AI photo editing, a temperature sensor and a more powerful and intelligent system are just a few of the new features of Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, unveiled October 5.
The tech giant announced the latest smartphone models alongside the second-generation of its Pixel smartwatch and the launch of Android 14. The smartphones were built with AI at the centre for a more helpful and personal experience, said Rory Charlston, Director of Device and Services Business in Google Australia and NZ, in a blog post.
“These phones are packed with first-of-their-kind features, all powered by Google Tensor G3,” Charlston said. “And they’ll get seven years of software updates, including Androis OS upgrades, security updates and regular Feature Drops.”
The seven years of software support is currently longer than any other Android phone brand on the market, but the same as Apple’s. The Pixel 8 and Pixel Pro will be available from October 12, with the standard phone starting at $1199 and the Pro from $1699.
Ahead, we share some of the most noteworthy new features of Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, from specifics about its processing system, to all the cool things its AI-powered camera can do.
New Temperature Sensor
The new temperature sensor is probably one of the coolest features of the phone, though only available on the Pixel 8 Pro. It’s an infrared temperature sensor on the metal camera visor.
You can use it to monitor your body temperature and be alerted if it suddenly drops. You can also use it to quickly get the temperature of items like drinks or cookware by scanning them with the phone, so you’ll need if they’re safe to touch.
Out-Loud Translations
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro have better speech recognition and language understanding models, letting you type, edit and send messages in multiple languages, faster. The phones now also read out loud websites, and can even translate them for you, so you can listen to articles while you’re out and about.
More Intelligent Processor
The Pixel 8 will come with a 4nm Google Tensor G3 chip, which, in layman’s terms, means the phone will be more powerful, efficient and intelligent than its predecessor. The chip will make it easier to multitask on the phone and give it increased battery life and better overall usability. It’ll also allow for cutting-edge photo and video features and better audio and video quality.
Camera Features Like Audio Magic Eraser
Google added a handful of new software features for Pixel’s camera, including Audio Magic Eraser, which lets you remove distracting background noise from your saved videos.
Video Unblur, like Unblur, lets you make old videos clear and detailed. Magic Editor, meanwhile, lets you make Photoshop-like edits to your photos, with the help of AI. Best Take lets you merge everyone’s best shot using AI, creating a blended final photo in which everyone in the group looks good. Finally, Macro Focus lets you get closer to objects to up your macrophotography game.
With Pixel 8 Pro, you’ll also have access to Pro Controls so can be more creative with camera settings like shutter speed, ISO and 50 MP photos throughout the zoom range.
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