Google's highly anticipated Fall event has concluded, revealing an impressive lineup of new devices and groundbreaking software innovations. The event, known as Made By Google, showcased three exceptional devices—Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel Watch 2—and introduced an astonishing software feature called Best Take, which is set to captivate smartphone enthusiasts and tech aficionados for months to come.
In case you missed the event, fret not! We've compiled a comprehensive roundup of Google's latest and greatest smartphones, smartwatch, and remarkable software tricks. Here's a rundown of everything announced at the monumental Made By Google Pixel 8 event.
Best Take
Now, let's delve into the star of the show—Best Take. In essence, it serves as the spiritual successor to Magic Eraser, but it goes far beyond that. Best Take marks a significant paradigm shift in smartphone photography and will undoubtedly be remembered as a pivotal moment in the years ahead.
Google Best Take / Google |
Best Take is deceptively simple, yet explaining it in words can be a bit challenging. Have you ever taken a group photo where one person's expression or timing was slightly off? It could be a misplaced smile, a distraction, or even a mischievous act (children excel at this). Regardless, such imperfections can be irksome, leaving your photo far from perfect.
Enter Best Take, which leverages a series of photos to craft a seamlessly blended image. It can recognize multiple shots of the same scene or individuals and selectively incorporate the best elements from each photo. In short, it can assemble superior headshots from different images into a single, flawless composition. Think of it as automated Photoshop tailored for your phone—a game-changing innovation that will greatly benefit Instagram enthusiasts and countless others.
To maximize Best Take's potential, it synergizes with Google's array of other software tricks. Chief among them is the upgraded Magic Eraser, employing machine learning to effortlessly remove unwanted elements from an image, such as people in the background. Now, introducing the Magic Editor, which takes this concept to greater heights. In addition to removal, the Magic Editor can manipulate and reposition elements within a photo, as well as adjust the overall lighting and more.
Nevertheless, these remarkable software features necessitate robust and cutting-edge hardware, leading us to the new Pixel phones. At first glance, the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8 may seem similar to their predecessors. However, dismissing Google's latest offerings as mere iterations would be a grave misconception. This year's Pixels boast upgraded hardware and a host of new features, solidifying their position as headline additions to Google's smartphone lineup.
Google Pixel 8 Pro: The Ultimate Pixel Experience
If you're in search of the absolute best Pixel smartphone, look no further than the Google Pixel 8 Pro. Representing the pinnacle of Google's smartphone capabilities, the Pixel 8 Pro offers unrivaled speed, power, and cutting-edge features.
At the heart of this new device lies the Google Tensor G3 chipset, a significant upgrade across the board. With boosted CPU, GPU, and processing technology, the Pixel 8 Pro delivers exceptional performance. Its machine learning model, which is 10 times larger than the previous generation, enables advanced spam filtering, more natural conversations with the Google Assistant, and enhanced Magic Editor features. Complemented by 12GB of RAM, you can choose from storage options of 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, or a whopping 1TB.
While the design remains largely unchanged, the Pixel 8 Pro introduces a transformative display. Featuring a 6.7-inch Super Actua OLED screen, it boasts a variable refresh rate ranging from 1Hz to 120Hz, a 2992 x 1344 resolution, and a maximum brightness of 2,400 nits, ensuring stunning visuals.
The camera system, a standout feature of Pixel phones, continues to impress. The Pixel 8 Pro retains a triple-lens setup, with minor refinements and one significant improvement. The main and ultrawide lenses remain similar to the previous generation at 50MP and 48MP, respectively. However, the telephoto lens has undergone a significant upgrade, now offering 48MP and bringing it in line with the other lenses. With a periscope zoom lens offering 5x optical zoom, the Pixel 8 Pro delivers impressive detail. On the front, a 10.5MP selfie camera captures stunning self-portraits.
An intriguing addition to the Pixel 8 Pro is the inclusion of a temperature sensor. With this sensor, you can measure the temperature of objects around you and, pending FDA approval, even log your temperature to your Fitbit account.
While the battery in the Pixel 8 Pro is slightly larger than its predecessor, the impact on battery life remains to be seen. While expectations lean towards a full day's usage, the performance will be closely observed. Historically, Tensor processors have faced challenges with battery life, and it will be interesting to see if Google has addressed this.
Preorders for the Google Pixel 8 Pro begin on October 4, with general sales starting on October 12. Priced at $999, the Pixel 8 Pro represents a $100 increase compared to last year's Pixel 7 Pro, offering an elevated experience for discerning users.
Google Pixel 8: A Compact Powerhouse
Alongside the flagship Pixel 8 Pro, Google brings you the Google Pixel 8, a compelling and affordable alternative that offers a powerful smartphone experience. Don't be fooled by its lower price tag—this phone has only a few minor omissions compared to its Pro counterpart.
The Pixel 8 stands out for its compact size, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a smaller flagship device. With a 6.2-inch Actua OLED display, the Pixel 8 delivers impressive visuals. While not as dazzling as the Pro's display, it comes close. The Pixel 8's OLED screen features a variable refresh rate of 60Hz to 120Hz, a 2400 x 1080 resolution, and a peak brightness of 2,000 nits, rivaling the Pro's Super Actua display. The main difference lies in the narrower refresh rate, lacking the lower rates that can optimize battery life. However, with a 120Hz refresh rate, the Pixel 8 still offers a smooth and silky user experience, surpassing the Google Pixel 7.
Despite its smaller size, the Pixel 8 doesn't compromise on power. It boasts the same Google Tensor G3 processor and 8GB of RAM as its Pro counterpart. Storage options are slightly limited, with choices of 128GB or 256GB. While it would have been ideal to have a 512GB option for media enthusiasts, 256GB is still more than sufficient for most users. With a slightly larger battery than its predecessor, the Pixel 8 is expected to provide similar battery life. Unlike last year's Pro model, the Pixel 7 demonstrated strong battery performance, and we anticipate the same level of reliability here.
The Pixel 8 features a dual-lens rear camera setup, delivering impressive photography capabilities. While it doesn't include a telephoto lens, there is still much to appreciate. Google has retained the excellent 50MP main lens and 12MP ultrawide lens from the Pixel 7, ensuring top-notch image quality. Additionally, the Pixel 8 introduces a new 10.5MP selfie lens, addressing the previous model's weakest aspect.
Starting at $699, the Google Pixel 8 offers exceptional value for its features and performance. Preorders began on October 4, and the phone is set to ship on October 12, giving users a chance to experience the Pixel 8's capabilities firsthand.
Google Pixel Watch 2: Your Ultimate Smartwatch Companion
Accompanying the launch of the Google Pixel phones, the highly anticipated Google Pixel Watch 2 takes center stage at the Made By Google event. It incorporates several features inspired by the Pixel range, including advancements in personal safety, stress tracking, and the addition of a skin temperature sensor.
While the Pixel Watch 2 builds upon Fitbit's exceptional fitness tracking capabilities, Google has gone the extra mile to ensure it surpasses the reputation of a mere Fitbit smartwatch. Seamlessly integrating Google's services, the watch provides access to Google Calendar, Assistant, Gmail, and more. The unique Pixel-style domed display enhances its aesthetic appeal, while the watch itself is 10% lighter than its predecessor, ensuring comfortable all-day wear. Google claims the battery will last a full day, an improvement over the "one-day-and-a-bit" battery life of the previous Pixel Watch.
Safety and personal wellness take precedence in the Pixel Watch 2. Fall Detection and Emergency SOS features make a return, accompanied by a new Safety Check tool. This tool employs a timer to notify your location to friends and family if you exceed your estimated travel time. Fitbit Premium members receive additional benefits, including Safety Signal for phone-free connectivity, even without an LTE-enabled watch.
The Pixel Watch 2 inherits Fitbit's legacy in fitness tracking, catering to fitness enthusiasts. Although it may not offer the same level of features as dedicated fitness trackers, it impresses with the most accurate heart rate tracker Fitbit has ever utilized, support for various automatically tracked activities, and features like Heart Rate Zone coaching and Pace Training to help you maintain effort and speed within desired limits. Similar to the Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel Watch 2 incorporates a skin temperature sensor, working in conjunction with existing stress-tracking capabilities to provide accurate stress level predictions.
Having learned from the shortcomings of its predecessor, Google aims to redeem itself with the Pixel Watch 2. By addressing previous criticisms, the company strives to deliver an exceptional smartwatch experience.
Preorders for the Google Pixel Watch 2 begin on October 4, with the official release date set for October 12. The Wi-Fi variant will be priced at $349, while the LTE-connected version will cost $399. Each Pixel Watch 2 purchase includes a complimentary six-month Fitbit Premium membership, adding further value to this highly anticipated device.
Pixel Buds Pro: Enhanced Features and Stylish New Colors
While the Pixel Buds Pro retain their original design, Google has introduced exciting new features and a range of eye-catching colors. The addition of Porcelain and Bay Blue colors perfectly complements the aesthetics of the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel Watch, enabling you to coordinate your tech ensemble. Furthermore, Google has announced software updates, scheduled for release on October 4, that will enhance the Pixel Buds Pro experience.
Google's advanced AI technology powers two standout features: Clear Calling and Conversation Detection. Clear Calling leverages the Bluetooth Super Wideband connection found on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro to reduce background noise, resulting in clearer and more natural phone calls. Conversation Detection automatically pauses music playback on the Pixel Buds Pro and activates Transparency mode when it detects someone speaking to you.
For an optimal gaming experience, Pixel Buds Pro now offer lower latency for audio over Bluetooth when playing games, a feature that relies on the Pixel 8 series phones. Additionally, Google has developed a dedicated Pixel Buds app for Chromebooks, catering to users who prefer these devices. Through the companion app, users also receive personalized recommendations on how to protect their hearing over time, ensuring a safe listening experience.
Introducing Assistant with Bard
Google's renowned virtual assistant, Assistant with Bard, now incorporates Bard's generative and reasoning AI capabilities. This powerful integration allows users to interact with Assistant using voice, text, or images on both Android and iOS devices. With Assistant and Bard, users can accomplish remarkable tasks such as contextually crafting social media posts based on provided images. The conversational capabilities extend to popular Google apps like Gmail and Docs, enabling a seamless user experience. While Assistant with Bard is currently in an experimental phase and exclusively available to a select group of early testers, it will soon be accessible on Android and iOS phones in the upcoming months.
Stay tuned for further updates and the latest advancements in Google's ecosystem of smart devices and intelligent assistants.