Google’s Made by Google was a showcase of company’s latest hardware and software innovation. The company held its annual hardware event on October 4, 2023, where it announced a slew of new products, including the Pixel 8 series, Pixel Buds Pro, Pixel Watch 2, and Android 14.
Here are the top announcements from company’s New York event that you should know.
Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are Google’s latest flagship smartphones. Both phones feature a new design with satin metal finishes and a polished glass back. They also have a new Super Actua display which the company says is 42% brighter than Pixel 7’s display. There’s a small hole-punch cutout for the front-facing camera.
The Pixel 8 has a 6.2-inch display, while the Pixel 8 Pro has a 6.7-inch display. Both phones are powered by Google’s new Tensor G3 chip with Titan M2 security microprocessor.
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro also have upgraded camera systems. The main camera on both phones has a 50MP sensor, but the Pixel 8 Pro also has a 48MP ultrawide camera and a 48MP telephoto camera.
One of the most exciting new features of the Pixel 8 is the new Magic Editor tool. This tool uses AI to automatically remove unwanted objects from photos, such as people, cars, and even entire buildings.
Pixel Buds Pro
Google has updated the new Pixel Buds Pro. They now Bluetooth Super Wideband on Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, which doubles the bandwidth for voices that improves the sound clarity.
The Pixel Buds Pro also have a new audio feature called Clear Calling that automatically reduces the background noise around the person on the other side of the call, enhancing the voice quality.
The new Pixel Buds Pro come with several AI smarts including Conversation Detection that automatically detects when user starts speaking and responds by pausing the music and switching to Transparency Mode, allowing to hear all that is being said. They also feature Active Noise Cancellation.
Pixel Watch 2
The Pixel Watch 2 is Google’s new smartwatch. It comes with upgraded performance, all-day battery life (with always-on display), new safety features, accurate heart rate tracking on any tracker or smartwatch and new Pixel’s proactive safety features like Medical ID, Emergency Sharing and Safety Check.
The Pixel Watch 2 is also packed with AI features. One of the most useful new features is the new Sleep Score feature. This feature uses AI to track your sleep quality and provide you with insights on how to improve your sleep.
Android 14
Android 14 is the latest version of Google’s mobile operating system. It includes a number of new features, such as AI-generated wallpapers, passkey support for third-party apps, monthly reminders for data-sharing, and camera flash notifications.
Android 14 brings several camera improvements including support for high-quality Ultra HDR images, in-sensor zooming that allows to zoom in and out without compromising on image quality in some third-party apps. The new OS allows for better low-light photography on compatible phones.
Pixel Fold
In addition to the Pixel 8 series, Pixel Buds Pro, Pixel Watch 2, and Android 14, Google also dropped a new Dual-Screen interpreter mode for its Pixel Fold. It acts as a personal translator that uses both screens of the tablet for a more natural conversation.
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Pixel Fold simultaneously uses the inner and outer screens to translate live conversations. Open the device completely flat and you can speak to the person on the other side in a different language.
Other announcements
Google also announced that it is extending software support for Pixel phones to a full seven years. This means that Pixel phones will receive security updates and new features for next seven years.
