Google’s Pixel 8 Launch and Made by Google Event
Today marks the highly anticipated Made by Google event, where the tech giant is set to unveil its latest creations, including the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and the Pixel Watch 2. The shroud of secrecy around these devices has been rather thin, with Google’s eagerness to share details, leaving little room for speculation.
What to Expect at the 2023 Made by Google Event
The event, scheduled for Wednesday, October 4th, at 10 a.m. ET (7 a.m. PT, 3 p.m. BST, 1 a.m. AEST), will take place in New York, exclusively for invited members of the press. For the global audience, it will be live-streamed on Google’s YouTube channel, allowing enthusiasts worldwide to catch every moment. Our team at CNET will be on-site, ensuring comprehensive coverage of the product reveals and any surprises Google has in store.
Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro: A Glimpse into the Future
Google’s tagline for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, “Meet the new Pixel phones, featuring the most advanced Pixel cameras yet, and Google AI to help you do more, even faster,” hints at a significant focus on artificial intelligence. The teaser emphasizes the phones’ aesthetics, leaving the functionality in suspense.
Camera Innovations
A leaked video unveils remarkable camera features driven by “Google AI at your command.” It introduces Video Boost for enhanced stabilization, night mode for low-light photography, and superior audio isolation for video recording. Most notably, it allows replacing blurred subjects with sharp, in-focus versions, all thanks to the Pixel 8’s AI capabilities.
Pixel 8 and 8 Pro Design
Continuing Google’s tradition, the Pixel 8 lineup maintains the trend of smaller and larger phone models. The Pixel 8 opts out of a telephoto camera, exclusive to the 8 Pro. They both come in stylish carnation pink and white colors, sporting sleek, curved edges and a slimmer, elongated profile.
Specs Revealed
Leaked specifications reveal that both phones share a 48-megapixel primary camera but diverge in other aspects. The Pixel 8 boasts a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera, while the 8 Pro boasts a 50-megapixel ultrawide camera with a novel macro focus mode. Both feature a 10.5-megapixel front-facing camera, but the 8 Pro’s selfie camera offers autofocus, differing from the fixed focus on the Pixel 8. Additionally, the 8 Pro includes a third rear camera””a telephoto lens with 5x optical zoom.
Screen and Performance
In terms of screens, the Pixel 8 offers a slightly smaller 6.2-inch display, in contrast to the Pixel 7’s 6.3-inch screen. The Pixel 8’s screen boasts an improved 120Hz refresh rate, elevating the user experience from the Pixel 7’s 90Hz. Both phones are expected to integrate Google’s Tensor G3 chip.
Thermometer Integration and Pricing
Rumors are swirling around the Pixel 8 Pro potentially featuring a built-in thermometer, expanding its capabilities into the realm of health-related functions. While intriguing, this concept isn’t entirely novel, as the 2020 Honor 4 Play Pro previously dabbled with a similar sensor-based feature.
Concerning pricing, reports suggest an increase in the United States, with the base Pixel 8 tagged at $699 and the 8 Pro at $999″”a $100 bump for both models compared to the previous year.
The Google Pixel Watch 2: A Familiar Yet Enhanced Design
In sync with the phone releases, Google has teased the Pixel Watch 2 with a video showcasing its design. The new watch closely resembles its predecessor, the original Pixel Watch, with a noticeable refinement in the crown’s appearance.
Notably, the watch is marked with IP68, indicating a significant improvement in dust and water resistance compared to the first iteration, which lacked such official ratings.
Preorders for the Pixel Watch 2, along with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, are set to open on October 4th, as hinted in Google’s promotional videos. For further details and surprises, we’ll have to await the Made by Google event’s official unveiling.