The highly anticipated Google Pixel event went down on Wednesday, and as you might have guessed, we got all the details on the new Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro.
But that wasn't all we got. The search engine tech giant also announced Pixel Watch 2 and lots of AI news.
Here's everything you need to know about the big announcements from the Made by Google event.
Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
I mean, of course. Google announced the latest version of its flagship phone. There wasn't a major departure for the Pixel 8, but there were some anticipated advances in processing speed as well as improved cameras and Night Sight for videos.
The base model costs $699 and comes in Obsidian, Hazel, and Rose colorways. The Pixel 8 Pro, meanwhile, starts at $999 and comes in Obsidian, Bay, and Porcelain.
Google promised lots of cool, new features with the phone. One was called Best Take. Basically the phone can combine facial expressions from multiple photos into one image. This perk ensures that everyone looks good. Its Magic Editor also lets you move things around in images. Basically, Google wants your phone to be able to make your world to look as ideal as possible.
One other cool new tool? A built-in hermometer. The phone can take the temperature of objects, which is helpful for health reasons and even for things like cooking.
Mashable's Alex Perry covered the big phone announcement in all its detail.
Much ado about AI
Unlike Apple — which typically avoids using the phrase artificial intelligence — Google really leaned into AI during Wednesday's event. It promised AI would improve its camera performance and produce better sound clarity during calls while using Pixel Buds Pro. But that was far from everything.
Google also promised that Google Home would be improved by AI, which can help organize your photos, camera footage, and other information. It came up during the Pixel Watch and Fitbit section of the presentation as well. It also said it should help with spelling, writing, and just about everything else you do in your every day life. Basically, Google said anything that can be improved by AI is being improved by AI.
Pixel Watch 2
Google dropped the latest version of its smartwatch on Wednesday. The tech behemoth promised it would feature some of the best parts of Fitbit, which Google owns. It has an improved heart monitor, longer-lasting battery, and an emergency sharing feature.
Google really focused on marketing the watch for fitness folks, even featuring a pro rock climber as an endorser. It also added Safety Check, which is a feature that requires you to check-in and confirm you're safe. If not, it'll alert select contacts or emergency services with location info.
Its priced at $349. It can be pre-ordered on Wednesday, but it will start shipping next week.
Assistant with Bard
Google also announced it would expand its offerings with Bard, its generative AI tool. Yes, there was even more AI news from Google. Assistant with Bard is effectively a dedicated tool using its generative AI to function as an assistant. It should be able to do things like parse through emails, create a digest from complex information, or send messages. Right now, however, Assistant with Bard is only available to select early testers before being made widely available.
