Google Pixel 8 Pro launched with a thermometer and seven years of updates

Pixel Watch 2 and Android 14 were announced alongside new phones with better cameras and heat sensors.

With its new Pixel 8 and 8 Pro smartphones, Google offers cutting-edge AI capabilities, temperature sensors for measuring objects, and a seven-year software support commitment. This launch coincides with the introduction of the second-generation Pixel smartwatch and the release of Android 14.

With the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, Google aims to compete head-to-head with Apple’s iPhone 15 series, all while taking a cue from the sustainability-focused Fairphone by offering longer-lasting devices.

Pixel 8 and 8 Pro

The Pixel 8, priced at £699 (€799/$699), boasts a 6.2-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate. It is slightly more compact and lighter than its predecessor. Notably, the device features an enhanced dual-camera system on the rear, designed to capture 21% more light, thus delivering superior low-light performance. Additionally, it offers a dedicated macro photography mode for close-up shots.

The Pixel 8 Pro, priced at £999 (€1,099/$999), comes equipped with the same software features as its sibling, the Pixel 8. However, it offers a larger 6.7-inch display and includes an additional third 5x optical zoom telephoto camera on the rear. One standout feature of the 8 Pro is its temperature sensor, which enables users to measure the temperature of various objects such as walls, phones, and other devices. Future updates will bring health-related features to this sensor.

Moreover, the 8 Pro boasts manual camera controls and introduces a “video boost” feature, harnessing AI both on the device and within Google’s data centers to deliver impressive capabilities like Night Sight video. These features are set to roll out later in the year.

Both phones are powered by Google’s new top-of-the-line Tensor G3 chip, offering a wide array of AI-driven features. These include the ability to summarize articles, read them aloud, and translate content, along with enhanced grammar and proofreading capabilities.

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As a result, Google has extended software support for these devices for an impressive seven years from the date they were released, an increase of two years compared to previous models. This extended support period outpaces most other manufacturers, including Samsung, and is on par with Apple’s typical seven-year update commitment. In fact, it even surpasses Fairphone’s groundbreaking offering, which provides up to 10 years of support for its latest phone.

Pixel Watch 2

Google’s smartwatch has received a significant update, featuring a sleeker design that is now 10% lighter, while still being compatible with straps from previous-generation models.

The Pixel Watch 2, boasts a faster quad-core chip and operates on the latest WearOS 4 platform, which includes the new Gmail and Calendar apps for enhanced productivity. The watch comes equipped with innovative electrical stress sensors and a larger heart rate sensor on the rear, ensuring more precise measurements during exercise. Additionally, its workout capabilities have been revamped, with automatic recognition integrated into the Fitbit app.

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Starting at a price of £349, the Pixel Watch 2 will be available for purchase in-store from October 12th, coinciding with the launch of the Pixel 8 smartphones.

Android 14

The latest iteration of Google’s Android software, Android 14, is set to begin its rollout today, starting with Google’s Pixel smartphones and tablets. It will subsequently make its way to supported third-party devices in the near future.

Android 14 introduces a range of customization options for the lock screen, including the integration of generative AI wallpaper and AI-driven features that emphasize certain elements when relevant, such as displaying the weather widget prominently during rainy conditions.

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A noteworthy addition is Health Connect, which synchronizes fitness and health data from third-party apps. This data is then securely encrypted on the device, similar to Apple’s Health app on an iPhone, ensuring that even Google cannot access it, prioritizing user privacy and data security.

Feature Summary of Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Watch and Android 14