleviate these issues.
The watch offers automatic workout start and stop reminders, capable of recognizing seven common types of workouts, including running and outdoor cycling. Heart Zone Training provides voice and haptic prompts to assist you in maintaining personalized heart rate zones, while the Pace Training feature uses similar cues to help you stay on pace during your workouts.
As an added benefit, purchasing the Pixel Watch 2 comes with a six-month Fitbit Premium membership at no extra cost. This membership grants you access to workouts, your Daily Readiness Score, and mindfulness sessions. Some features, such as your Sleep Profile, will remain locked behind a Fitbit Premium subscription. Additionally, Google is offering a one-month trial of YouTube Music Premium.
Google also introduced a new AI chatbot that will be integrated into the Fitbit app next year as part of the Fitbit Labs initiative. This chatbot will allow you to inquire about your workout performance and gain insights into why certain workouts may have been challenging for you.
The Pixel Watch 2 will incorporate Android’s Safety Check feature, similar to iOS 17’s Check In feature. This functionality allows you to share your location with predetermined contacts if you fail to confirm your safety within a specified timeframe or haven’t reached a designated location. Safety Check also enables the sharing of medical information, such as blood type, allergies, and existing conditions, with emergency services.
Google emphasizes that Safety Check can provide peace of mind in situations like running errands or returning home late at night. Fitbit Premium members can access these safety features even if they don’t have an LTE plan or their phone nearby.
The Gmail and Calendar apps on the watch facilitate productivity tasks, while the At A Glance watch face offers contextual information such as weather and traffic updates. Google has also introduced new health and fitness queries for Google Assistant, making it easier to access real-time and historical stats.
For Pixel phone users, the wearable can serve as a remote shutter for your phone’s camera. The device supports Find My Device and the Google Home app as well.
In terms of battery life, addressing a common concern with the original Pixel Watch, Google claims the new device should last for 24 hours, even with an always-on display. After just 75 minutes of charging, you should have sufficient power for a full day of use.
The Pixel Watch 2 starts at $349, with pre-orders available starting today. The wearable will be officially released on October 12.
Pixel Buds Pro
Google has introduced two new color options for the Pixel Buds Pro, namely bay and porcelain, to align with the company’s latest devices. Additionally, Google is rolling out new features for the earbuds through its feature drops.
Firstly, there’s a new low-latency mode designed to reduce audio lag, particularly when gaming on a compatible Pixel phone or tablet. Bluetooth Super Wideband support has been added, doubling the voice bandwidth to enhance the clarity and fullness of your voice during calls. Clear Calling support has been extended to Pixel devices, ensuring clearer audio during calls when using the Pixel Buds Pro.
A unique feature called Conversation Detection can now identify when you start speaking. When activated, playback pauses, and the Pixel Buds Pro switch to transparency mode to allow external sounds. Once you finish speaking, your music resumes, and active noise cancellation is reinstated.
Within the Pixel Buds app, users can monitor their listening volume over time, with the app providing guidance on when to lower the volume to protect hearing health.
Android 14
Starting today, Pixel device owners can install the public release of Android 14, while users of devices from other manufacturers will receive the update at a later date.
Android 14 emphasizes customization, allowing users to leverage generative AI to create personalized wallpapers for their phones. Initially, this feature will be exclusive to Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro users. Additionally, Android 14 offers a monochromatic theme option for those who prefer a minimalist look.
Google is enhancing accessibility settings, including the ability to adjust the size of specific sections of text, rather than changing the size of all text on a page. Users will also gain more control over their data and privacy, with Health Connect options integrated directly into the OS settings.
Furthermore, Google is introducing its fall feature drop for Pixel phones and tablets. Pixel Fold users will benefit from a new interpreter mode that facilitates conversations across the device’s dual displays. The camera interface on Pixel phones is receiving updates as well.
Regarding Pixel Tablet, there is now a more streamlined navigation bar in the kids’ experience. When the tablet is docked and in Hub Mode, users can instruct Assistant to play news and podcasts through it.
Assistant with Bard
Despite most of the announcements being leaked in advance, Google had one surprise up its sleeve: the integration of Assistant and Bard AI.
The objective is to merge information from various apps and services, significantly enhancing the utility of Google Assistant. In a demonstration, Google showcased Assistant extracting details from a party invitation in Gmail. When asked about the party’s location, Assistant with Bard could provide the venue and even access Google Maps to offer directions.
Assistant with Bard can also be tasked with creating a meal plan and grocery list, which can then be exported to Google Docs or Gmail. Additionally, it can help compose text to accompany a photo for a social media post.
Google has announced that Assistant with Bard will be available soon on Android and iOS, initially for selected testers, with plans to expand access to this opt-in feature over the next few months.
