Google Pixel 8 Event Highlights: Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel 8, Pixel Watch 2, Android 14, more

Google recently concluded its Made by Google event, where the search giant showcased the new Pixel 8 series, a new wearable, software updates to the Pixel Buds Pro, and its latest Android 14 update.

However, the primary highlight of the event was undoubtedly the launch of the new Pixel 8 series, which included the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Here are all the major highlights from the latest Google Pixel 8 event.

Google Pixel 8 Pro

First off was the launch of the Pixel 8 Pro, Google's flagship offering of 2023. The Pixel 8 Pro arrives with the latest Tensor G3 SoC, which features a 9-core CPU. The new Pixel 8 Pro opts for a QHD+ LTPO OLED display with an adaptive refresh rate (1Hz - 120Hz) and a peak brightness of 2,400 nits.

For optics, the Pixel 8 Pro gets a triple-camera setup with 50 MP primary sensor with OIS, a new 48 MP ultrawide unit, and a 48 MP telephoto-periscope unit with 30x Super Hi-Res zoom. The Pixel 8 Pro price in India is set at Rs 1,06,999. Check out all the Google Pixel Pro offers in India and specifications here.

Google Pixel 8

The vanilla Google Pixel 8 model also uses the Tensor G3 SoC. However, it opts for a smaller 6.2-inch FHD+ OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate (60Hz - 120Hz) and a peak brightness of 2,000 nits. The Pixel 8 also loses out on the new temperature sensor of the Pixel 8 Pro.

The vanilla Pixel 8 model has a downgraded dual-camera setup on the back with a 50 MP primary sensor with OIS and 8x Super Hi-Res zoom and a 12 MP ultrawide unit. Like the Pixel 8 Pro, the Pixel 8 also comes with seven years of major OS updates and regular security upgrades. The Google Pixel 8 price in India starts from Rs 75,999.

Google Pixel Watch 2

The Pixel Watch features a starting price of Rs 39,999 in India. The Pixel Watch 2 gets a new Qualcomm Snapdragon W5+ chipset. It also features three new sensors, including a heart rate sensor, body-response sensor, and a skin temperature sensor.

Google's latest wearable also brings new stress management features from the Fitbit. The latest Pixel Watch comes with new safety features and improved AI integration. The Pixel Watch 2 runs on WearOS 4 and features ultrawide-band support. Google also promises 24 hours of battery life with the Pixel Watch 2's Always-on display turned on.

Google Pixel Buds Pro Update

Google's Pixel Buds Pro have gotten some AI enchantments. The Pixel Buds Pro get conversation detection and support for Bluetooth Super Wideband for better call quality.
The Pixel Buds Pro also use AI to detect when you start speaking and automatically reduce background noise on transparency mode. Once your conversation ends, the earbuds go back to music playback and switch to noise cancellation mode.

Android 14 Update

At its recent Pixel 8 event, Google also released the Android 14 update, giving us an in-depth look at all the new features. While the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro run Android 14 out of the box, the update will reach supported Pixel devices starting today and other Android smartphones later this year.

Google is also introducing new lock screen templates for widgets, colors, formats, and fonts. Google will also leverage AI to make modifications to the lock screen based on your current scenario. Google Assistant is also getting an AI-powered update. Google Assistant now features Bard AI integration for mobile devices, allowing it to handle a broader range of requests.

The new Call Screen feature will now enable you to better determine whether you want to answer or skip a call. AI will now be able to answer calls on your behalf and will now better help manage calls from unknown numbers. Google claims that AI will now be able to separate calls from the ones that you want to answer to the ones that you want to skip.

Google Pixel Fold Update

The Google Pixel Fold is getting a new feature including Dual-Screen Interpreter mode. According to TechCrunch, users can now speak to others in a different language, with translations popping up on either side. This will allow people to speak in different languages with up to 45 different languages currently available.