Finally, Google fans can try out the company's latest products, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.
Google's flagship Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro phones are ready to take the spotlight.
You can pre-order the phones now or purchase them in retail stores starting October 12th. You'll get 7 years of Android updates (a first from Google), including operating system, security, and feature drops. If you order the Pro, Google is giving away the Pixel Watch 2 for free. The Pro starts at $999, and the regular 8 starts at $699.
The company showed off the two new devices during its keynote on Wednesday, showcasing new cameras, sensors and specs for both Pixel products. The Pixel 8 features a contoured edge design, comes in rose, ecru, and obsidian finishes, and is smaller than its predecessor. It has a 6.2-inch display that Google says is 42% brighter than the display on the Pixel 7.
The Pixel 8 Pro features a 6.7-inch "Super Actua" display, which is Google's "brightest display yet." The larger phone has a matte glass back and comes in Porcelain, Bay, and Obsidian finishes. Plus, the 8 Pro has a new temperature sensor on the back that lets you scan objects (is your pan hot enough? Is your baby bottle too hot?). The company has submitted an application to the FDA to scan people's body temperatures and send the data to Fitbit.
The cameras on both devices have also been upgraded, with a larger ultra-wide-angle lens and macro focus, a telephoto lens that Google says captures 56% more light and can shoot "with optical quality." 10x zoom photo. The Pro's front camera also supports autofocus for better selfies.
The camera app has a new interface, which Google claims is more intuitive than ever. The Pixel 8 Pro will offer Pro Controls, allowing you to manage things like "shutter speed, ISO, zoom range for 50 MP photos, and more."
AI photography is a Google specialty, and Pixel phones are full of it. There's also a "Best Shot" feature, which lets you mix various shots from a series of photos together to get the best look for everyone. For example, if your child has their eyes closed in the photo you want, Best Take will swap their face with another photo in the series.
The phones also feature Magic Editor and Audio Magic Eraser features, which allow you to move content in photos or reduce noise in videos, respectively. Later this year, Pixel 8 Pro will get video enhancements that "combine Tensor G3 with our powerful data centers to apply cutting-edge processing to your videos. It can adjust color, lighting, stability, and granularity to Produce stunning videos that look lifelike," wrote Brian Rakowski, VP of Product Management. "Video Boost also supports Night Sight video on Pixel for better low-light smartphone video quality."
