Revealed: Improved camera smartphones, heat-detecting gadgets, Pixel Watch 2, and Android 14
Google’s latest smartphone launch outfits Pixel devices with AI, a temperature-sensing object measurement feature, and prolonged software support lasting up to seven years. Unveiled alongside the second generation of its Pixel smartwatch and the debut of Android 14, the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro aspire to directly rival Apple’s iPhone 15 lineup, drawing inspiration from the innovative Fairphone to create more sustainable devices.
Pixel 8 and 8 Pro
Available at a cost of £699 (€799/$699), the Pixel 8 is equipped with a 6.2-inch 120Hz OLED display, making it slightly more compact and lighter than its predecessor. The improved dual-camera system on the rear captures 21% more light, enhancing low-light performance and introducing a macrophotography mode.
The innovative “best take” feature enables users to swap faces across multiple frames, creating photos where everyone is smiling or facing the same direction. The photo editing function allows for resizing subjects within images and applying various effects through generative AI. Furthermore, a new “audio magic eraser” can eliminate background noise from videos, such as crowd chatter.
Priced at £999 (€1,099/$999), the Pixel 8 Pro provides the same software capabilities, a larger 6.7-inch screen, and an additional third 5x optical zoom telephoto camera on the rear. The phone incorporates a temperature sensor, allowing users to measure objects like walls, phones, and other devices, with potential health-related features in the future.
Moreover, the 8 Pro offers manual camera controls and a “video boost” feature that utilizes AI on the device and Google’s data centers to deliver Night Sight video and other modes expected later this year.
Both phones will incorporate Google’s latest high-end Tensor G3 chip and AI capabilities. These encompass the ability to condense articles, read them aloud, provide translations, and enhance grammar and proofreading functionalities.
Additionally, software support will extend for seven years from the release date, surpassing the two-year extension from previous models and exceeding the duration provided by most other manufacturers, including Samsung. Apple typically follows a similar seven-year update cycle, while Fairphone recently set a new standard by offering up to 10 years of updates with its latest phone.
Pixel Watch 2
Google’s smartwatch has undergone an upgrade, showcasing a refined design that is now 10% lighter while remaining compatible with straps from earlier generations.
The Pixel Watch 2 features an enhanced quad-core chip for improved speed and runs on the latest WearOS 4, integrating newly introduced Gmail and Calendar applications. It also incorporates innovative electrical stress sensors, an expanded heart rate sensor on the rear for improved exercise monitoring, and revamped workout functions with automatic recognition within the Fitbit app.
The starting price for this watch is £349, and it will be available in physical stores starting October 12, coinciding with the release of the Pixel 8 smartphones.
Android 14
The next version of Google’s Android software will initiate its rollout today, starting with the company’s Pixel smartphones and tablets. It will later extend to compatible third-party devices in the coming days.
Android 14 brings forth improved customization features for the lock screen, including generative AI wallpaper and AI functionality that prioritizes relevant features. For instance, it can display the weather widget during rainy conditions.
Moreover, the new Health Connect system enables the synchronization of fitness and health data from third-party apps. It securely encrypts this information on the device, mirroring the approach of Apple’s Health app on an iPhone, ensuring that not even Google can access this data.