Google has launched the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel Watch 2 following a steady stream of leaks—plus Google’s own teasers—that left little to the imagination.
The newest Pixel smartphones from Google have AI, a temperature sensor that measures objects, and extended software support for up to seven years.
The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, which were unveiled alongside the second generation of its Pixel timepiece and the release of Android 14, aim to compete head-to-head with Apple's iPhone 15 series while emulating the longer-lasting Fairphone handsets.
The Pixel 8 boasts a 6.2-inch 120Hz OLED screen, a starting price of £699 (€799/$699), and is a little bit thinner and lighter than its predecessor. A more advanced dual-camera setup on the rear with a macro photography mode collects 21% more light for increased low-light performance.
Users will be able to switch faces across many frames using the new "best take" option to produce pictures where everyone is grinning or facing in the same direction. With the help of generative AI, you can resize objects in photos and add other effects. A new "audio magic rubber" can take out background noise from films, such as commotion.
The Pixel 8 Pro costs £999 (€1,099/$999) and includes the same software capabilities in addition to a bigger 6.7-inch screen and a third telephoto camera with a 5x optical zoom on the back. With the addition of future health-related functions, the phone's temperature sensor allows users to measure items like walls, phones, and other gadgets.
Additionally, the 8 Pro features manual camera settings and a "video boost" function that makes use of artificial intelligence (AI) on the device and Google's data centers to give Night Sight video and other modes that will be available later this year.
Both phones will be equipped with Google's latest top Tensor G3 CPU and AI capabilities, such as the capacity to summarise, read aloud, and translate publications, as well as improved grammar and proofreading tools.
The software support period will also be extended to seven years from the date of delivery, which is two more years than prior models and more than the majority of other manufacturers, including Samsung. While Apple normally provides updates for seven years, Fairphone recently made history by providing upgrades for up to ten years with their most current phone.
The design of Google's smartwatch has been improved, making it 10% lighter while still working with bands from earlier generations.
The Pixel Watch 2 runs the most recent WearOS 4, which includes the new Gmail and Calendar applications, and boasts a new speedier quad-core processor. The watch offers upgraded workouts with automated detection in the Fitbit app, improved electrical stress sensors, and a bigger heart rate sensor on the rear for more precise measurements during activity.
The watch will go on sale starting on October 12 and start at £349.