Google

Uncover how the Google Pixel 8 phone has a new AI function, a better camera, and more battery life

Google, an Alphabet firm, unveiled the Pixel 8 smartphone and a new wristwatch on Wednesday. These devices further incorporate Google's artificial intelligence technology into the company's most important consumer products. The improvements to the Pixel phones, which are well-liked by people who love taking pictures and by people who prefer the stock Android interface, may increase their allure to consumers who are making holiday shopping plans.

Tensor G3, Google's most recent mobile processor, gives the Pixel series a boost and introduces many machine learning and generative AI models natively to the smartphone. According to officials speaking at a Made by Google event on Thursday, it would enable new AI functions for photography, summarizing web pages, and eliminating spam calls.

A temperature sensor is also included in the more expensive Pixel 8 Pro, and Google announced that it had applied to the FDA to allow the Thermometer App to take body temperatures. Pixel 8 starts at $699, while Pixel 8 Pro costs $999, which is $100 more expensive than models from the previous generation. They will be offered starting on October 12.

"Google was focused on driving the mobile AI message in today's event, and having AI on the device/client will be a big topic for the industry going forward," said IDC analyst Ryan Reith. "Google could drive higher market share with this lineup, particularly in the US, if supported by strong marketing."

Additionally, Google revealed intentions to give its virtual assistant access to generative artificial intelligence, which would enable it to assist users with tasks like vacation planning or email catch-up before posing follow-up queries.

The firm unveiled Google Watch 2, an improvement to the first wearable, which went on sale in October of last year for $349. It receives a digital crown and sophisticated AI-powered health-tracking functions.