Google Pixel 8 Pro
Google Pixel 8
Google Pixel Watch 2
Google Pixel Buds Pro
Original Google Pixel event live blog follows below:
TheGoogle Pixel event is being live-streamedaround the world on Wednesday 4 October 2023 at 3pm BST in the UK (that’s 7am PDT, 10am EDT, or 01:00am ACT), and if you can’t watch along live then T3’s crack team is here to bring you all the highlights as they happen!
This is the second major Google event of the year,following on from Google I/O back in May, and marks the next step in Google’s progress. Now that the company has afoldable Pixel phoneandthe Pixel Tabletout in the world, the company’s hardware is going from strength to strength – and the Pixel 8 series only looks to enhance the offering.
Mike LoweT3.com Tech EditorI’ve been following Google’s hardware launches for years and have beenreviewing the company’s award-winning Android phonesgleefully in recent times (well, save for the Fold). I’m super-excited about thePixel 8 and Pixel 8 Prolaunches, which have been a mainstay of T3 coverage for many months ahead of this reveal event.
Mike LoweT3.com Tech EditorI’ve been following Google’s hardware launches for years and have beenreviewing the company’s award-winning Android phonesgleefully in recent times (well, save for the Fold). I’m super-excited about thePixel 8 and Pixel 8 Prolaunches, which have been a mainstay of T3 coverage for many months ahead of this reveal event.
Mike LoweT3.com Tech Editor
Mike Lowe
I’ve been following Google’s hardware launches for years and have beenreviewing the company’s award-winning Android phonesgleefully in recent times (well, save for the Fold). I’m super-excited about thePixel 8 and Pixel 8 Prolaunches, which have been a mainstay of T3 coverage for many months ahead of this reveal event.
I’ve been following Google’s hardware launches for years and have beenreviewing the company’s award-winning Android phonesgleefully in recent times (well, save for the Fold). I’m super-excited about thePixel 8 and Pixel 8 Prolaunches, which have been a mainstay of T3 coverage for many months ahead of this reveal event.
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2023-10-03T09:59:43.546ZNo alarms and no surprises(Image credit: Google)In the words ofRadiohead’s Thom Yorke, there will be ‘no alarms and no surprises’ at this event if all the rumours are to be believed. Weeks ahead of the event,the Pixel 8 and Pro leaked in fulland since then we’ve evenbeen privy to a full unboxingtoo.It’s a bit of a shame there are no expected surprises as it takes more than a sprinkling of fun out of a launch event. But, Google being Google, perhaps we’ll be spoiled with some pre-show antics (remember the duck on stage at Google I/O?) or some AI slip-ups to enhance the viewing…
No alarms and no surprises
(Image credit: Google)
(Image credit: Google)
In the words ofRadiohead’s Thom Yorke, there will be ‘no alarms and no surprises’ at this event if all the rumours are to be believed. Weeks ahead of the event,the Pixel 8 and Pro leaked in fulland since then we’ve evenbeen privy to a full unboxingtoo.
It’s a bit of a shame there are no expected surprises as it takes more than a sprinkling of fun out of a launch event. But, Google being Google, perhaps we’ll be spoiled with some pre-show antics (remember the duck on stage at Google I/O?) or some AI slip-ups to enhance the viewing…
2023-10-04T08:01:29.324ZA pair of Pixels(Image credit: Mishaal Rahman)Tech Staff Writer Andy Sansom here on the early shift (who needs sleep?). In case you’ve been living under a proverbial rock, or just got back from a months-long expedition in the wilderness, today is the day we will see the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro announced. There’s been plenty ofdetailed leaksof what we might expect and to be fair they sound like a couple of standout handsets.The biggest rumoured upgrades seem to be a camera boost, a much brighter display and a small battery life increase. Of course, Google will probably have a bunch of cool Pixel first features too.
A pair of Pixels
(Image credit: Mishaal Rahman)
(Image credit: Mishaal Rahman)
Tech Staff Writer Andy Sansom here on the early shift (who needs sleep?). In case you’ve been living under a proverbial rock, or just got back from a months-long expedition in the wilderness, today is the day we will see the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro announced. There’s been plenty ofdetailed leaksof what we might expect and to be fair they sound like a couple of standout handsets.The biggest rumoured upgrades seem to be a camera boost, a much brighter display and a small battery life increase. Of course, Google will probably have a bunch of cool Pixel first features too.
A pocket rocket
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
I love a good small phone. There will always be a small place in my heart for the Sony Xperia X10 mini Pro Compact I had growing up, which was just 3.2 inches big yet still had a slide-out keyboard. The campaign for a new one starts here.
2023-10-04T08:41:04.546ZWhat’s the fuss with Chromebook Plus?(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)It’s been a busy week already for Google with the release of theChromebook Plusstandard. A revitalised take on the humble Chromebook, this is a new guaranteed minimum performance level for some of the best-value laptops on the market, utilising Google’s own Chrome OS.The requirements include at least an Intel i3 processor (or Ryzen 7000) and a minimum of 8GB of RAM. We’ve already seen the likes of Acer and Asus announce new machines with HP and Lenovo just some of the names who’ll soon join the party.
What’s the fuss with Chromebook Plus?
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
It’s been a busy week already for Google with the release of theChromebook Plusstandard. A revitalised take on the humble Chromebook, this is a new guaranteed minimum performance level for some of the best-value laptops on the market, utilising Google’s own Chrome OS.
The requirements include at least an Intel i3 processor (or Ryzen 7000) and a minimum of 8GB of RAM. We’ve already seen the likes of Acer and Asus announce new machines with HP and Lenovo just some of the names who’ll soon join the party.
2023-10-04T08:59:44.622ZBlowing off steam(Image credit: Google)We’ll use any excuse to repost this brilliant picture from Google’s Pixel 8 marketing campaign. There is a lot of competition obviously between Android devices and iPhones, but this campaign was before the launch of the iPhone 15.Apple managed to avoid a price hike with its latest phones, but there is speculation that thePixel 8 series could be priced significantly higherthan last year. While hopefully not the case, this would put them in iPhone price territory, and further ignite the rivalry.Coincidentally, check out our review of the newiPhone 15 Pro Max, the Mac daddy of the new iPhones.
Blowing off steam
(Image credit: Google)
(Image credit: Google)
We’ll use any excuse to repost this brilliant picture from Google’s Pixel 8 marketing campaign. There is a lot of competition obviously between Android devices and iPhones, but this campaign was before the launch of the iPhone 15.
Apple managed to avoid a price hike with its latest phones, but there is speculation that thePixel 8 series could be priced significantly higherthan last year. While hopefully not the case, this would put them in iPhone price territory, and further ignite the rivalry.Coincidentally, check out our review of the newiPhone 15 Pro Max, the Mac daddy of the new iPhones.
2023-10-04T09:13:54.237ZUnder the hood(Image credit: Google)It’s widely expected that the new range of Pixels will use a shiny new chipset. We’re big fans of the Tensor G2 setup in the Pixel 7 series so its successor, presumed to be imaginatively named theTensor G3, should be something special.Compared to Snapdragon and Apple’s chips, the Tensor silicon tends not to impress so much on pure benchmark tests, but when it comes to actual performance and machine learning capabilities, Google’s setup is second to none.
Under the hood
(Image credit: Google)
(Image credit: Google)
It’s widely expected that the new range of Pixels will use a shiny new chipset. We’re big fans of the Tensor G2 setup in the Pixel 7 series so its successor, presumed to be imaginatively named theTensor G3, should be something special.
Compared to Snapdragon and Apple’s chips, the Tensor silicon tends not to impress so much on pure benchmark tests, but when it comes to actual performance and machine learning capabilities, Google’s setup is second to none.
2023-10-04T09:31:24.896ZSnap happy(Image credit: Google)If there’s one thing we are particularly enamoured with on thePixel 7 Pro, it’s the camera. Google’s camera software is brilliant and packed with useful features you’d never have thought of yourself. We’re sure to see some neat new tricks for stills and video later today, including a rumoured Audio Eraser that bins unwanted background noise.It’s a hardware upgrade to the camera that has many people excited, however.Leakssuggest the Ultra-wide lens on the Pro model is jumping from 12MP to 48MP. Unfortunately, it sounds like there still isn’t a telephoto lens on the base Pixel 8 so keen photographers should go for the top-end option.
Snap happy
(Image credit: Google)
(Image credit: Google)
If there’s one thing we are particularly enamoured with on thePixel 7 Pro, it’s the camera. Google’s camera software is brilliant and packed with useful features you’d never have thought of yourself. We’re sure to see some neat new tricks for stills and video later today, including a rumoured Audio Eraser that bins unwanted background noise.
It’s a hardware upgrade to the camera that has many people excited, however.Leakssuggest the Ultra-wide lens on the Pro model is jumping from 12MP to 48MP. Unfortunately, it sounds like there still isn’t a telephoto lens on the base Pixel 8 so keen photographers should go for the top-end option.
7 year switch
(Image credit: Google)
(Image credit: Google)
Kudos to Google if this is true, keeping the phones up to date and secure for years to come is a great sustainability boost and should help those who don’t want to switch handsets every year.
As for what 2030 would look like? I don’t even know what I’m having for lunch so don’t look at me.
Game on
(Image credit: Getty Images/NurPhoto)
(Image credit: Getty Images/NurPhoto)
We’ve not heard of anything similar for the Pixel 8 Pro, but I’d love to see some gaming-specific upgrades, and with the Tensor G3 chipset we know that the phone should have enough performance to threaten thebest gaming phones. Then again considering Stadia’s untimely demise, perhaps Google is steering well clear of the gaming sphere. To be honest, just give me the Chrome dinosaur game and I’m happy.
Google and the technicolour smartphone
(Image credit: Android Authority)
(Image credit: Android Authority)
One thing I want to talk about is thecolour optionssaid to be on offer this time out. There are six finishes which have been leaked. The base model Pixel 8 is said to come in Peony, Grey and Obsidian, while the Pro model will have Sky Blue, Porcelain and Obsidian options.
That’s a relatively conservative colour palette, though I am a fan of the Peony. It also means the end of that sumptuous Hazel and Rose Gold combo from theGoogle Pixel 7 Pro. Quick, someone play the Titanic theme…
2023-10-04T10:43:17.949ZWatch your step(Image credit: 91Mobiles)Right, let’s leave the phones alone for a second and talk about another product expected to drop today – theGoogle Pixel Watch 2. That model looks set to offer a decent boost over the originalGoogle Pixel Watch, making it an attractive proposition.The key part in that upgrade is a new chip. Rumours suggest Google will include aSnapdragon W5 serieschip in the newsmartwatch, which should make things much better overall.In particular, the added power efficiency should make it possible to tackle more intensive tasks, and offer greater battery life. That’s a solid upgrade for the device, and should give the Watch 2 a decent leg up over competitors.
Watch your step
(Image credit: 91Mobiles)
(Image credit: 91Mobiles)
Right, let’s leave the phones alone for a second and talk about another product expected to drop today – theGoogle Pixel Watch 2. That model looks set to offer a decent boost over the originalGoogle Pixel Watch, making it an attractive proposition.
The key part in that upgrade is a new chip. Rumours suggest Google will include aSnapdragon W5 serieschip in the newsmartwatch, which should make things much better overall.
In particular, the added power efficiency should make it possible to tackle more intensive tasks, and offer greater battery life. That’s a solid upgrade for the device, and should give the Watch 2 a decent leg up over competitors.
AI integration
(Image credit: Mishaal Rahman)
(Image credit: Mishaal Rahman)
The brand appear to be pushing the AI capabilities of theGoogle Pixel 8hard this time out. Features spanning the camera, call screening and web pages all utilise AI to enhance the experience.
That should be enhanced with the new processor too. The Tensor chips have always been good for AI tasks, and there’s no sign of that changing this time out. All in all, that should make it far easier to use in day to day life – no bad thing at all.
2023-10-04T11:24:10.296ZShot on Pixel 8(Image credit: Android Authority)While we’ve talked about the camera hardware already, it’s certainly not theonlynew part of the camera worth mentioning. There’s said to be a host of new software improvements too, which should make life with theGoogle Pixel 8much easier.We’ve evenseen some imagesshowing off a few of the features. An account called PBKreviews – who also showed off anunboxing videoof the new handset – shared snaps using thezoomand thenight modeon the device.The results are really impressive. In particular, the zoomed shots at 5x retain a remarkable degree of clarity and detail. It looks like the Pixel 8 is going to continue the trend for top camera tech, then.
Shot on Pixel 8
(Image credit: Android Authority)
(Image credit: Android Authority)
While we’ve talked about the camera hardware already, it’s certainly not theonlynew part of the camera worth mentioning. There’s said to be a host of new software improvements too, which should make life with theGoogle Pixel 8much easier.
We’ve evenseen some imagesshowing off a few of the features. An account called PBKreviews – who also showed off anunboxing videoof the new handset – shared snaps using thezoomand thenight modeon the device.
The results are really impressive. In particular, the zoomed shots at 5x retain a remarkable degree of clarity and detail. It looks like the Pixel 8 is going to continue the trend for top camera tech, then.
2023-10-04T11:43:46.561ZWill Google flip the script?(Image credit: Google)With all the talk of theGoogle Pixel 8range, you may have missed the news of a newfoldable phonefrom the brand. That was spotted insome codefor the Pixel Buds app recently, and makes reference to a previously unheard of device.While there’s no way of knowing what that is, we’re confident it’s one of two options: a reworkedGoogle Pixel Fold, or a newGoogle Pixel Flip. Will we be treated to a sneak peak at today’s event?It’s unlikely. Aside from this snippet of code and some references in a previousroad mapfor the brand, we’ve not seen any other leaks about such a device. And – with the greatest of respect to Google – they aren’t the best at keeping new products under wraps, so it would be a huge surprise.Still, we can hope. It would certainly cause some fans toflipout.
Will Google flip the script?
(Image credit: Google)
(Image credit: Google)
With all the talk of theGoogle Pixel 8range, you may have missed the news of a newfoldable phonefrom the brand. That was spotted insome codefor the Pixel Buds app recently, and makes reference to a previously unheard of device.
While there’s no way of knowing what that is, we’re confident it’s one of two options: a reworkedGoogle Pixel Fold, or a newGoogle Pixel Flip. Will we be treated to a sneak peak at today’s event?
It’s unlikely. Aside from this snippet of code and some references in a previousroad mapfor the brand, we’ve not seen any other leaks about such a device. And – with the greatest of respect to Google – they aren’t the best at keeping new products under wraps, so it would be a huge surprise.
Still, we can hope. It would certainly cause some fans toflipout.
2023-10-04T11:59:41.629ZIt’s a kind of magic(Image credit: Google)Another new feature we should see more of today is theMagic Editor. That’s the updated version of theMagic Erasertool, and was teased atGoogle IOin the summer.That feature also appeared in the recentleaked advertfor the devices, giving us hope of seeing it arrive here. The feature utilises AI to enable users to make powerful edits to their photos, moving and changing objects to craft the perfect image.It even showcased changing things like the sky or your outfit, to ensure you get the shot you want – even if you couldn’t snap it first time out.
It’s a kind of magic
(Image credit: Google)
(Image credit: Google)
Another new feature we should see more of today is theMagic Editor. That’s the updated version of theMagic Erasertool, and was teased atGoogle IOin the summer.
That feature also appeared in the recentleaked advertfor the devices, giving us hope of seeing it arrive here. The feature utilises AI to enable users to make powerful edits to their photos, moving and changing objects to craft the perfect image.
It even showcased changing things like the sky or your outfit, to ensure you get the shot you want – even if you couldn’t snap it first time out.
2023-10-04T12:17:28.518ZAttack of the affordable Androids(Image credit: Samsung)Staff Writer Andy Sansom back in charge here, with less than two hours to go when our Tech Editor Mike Lowe will be frantically bringing you all the latest as it happens, you should see him in action, like an octopus on the DJ decks.While we’re all waiting for the first glimpse of the Google Pixel 8, Samsung another manufacturer of the best Android phones, has announced a new phone itself. TheSamsung Galaxy S23 FEsounds like a mid-range phone that brings the best of the S23 range at a more affordable price point. Google’s Pixel 7a is likely still going to be cheaper if you’re after the ultimate affordable Android.
Attack of the affordable Androids
(Image credit: Samsung)
(Image credit: Samsung)
Staff Writer Andy Sansom back in charge here, with less than two hours to go when our Tech Editor Mike Lowe will be frantically bringing you all the latest as it happens, you should see him in action, like an octopus on the DJ decks.While we’re all waiting for the first glimpse of the Google Pixel 8, Samsung another manufacturer of the best Android phones, has announced a new phone itself. TheSamsung Galaxy S23 FEsounds like a mid-range phone that brings the best of the S23 range at a more affordable price point. Google’s Pixel 7a is likely still going to be cheaper if you’re after the ultimate affordable Android.
2023-10-04T12:36:05.412ZMore Snoop Dogg?(Image credit: Meta)Last week here at T3 we covered the launch of theMeta Quest 3live, in that presentation from the Zuck himself we were treated to a fever dream-like experience. Snoop Dogg playing Dungeons and Dragons with us. Meta’s new AI personalities look like a lot of fun (and creepy) and Google famously loves AI too.I doubt we’ll see anything quite on that level, but a boy can dream, can’t he? Perhaps we’ll get Usher helping us book cinema tickets, or Taylor Swift giving us NFL updates? In all seriousness, we might see a bit more of Google’s own AI Google Bard, hopefully in the Pixel phones and Pixel 2 Smartwatch.
More Snoop Dogg?
(Image credit: Meta)
(Image credit: Meta)
Last week here at T3 we covered the launch of theMeta Quest 3live, in that presentation from the Zuck himself we were treated to a fever dream-like experience. Snoop Dogg playing Dungeons and Dragons with us. Meta’s new AI personalities look like a lot of fun (and creepy) and Google famously loves AI too.
I doubt we’ll see anything quite on that level, but a boy can dream, can’t he? Perhaps we’ll get Usher helping us book cinema tickets, or Taylor Swift giving us NFL updates? In all seriousness, we might see a bit more of Google’s own AI Google Bard, hopefully in the Pixel phones and Pixel 2 Smartwatch.
2023-10-04T12:52:52.965ZSounds good to us(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)As well as the new phones and watch, there’s also expected to be some news regarding thePixel Buds Pro. Not a new bit of hardware as such, but it is thought that there will be some new colours to choose from, probably to match the phones.There’s also talk that there will be a software upgrade for the buds with conversation detection one of the most popularly speculated features to be added. While we don’t quite rate them as among the best headphones on the market, they are a very capable and snazzy set of ‘phones. And who knows, maybe they’ll be revitalised with a host of new features?
Sounds good to us
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)
As well as the new phones and watch, there’s also expected to be some news regarding thePixel Buds Pro. Not a new bit of hardware as such, but it is thought that there will be some new colours to choose from, probably to match the phones.
There’s also talk that there will be a software upgrade for the buds with conversation detection one of the most popularly speculated features to be added. While we don’t quite rate them as among the best headphones on the market, they are a very capable and snazzy set of ‘phones. And who knows, maybe they’ll be revitalised with a host of new features?
2023-10-04T13:14:31.945ZLance is in the building(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff)With less than an hour to go the big names of the tech world have started to arrive in New York. Including US Editor In Chief for our sister site TechradarLance Ulanoffwho snapped this picture on-site.The big question in T3 towers is, what will the warm-up act be, and how can it possibly compete with the dancing duck DJ set from the last Google event that still sends shivers down the spines of certain members of the team?Hopefully, they just bring him back and get him to model the watch and Pixel 8 Pro. His one word review of them? Quacking.Don’t worry, I’ll be handing over to our Tech Editor Mike Lowe soon.
Lance is in the building
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff)
(Image credit: Lance Ulanoff)
With less than an hour to go the big names of the tech world have started to arrive in New York. Including US Editor In Chief for our sister site TechradarLance Ulanoffwho snapped this picture on-site.
The big question in T3 towers is, what will the warm-up act be, and how can it possibly compete with the dancing duck DJ set from the last Google event that still sends shivers down the spines of certain members of the team?Hopefully, they just bring him back and get him to model the watch and Pixel 8 Pro. His one word review of them? Quacking.Don’t worry, I’ll be handing over to our Tech Editor Mike Lowe soon.
2023-10-04T13:28:41.136ZGet ready folks(Image credit: Google)Right, we’re nearly ready to tune in, remember to stick with us for all the latest as it happens, but if you do want to watch along check out ourquick guideto tuning in. We’ll also be bringing you the highlights after the fact so if you miss out, don’t worry.Even if you don’t plan on grabbing a Pixel yourself, everyone with an Android phone should tune in to see what’s coming with Android 14. Besides, we all use Google pretty much every day, so it’s kind of a big deal.This is your half an hour warning to put the kettle on and keep any snacks handy.
Get ready folks
(Image credit: Google)
(Image credit: Google)
Right, we’re nearly ready to tune in, remember to stick with us for all the latest as it happens, but if you do want to watch along check out ourquick guideto tuning in. We’ll also be bringing you the highlights after the fact so if you miss out, don’t worry.
Even if you don’t plan on grabbing a Pixel yourself, everyone with an Android phone should tune in to see what’s coming with Android 14. Besides, we all use Google pretty much every day, so it’s kind of a big deal.
This is your half an hour warning to put the kettle on and keep any snacks handy.
Ready for a show?
(Image credit: Google)
(Image credit: Google)
If you’re just tuning in, here’s the skinny on what we expect.
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
The Pixel Watch 2
Android 14
Pixel Buds upgrade?
A super secret surprise maybe? (Fingers crossed)
The price is right?
Good afternoon (or morning, depending on where you are), Mike Lowe here, T3.com’s Tech Editor, taking over the live blog reins with only 10 minutes to go until the big show kicks off. I trust my T3 colleagues have kept you suitably informed in the lead-up to ‘The Big G’ event.
I’m pretty stoked for this one: as I constantly bang on about, thePixel 7 Prowas my phone of the year, so its inevitable replacement in the Pixel 8 Pro, is a device that I’m super keen to get my hands on – and hopefully this week, as it’s thought Google’s new hardware will go on sale next (the week commencing 9 October, although exactly when who knows).
Hello Yello’?
(Image credit: Google)
(Image credit: Google)
Nobody’s mentioned that before. Maybe it’s a case? Maybe it’s a white balance error? Either way, perhaps there will be a special edition colour that nobody’s been expecting. And I think it looks pretty fresh. Maybe it’s just my tired eyes…
And we’re off…
Google is in on the rumours joke it seems: the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro leaked in full ahead of this event, so ‘do you really think all those rumours are true?’. Well, let’s see indeed…
2023-10-04T14:07:35.273ZHappy birthday(Image credit: Future)Rick Osterloh, Google’s SVP Devices & Services, takes to the stage. And, no, it’s not his birthday (far as I know), it’s been Google’s 25th birthday just last month.The first Pixel launched seven years ago, so that in itself is another birthday. That’s over a quarter of the time since Google has been in existence.Pixel 8 is the fastest growing smartphone brand in top markets, claims Osterloh, and that state of the art AI is needed to reach full potential.
Happy birthday
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Rick Osterloh, Google’s SVP Devices & Services, takes to the stage. And, no, it’s not his birthday (far as I know), it’s been Google’s 25th birthday just last month.
The first Pixel launched seven years ago, so that in itself is another birthday. That’s over a quarter of the time since Google has been in existence.
Pixel 8 is the fastest growing smartphone brand in top markets, claims Osterloh, and that state of the art AI is needed to reach full potential.
2023-10-04T14:12:54.522ZBuds Pro and Fold getting updates(Image credit: Future)The Pixel Buds Pro will be getting a major free upgrade to improve call quality, using Bluetooth Super Wide Band, and reducing latency.The Pixel Fold will also gain dual-screen interpreter, which real-time converts language using the two screens, which sounds like a great feature to me.
Buds Pro and Fold getting updates
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The Pixel Buds Pro will be getting a major free upgrade to improve call quality, using Bluetooth Super Wide Band, and reducing latency.
The Pixel Fold will also gain dual-screen interpreter, which real-time converts language using the two screens, which sounds like a great feature to me.
2023-10-04T14:15:39.022ZPixel Watch 2 official(Image credit: Google)‘Ello ‘ello, it’s the Pixel Watch 2! The second-gen wearable has been ‘upgraded inside and out’, with an upgraded processor, improved battery life (24 hours of use on a single charge, Google claims), with faster charging, and Google’s WearOS4 software.There are three new sensors: one, the heart-rate sensor is a fully-redesigned multi-path sensor with 10x the number of channels compared to the first-gen model; two, a skin-temperature sensor to measure during sleep; three, cEDA sensor (that’s continuous electrodermal activity sensor) to help you manage stress.Pixel Watch 2 is up for pre-order today, priced from $349, and will go on sale ‘next week’. As I’d said earlier in the blog, exactly which day is to be confirmed.
Pixel Watch 2 official
(Image credit: Google)
(Image credit: Google)
‘Ello ‘ello, it’s the Pixel Watch 2! The second-gen wearable has been ‘upgraded inside and out’, with an upgraded processor, improved battery life (24 hours of use on a single charge, Google claims), with faster charging, and Google’s WearOS4 software.
There are three new sensors: one, the heart-rate sensor is a fully-redesigned multi-path sensor with 10x the number of channels compared to the first-gen model; two, a skin-temperature sensor to measure during sleep; three, cEDA sensor (that’s continuous electrodermal activity sensor) to help you manage stress.
Pixel Watch 2 is up for pre-order today, priced from $349, and will go on sale ‘next week’. As I’d said earlier in the blog, exactly which day is to be confirmed.
2023-10-04T14:23:45.169ZFitbit finally centre stage(Image credit: Google Pixel)Google bought Fitbit over two-and-a-half years ago (it was finalised in the January of 2021) but since then things have been a little quieter while Google has integrated Fitbit into its line-up, including the Pixel Watch 2.The Fitbit app was updated last month, in September, and Google is leveraging its use of AI in combination with presentation of fitness data. Well, it will be: as a beta version of Fitbit Labs will follow in 2024 for testers.
Fitbit finally centre stage
(Image credit: Google Pixel)
(Image credit: Google Pixel)
Google bought Fitbit over two-and-a-half years ago (it was finalised in the January of 2021) but since then things have been a little quieter while Google has integrated Fitbit into its line-up, including the Pixel Watch 2.
The Fitbit app was updated last month, in September, and Google is leveraging its use of AI in combination with presentation of fitness data. Well, it will be: as a beta version of Fitbit Labs will follow in 2024 for testers.
Pixel 8 & Pixel 8 Pro are here(Image credit: Future)Well, here they are: the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are official. No surprises there, though. Claude Zellweger, Google’s Director of Design, takes to the stage to show off the new phones.A key part of the phones’ designs come down to display: Google is calling it an Actua Display for the Pixel 8 and Super Actuu Display for the Pixel 8 Pro. Both are flat and both are much brighter – the Pro is the brightest of any Pixel ever, at 2400 nits.
Pixel 8 & Pixel 8 Pro are here
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Well, here they are: the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are official. No surprises there, though. Claude Zellweger, Google’s Director of Design, takes to the stage to show off the new phones.
A key part of the phones’ designs come down to display: Google is calling it an Actua Display for the Pixel 8 and Super Actuu Display for the Pixel 8 Pro. Both are flat and both are much brighter – the Pro is the brightest of any Pixel ever, at 2400 nits.
2023-10-04T14:36:49.557ZTensor G3 goes big on AI(Image credit: Future)Both Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro use the latest Google Tensor G3 chip too. No surprises there, but what does Google’s latest silicon do?The big story is that it’s a lot more powerful, but not just in raw compute, in running machine learning (ML) models concurrently to bring more AI-heavy features.That enables things like text-to-speech, with the phone able to read webpages aloud, or a spam filter which intervenes with potential spam calls to vet them with AI speech and queries.
Tensor G3 goes big on AI
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Both Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro use the latest Google Tensor G3 chip too. No surprises there, but what does Google’s latest silicon do?
The big story is that it’s a lot more powerful, but not just in raw compute, in running machine learning (ML) models concurrently to bring more AI-heavy features.
That enables things like text-to-speech, with the phone able to read webpages aloud, or a spam filter which intervenes with potential spam calls to vet them with AI speech and queries.
2023-10-04T14:44:09.020ZCameras get a boost(Image credit: Future)The Pixel 8 cameras get upgrades too, a lot of which is built around advanced video, audio and AI features.There’s Audio Magic Eraser, which chops sounds into ‘layers’ so you can edit our audio based on distinctive layers to remove specific distractions.Best Take is another new AI feature that takes multiple shots to create, as the name suggests, the best shot in a scene. But it goes deeper than that: it uses your recognised faces in your Photos app to source additional material for the AI algorithm to work with.
Cameras get a boost
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
The Pixel 8 cameras get upgrades too, a lot of which is built around advanced video, audio and AI features.
There’s Audio Magic Eraser, which chops sounds into ‘layers’ so you can edit our audio based on distinctive layers to remove specific distractions.
Best Take is another new AI feature that takes multiple shots to create, as the name suggests, the best shot in a scene. But it goes deeper than that: it uses your recognised faces in your Photos app to source additional material for the AI algorithm to work with.
2023-10-04T14:47:52.131ZHow do the new Pixel phones compare?(Image credit: Future)So just how different are thePixel 7 and Pixel 8? And thePixel 7 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro?Well, follow those links above and all will be revealed! I was briefed in advance on the handsets and wrote the relevant comparisons for your reading pleasure.
How do the new Pixel phones compare?
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
So just how different are thePixel 7 and Pixel 8? And thePixel 7 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro?
Well, follow those links above and all will be revealed! I was briefed in advance on the handsets and wrote the relevant comparisons for your reading pleasure.
2023-10-04T14:56:27.352ZSneak peek: Assistant with Bard(Image credit: Future)Google Assistant plus Google Bard you say? Yes indeed!Personal help with reasoning and understanding of what matters to you. It’s an artificial intelligence upgrade for your Google Assistant – although it’s a future upgrade that’s coming later down the line.Google Assistant with Bard will release to ‘select testers shortly’, so don’t expect this update for at least a few more months…
Sneak peek: Assistant with Bard
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Google Assistant plus Google Bard you say? Yes indeed!
Personal help with reasoning and understanding of what matters to you. It’s an artificial intelligence upgrade for your Google Assistant – although it’s a future upgrade that’s coming later down the line.
Google Assistant with Bard will release to ‘select testers shortly’, so don’t expect this update for at least a few more months…
2023-10-04T15:04:55.253ZGenerative AI is here(Image credit: Future)Imagine a future where generative AI runs right on the phones we have with us throughout the day (i.e. not in the cloud)?The Pixel 8 Pro is the first phone to run Google’s foundational models directly on the device. The most advanced models have been selected, distilled and created for device.Pixel 8 Pro can run gen AI machine learning models which leads directly to improved experiences, including a better Magic Eraser that will feature on Pixel 8 Pro – with more features to come.For example, Recorder delivers live transcriptions already, but with on-device AI that can recap highlights with the press of a button. Nice. It’ll also power smart replies in Gboard, to see quality smart reply suggestions. These will begin to roll out from December.Pixel 8 Pro will also be the first smartphone to feature a custom image processing engine with AI, with Zoom Enhance the first feature, which can intelligently sharpen when pinching to zoom/crop.
Generative AI is here
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Imagine a future where generative AI runs right on the phones we have with us throughout the day (i.e. not in the cloud)?
The Pixel 8 Pro is the first phone to run Google’s foundational models directly on the device. The most advanced models have been selected, distilled and created for device.
Pixel 8 Pro can run gen AI machine learning models which leads directly to improved experiences, including a better Magic Eraser that will feature on Pixel 8 Pro – with more features to come.
For example, Recorder delivers live transcriptions already, but with on-device AI that can recap highlights with the press of a button. Nice. It’ll also power smart replies in Gboard, to see quality smart reply suggestions. These will begin to roll out from December.
Pixel 8 Pro will also be the first smartphone to feature a custom image processing engine with AI, with Zoom Enhance the first feature, which can intelligently sharpen when pinching to zoom/crop.
2023-10-04T15:09:12.747ZPricing!(Image credit: Future)Here we go, just how much will these handsets cost? Well, the rumours were both right and wrong.The Google Pixel 8 will be priced at $699 / £699.The Google Pixel 8 Pro will be priced from $999 / £999.That’s a jump north of the previous-gen Pixel 7 products in all territories. Still, I think they both sound ace, especially the 8 Pro!
Pricing!
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
Here we go, just how much will these handsets cost? Well, the rumours were both right and wrong.
The Google Pixel 8 will be priced at $699 / £699.
The Google Pixel 8 Pro will be priced from $999 / £999.
That’s a jump north of the previous-gen Pixel 7 products in all territories. Still, I think they both sound ace, especially the 8 Pro!
2023-10-04T15:16:19.394ZThat’s a wrap!(Image credit: Future)That was a fairly quick hour from The Big G in revealing the Pixel Watch 2, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Buds Pro new features and colourways, and a raft of additional AI features, including Google Assistant with Bard coming in the future.From myself and the T3 team thanks for reading, but do keep your eyes on the site in the coming days for Pixel 8 pre-order deals and, nearer to on-sale date, for in-hand device coverage of the new flagship phones. Ta ta for now!
That’s a wrap!
(Image credit: Future)
(Image credit: Future)
That was a fairly quick hour from The Big G in revealing the Pixel Watch 2, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Buds Pro new features and colourways, and a raft of additional AI features, including Google Assistant with Bard coming in the future.
From myself and the T3 team thanks for reading, but do keep your eyes on the site in the coming days for Pixel 8 pre-order deals and, nearer to on-sale date, for in-hand device coverage of the new flagship phones. Ta ta for now!
