Google, one of the world's leading technology giants, held the Pixel launch event where new models were introduced. While the star of the event was Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel Watch 2, the brand did not neglect to make a few surprises. Here are the highlights from the event...
DEVELOPMENT OF PIXEL 8 PRO: TEMPERATURE SENSOR
Google has officially announced the Pixel 8 Pro, and it's packed with innovations and updates. These include its own processor, the Tensor G3 chipset, an updated rear camera array with a 50MP main sensor, a 5MP telephoto lens with 48x zoom and a 48MP ultra-wide camera. There's even a new 'Zoom Enhancement' feature that can retroactively add detail to an image when you pinch to zoom in.
The Pixel 8 Pro is also equipped with a temperature reader, which Google says you can use to accurately measure the temperature of surfaces, objects and soon even your body. While the flagship device will retain the same 6.7-inch display as its predecessor, it will feature LTPO technology and a peak brightness of 2,400 nits.
7 YEARS OF ANDROID UPDATES!
In addition, Google has promised 7 years of major Android updates for the Pixel 8 series. This means that smartphones can be upgraded to Android 21.
Running on Android 14 operating system, Google Pixel 8 Pro is powered by a 5,050 mAh battery. This battery supports 30 W wired and 23 W Qi wireless charging. There is also a USB Type-C 3.2 port on the device.
With IP68 certification, the smartphone can withstand fresh water at a depth of 1.5 meters for 30 minutes. It is also protected against dust. The Google Pixel 8 Pro model, which also has an in-display fingerprint reader, supports Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.3 and NFC connectivity. The US price of the Google Pixel 8 Pro model was announced as 999 dollars.
PIXEL WATCH 2: MORE SENSORS AND MORE POWERFUL PROCESSOR
While the Pixel Watch 2 doesn't look all that different from the original Pixel Watch, it was announced that it will come with many improvements, such as a more efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon W24 processor that provides up to 5 hours of battery life even when in always-on display mode.
New sensors for skin temperature and continuous electrodermal activity provide a way to automatically record workout starts and stops for seven activities, along with a new stress detection feature. The Pixel Watch 2 was also highlighted as having many new heart rate sensors that take your heart rate in more ways and places. Pre-orders are now open for the Pixel Watch 2, priced at $349.99 for the GPS version and $399.99 for the LTE version.
NEW COLOR OPTIONS AND FEATURES IN PIXEL BUDS PRO
Pixel Buds Pro have been given a couple of new color options to match the Pixel 8 lineup: light blue and porcelain. But new colors aren't the only update the buds have received, as Google also announced the rollout of speech recognition, which will automatically pause your voice and turn on transparency mode when it detects you're speaking.
Google is also looking to improve voice call quality with the addition of 'Bluetooth Super Wideband', which it says should make you sound "fuller and clearer". Buds Pro will also support Google's Clear Calling feature, which helps reduce background noise in calls. Both features will be available in an upcoming firmware update.
ANDROID 14 VERSION ARRIVED
Android 14 is finally rolling out. This new version, which includes improved toggle switch support, a new health monitoring feature and various customization updates, has been a long time coming. The personalization feature that comes with Android 14 is the creation of AI (artificial intelligence) wallpaper, which you can use to create a new background simply by identifying an image.
The latest version of Google's operating system will first be available on Pixel 4A 5G and newer phones, while phones from other companies, including Samsung, Nothing and OnePlus, will add support "later this year."
