Google Pixel 8 Pro unveils: thermometer, seven-year updates

Revealed: Upgraded camera smartphones, heat-detecting gadgets, Pixel Watch 2, and Android 14

Google’s latest smartphone launch enhances Pixel devices with AI, a temperature-sensing object measurement function, and prolonged software support lasting up to seven years. The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, announced alongside the second generation of the Pixel smartwatch and the unveiling of Android 14, are positioned to directly rival Apple’s iPhone 15 lineup. This effort is coupled with inspiration drawn from the innovative Fairphone, emphasizing the creation of more durable devices.

Pixel 8 and 8 Pro

Priced at £699 (€799/$699), the Pixel 8 comes with a 6.2-inch 120Hz OLED display, making it slightly more compact and lighter than its predecessor. Its upgraded dual-camera system on the back captures 21% more light, resulting in enhanced low-light performance and introducing a macrophotography mode.

The new “best take” feature allows users to swap faces across multiple frames, creating photos where everyone is smiling or facing the same direction. The photo editing capability enables resizing subjects within images and applying various effects through generative AI. Additionally, a new “audio magic eraser” can eliminate background noise from videos, such as crowd chatter.

With a price tag of £999 (€1,099/$999), the Pixel 8 Pro provides identical software capabilities, featuring a larger 6.7-inch screen and an extra third 5x optical zoom telephoto camera on the rear. The phone is equipped with a temperature sensor, enabling users to measure objects such as walls, phones, and other devices, with potential future health-related features.

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 anticipated later this year.

Both phones will showcase Google’s cutting-edge Tensor G3 chip and AI capabilities. These encompass the ability to summarize articles, read them aloud, and offer translations, along with enhanced grammar and proofreading functionalities.

Additionally, the software support will extend for seven years from the release date, surpassing the two-year extension from previous models and exceeding the typical duration provided by most other manufacturers, including Samsung. Apple typically follows a similar seven-year update cycle, while Fairphone recently established a new standard by offering up to 10 years of updates with its latest phone.

Pixel Watch 2

Google’s smartwatch underwent an upgrade, showcasing a refined design that is now 10% lighter, while maintaining compatibility with straps from earlier generations.

The Pixel Watch 2 features an enhanced quad-core chip for increased speed and runs on the latest WearOS 4, integrating newly introduced Gmail and Calendar applications. Furthermore, it incorporates innovative electrical stress sensors, an extended 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 launch of the Pixel 8 smartphones.

Android 14

The imminent release of Google’s latest Android software will initiate its rollout today, starting with the company’s Pixel smartphones and tablets. Subsequently, it will extend to compatible third-party devices in the near future.

Android 14 brings forth upgraded customization options for the lock screen. These include generative AI wallpaper and AI functionality that prioritizes relevant features, such as displaying the weather widget during rainy conditions.

Moreover, the innovative Health Connect system enables the synchronization of fitness and health data from third-party apps. This data is securely encrypted on the device, akin to Apple’s Health app on an iPhone, ensuring that not even Google can access this information.