Made by Google recap: Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Watch 2, new AI features revealed

No alarms and no surprises

In the words of Radiohead's Thom Yorke, there will be 'no alarms and no surprises' at this event if all the rumours are to be believed. Weeks ahead of the event, the Pixel 8 and Pro leaked in full and since then we've even been privy to a full unboxing too.

It's a bit of a shame there are no expected surprises as it takes more than a sprinkling of fun out of a launch event. But, Google being Google, perhaps we'll be spoiled with some pre-show antics (remember the duck on stage at Google I/O?) or some AI slip-ups to enhance the viewing...

A pair of Pixels

Tech Staff Writer Andy Sansom here on the early shift (who needs sleep?). In case you've been living under a proverbial rock, or just got back from a months-long expedition in the wilderness, today is the day we will see the Google Pixel 8 and Google Pixel 8 Pro announced. There's been plenty of detailed leaks of what we might expect and to be fair they sound like a couple of standout handsets.

The biggest rumoured upgrades seem to be a camera boost, a much brighter display and a small battery life increase. Of course, Google will probably have a bunch of cool Pixel first features too. 

A pocket rocket

Most people are excited about the Pixel 8 Pro but personally, as someone with small hands (woe is me), I'm buzzing for the baby Pixel 8. Most people expect it to be smaller than last year, while still sporting the new Tensor G3 chip, making for a pint-sized powerhouse. 

I love a good small phone. There will always be a small place in my heart for the Sony Xperia X10 mini Pro Compact I had growing up, which was just 3.2 inches big yet still had a slide-out keyboard. The campaign for a new one starts here. 

What's the fuss with Chromebook Plus?

It's been a busy week already for Google with the release of the Chromebook Plus standard. A revitalised take on the humble Chromebook, this is a new guaranteed minimum performance level for some of the best-value laptops on the market, utilising Google's own Chrome OS. 

The requirements include at least an Intel i3 processor (or Ryzen 7000) and a minimum of 8GB of RAM. We've already seen the likes of Acer and Asus announce new machines with HP and Lenovo just some of the names who'll soon join the party.   

Blowing off steam

We'll use any excuse to repost this brilliant picture from Google's Pixel 8 marketing campaign. There is a lot of competition obviously between Android devices and iPhones, but this campaign was before the launch of the iPhone 15. 

Apple managed to avoid a price hike with its latest phones, but there is speculation that the Pixel 8 series could be priced significantly higher than last year. While hopefully not the case, this would put them in iPhone price territory, and further ignite the rivalry.  

Coincidentally, check out our review of the new iPhone 15 Pro Max, the Mac daddy of the new iPhones. 

Under the hood 

It's widely expected that the new range of Pixels will use a shiny new chipset. We're big fans of the Tensor G2 setup in the Pixel 7 series so its successor, presumed to be imaginatively named the Tensor G3, should be something special. 

Compared to Snapdragon and Apple's chips, the Tensor silicon tends not to impress so much on pure benchmark tests, but when it comes to actual performance and machine learning capabilities, Google's setup is second to none.  

Snap happy 

If there's one thing we are particularly enamoured with on the Pixel 7 Pro, it's the camera. Google's camera software is brilliant and packed with useful features you'd never have thought of yourself. We're sure to see some neat new tricks for stills and video later today, including a rumoured Audio Eraser that bins unwanted background noise.

It's a hardware upgrade to the camera that has many people excited, however. Leaks suggest the Ultra-wide lens on the Pro model is jumping from 12MP to 48MP. Unfortunately, it sounds like there still isn't a telephoto lens on the base Pixel 8 so keen photographers should go for the top-end option. 

7 year switch 

We've heard that the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will offer a massive seven years worth of updates. It's expected that they will both launch with Android 14 but that could take us (if my maths is correct, and the yearly cycle continues) up to Android 21! Who knows what the world, and phone landscape, will look like by then? 

Kudos to Google if this is true, keeping the phones up to date and secure for years to come is a great sustainability boost and should help those who don't want to switch handsets every year. 

As for what 2030 would look like? I don't even know what I'm having for lunch so don't look at me.

Game on

Covering the iPhone 15 launch event, I was struck by just how heavy Apple went on mobile gaming and the amount of time they spent talking about the ray tracing capabilities of the iPhone 15 Pro Max. 

We've not heard of anything similar for the Pixel 8 Pro, but I'd love to see some gaming-specific upgrades, and with the Tensor G3 chipset we know that the phone should have enough performance to threaten the best gaming phones. Then again considering Stadia's untimely demise, perhaps Google is steering well clear of the gaming sphere. To be honest, just give me the Chrome dinosaur game and I'm happy.

Google and the technicolour smartphone

Good morning Pixel people! T3 Staff Writer, Sam Cross, here to take you into the afternoon ahead of the Made by Google event.

One thing I want to talk about is the colour options said to be on offer this time out. There are six finishes which have been leaked. The base model Pixel 8 is said to come in Peony, Grey and Obsidian, while the Pro model will have Sky Blue, Porcelain and Obsidian options.

That's a relatively conservative colour palette, though I am a fan of the Peony. It also means the end of that sumptuous Hazel and Rose Gold combo from the Google Pixel 7 Pro. Quick, someone play the Titanic theme...

Watch your step

Right, let's leave the phones alone for a second and talk about another product expected to drop today – the Google Pixel Watch 2. That model looks set to offer a decent boost over the original Google Pixel Watch, making it an attractive proposition.

The key part in that upgrade is a new chip. Rumours suggest Google will include a Snapdragon W5 series chip in the new smartwatch, which should make things much better overall. 

In particular, the added power efficiency should make it possible to tackle more intensive tasks, and offer greater battery life. That's a solid upgrade for the device, and should give the Watch 2 a decent leg up over competitors.

AI integration

Of course, this is Google, and it wouldn't be a Google event without talk of AI – need I remind you of the Google IO event in the Summer, which mentioned it over 140 times? And, if the leaked ad we saw last week is anything to go by, this event will be no different.

The brand appear to be pushing the AI capabilities of the Google Pixel 8 hard this time out. Features spanning the camera, call screening and web pages all utilise AI to enhance the experience.

That should be enhanced with the new processor too. The Tensor chips have always been good for AI tasks, and there's no sign of that changing this time out. All in all, that should make it far easier to use in day to day life – no bad thing at all.

Shot on Pixel 8

While we've talked about the camera hardware already, it's certainly not the only new part of the camera worth mentioning. There's said to be a host of new software improvements too, which should make life with the Google Pixel 8 much easier.

We've even seen some images showing off a few of the features. An account called PBKreviews – who also showed off an unboxing video of the new handset – shared snaps using the zoom and the night mode on the device.

The results are really impressive. In particular, the zoomed shots at 5x retain a remarkable degree of clarity and detail. It looks like the Pixel 8 is going to continue the trend for top camera tech, then.

Will Google flip the script?

With all the talk of the Google Pixel 8 range, you may have missed the news of a new foldable phone from the brand. That was spotted in some code for the Pixel Buds app recently, and makes reference to a previously unheard of device.

While there's no way of knowing what that is, we're confident it's one of two options: a reworked Google Pixel Fold, or a new Google Pixel Flip. Will we be treated to a sneak peak at today's event?

It's unlikely. Aside from this snippet of code and some references in a previous road map for the brand, we've not seen any other leaks about such a device. And – with the greatest of respect to Google – they aren't the best at keeping new products under wraps, so it would be a huge surprise.

Still, we can hope. It would certainly cause some fans to flip out.

It's a kind of magic

Another new feature we should see more of today is the Magic Editor. That's the updated version of the Magic Eraser tool, and was teased at Google IO in the summer.

That feature also appeared in the recent leaked advert for the devices, giving us hope of seeing it arrive here. The feature utilises AI to enable users to make powerful edits to their photos, moving and changing objects to craft the perfect image.

It even showcased changing things like the sky or your outfit, to ensure you get the shot you want – even if you couldn't snap it first time out.

Attack of the affordable Androids 

Staff Writer Andy Sansom back in charge here, with less than two hours to go when our Tech Editor Mike Lowe will be frantically bringing you all the latest as it happens, you should see him in action, like an octopus on the DJ decks.

While we're all waiting for the first glimpse of the Google Pixel 8, Samsung another manufacturer of the best Android phones, has announced a new phone itself. The Samsung Galaxy S23 FE sounds like a mid-range phone that brings the best of the S23 range at a more affordable price point. Google's Pixel 7a is likely still going to be cheaper if you're after the ultimate affordable Android. 

More Snoop Dogg?

Last week here at T3 we covered the launch of the Meta Quest 3 live, in that presentation from the Zuck himself we were treated to a fever dream-like experience. Snoop Dogg playing Dungeons and Dragons with us. Meta's new AI personalities look like a lot of fun (and creepy) and Google famously loves AI too. 

I doubt we'll see anything quite on that level, but a boy can dream, can't he? Perhaps we'll get Usher helping us book cinema tickets, or Taylor Swift giving us NFL updates? In all seriousness, we might see a bit more of Google's own AI Google Bard, hopefully in the Pixel phones and Pixel 2 Smartwatch. 

Sounds good to us

As well as the new phones and watch, there's also expected to be some news regarding the Pixel Buds Pro. Not a new bit of hardware as such, but it is thought that there will be some new colours to choose from, probably to match the phones. 

There's also talk that there will be a software upgrade for the buds with conversation detection one of the most popularly speculated features to be added. While we don't quite rate them as among the best headphones on the market, they are a very capable and snazzy set of 'phones. And who knows, maybe they'll be revitalised with a host of new features?

Lance is in the building

With less than an hour to go the big names of the tech world have started to arrive in New York. Including US Editor In Chief for our sister site Techradar Lance Ulanoffwho snapped this picture on-site. 

The big question in T3 towers is, what will the warm-up act be, and how can it possibly compete with the dancing duck DJ set from the last Google event that still sends shivers down the spines of certain members of the team?

Hopefully, they just bring him back and get him to model the watch and Pixel 8 Pro. His one word review of them? Quacking.

Don't worry, I'll be handing over to our Tech Editor Mike Lowe soon.

Get ready folks

Right, we're nearly ready to tune in, remember to stick with us for all the latest as it happens, but if you do want to watch along check out our quick guide to tuning in. We'll also be bringing you the highlights after the fact so if you miss out, don't worry.

Even if you don't plan on grabbing a Pixel yourself, everyone with an Android phone should tune in to see what's coming with Android 14. Besides, we all use Google pretty much every day, so it's kind of a big deal.  

This is your half an hour warning to put the kettle on and keep any snacks handy. 

Ready for a show?

Okay final warning, we're now 15 minutes away, if you still haven't figured it out you can watch the event on the Made By Google YouTube channel, but stick with us for the latest reaction and analysis with our Tech Editor Mike Lowe. 

If you're just tuning in, here's the skinny on what we expect.

1. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro

2. The Pixel Watch 2 

3. Android 14

4. Pixel Buds upgrade? 

5. A super secret surprise maybe? (Fingers crossed)

The price is right?

Good afternoon (or morning, depending on where you are), Mike Lowe here, T3.com's Tech Editor, taking over the live blog reins with only 10 minutes to go until the big show kicks off. I trust my T3 colleagues have kept you suitably informed in the lead-up to 'The Big G' event. 

I'm pretty stoked for this one: as I constantly bang on about, the Pixel 7 Pro was my phone of the year, so its inevitable replacement in the Pixel 8 Pro, is a device that I'm super keen to get my hands on – and hopefully this week, as it's thought Google's new hardware will go on sale next (the week commencing 9 October, although exactly when who knows). 

There's a big question over pricing, though, as it looks as if regional variation is going to be significant this year. My colleague wrote about how the Pixel 8 price may surprise you – by apparently being much pricier in the UK/EU, but surprisingly the same year-on-year in the States. Well, it's only a matter of minutes until we find out for sure...

Hello Yello'?

There's been a lot of chat about the Pixel 8's leaked colours and wallpapers already, but I'm staring at the pre-roll to the Made by Google YouTube page and, er, isn't that a yellow colourway?

Nobody's mentioned that before. Maybe it's a case? Maybe it's a white balance error? Either way, perhaps there will be a special edition colour that nobody's been expecting. And I think it looks pretty fresh. Maybe it's just my tired eyes...

And we're off...

Retro-synth beats out of the way – although who remembers the duck from Google IO 2023 back in May? – and it's time to get into this Made by Google 2023 event...

Google is in on the rumours joke it seems: the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro leaked in full ahead of this event, so 'do you really think all those rumours are true?'. Well, let's see indeed...

Happy birthday

Rick Osterloh, Google's SVP Devices & Services, takes to the stage. And, no, it's not his birthday (far as I know), it's been Google's 25th birthday just last month. 

The first Pixel launched seven years ago, so that in itself is another birthday. That's over a quarter of the time since Google has been in existence. 

Pixel 8 is the fastest growing smartphone brand in top markets, claims Osterloh, and that state of the art AI is needed to reach full potential. 

Buds Pro and Fold getting updates

The Pixel Buds Pro will be getting a major free upgrade to improve call quality, using Bluetooth Super Wide Band, and reducing latency. 

The Pixel Fold will also gain dual-screen interpreter, which real-time converts language using the two screens, which sounds like a great feature to me. 

Pixel Watch 2 official

'Ello 'ello, it's the Pixel Watch 2! The second-gen wearable has been 'upgraded inside and out', with an upgraded processor, improved battery life (24 hours of use on a single charge, Google claims), with faster charging, and Google's WearOS4 software. 

There are three new sensors: one, the heart-rate sensor is a fully-redesigned multi-path sensor with 10x the number of channels compared to the first-gen model; two, a skin-temperature sensor to measure during sleep; three, cEDA sensor (that's continuous electrodermal activity sensor) to help you manage stress. 

Pixel Watch 2 is up for pre-order today, priced from $349, and will go on sale 'next week'. As I'd said earlier in the blog, exactly which day is to be confirmed.

Fitbit finally centre stage

Google bought Fitbit over two-and-a-half years ago (it was finalised in the January of 2021) but since then things have been a little quieter while Google has integrated Fitbit into its line-up, including the Pixel Watch 2. 

The Fitbit app was updated last month, in September, and Google is leveraging its use of AI in combination with presentation of fitness data. Well, it will be: as a beta version of Fitbit Labs will follow in 2024 for testers. 

Pixel 8 & Pixel 8 Pro are here

Well, here they are: the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are official. No surprises there, though. Claude Zellweger, Google's Director of Design, takes to the stage to show off the new phones.

A key part of the phones' designs come down to display: Google is calling it an Actua Display for the Pixel 8 and Super Actuu Display for the Pixel 8 Pro. Both are flat and both are much brighter – the Pro is the brightest of any Pixel ever, at 2400 nits. 

Tensor G3 goes big on AI

Both Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro use the latest Google Tensor G3 chip too. No surprises there, but what does Google's latest silicon do?

The big story is that it's a lot more powerful, but not just in raw compute, in running machine learning (ML) models concurrently to bring more AI-heavy features. 

That enables things like text-to-speech, with the phone able to read webpages aloud, or a spam filter which intervenes with potential spam calls to vet them with AI speech and queries. 

Cameras get a boost

The Pixel 8 cameras get upgrades too, a lot of which is built around advanced video, audio and AI features. 

There's Audio Magic Eraser, which chops sounds into 'layers' so you can edit our audio based on distinctive layers to remove specific distractions. 

Best Take is another new AI feature that takes multiple shots to create, as the name suggests, the best shot in a scene. But it goes deeper than that: it uses your recognised faces in your Photos app to source additional material for the AI algorithm to work with. 

How do the new Pixel phones compare?

So just how different are the Pixel 7 and Pixel 8? And the Pixel 7 Pro and Pixel 8 Pro?

Well, follow those links above and all will be revealed! I was briefed in advance on the handsets and wrote the relevant comparisons for your reading pleasure. 

Sneak peek: Assistant with Bard

Google Assistant plus Google Bard you say? Yes indeed!

Personal help with reasoning and understanding of what matters to you. It's an artificial intelligence upgrade for your Google Assistant – although it's a future upgrade that's coming later down the line. 

Google Assistant with Bard will release to 'select testers shortly', so don't expect this update for at least a few more months...

Generative AI is here

Imagine a future where generative AI runs right on the phones we have with us throughout the day (i.e. not in the cloud)?

The Pixel 8 Pro is the first phone to run Google's foundational models directly on the device. The most advanced models have been selected, distilled and created for device. 

Pixel 8 Pro can run gen AI machine learning models which leads directly to improved experiences, including a better Magic Eraser that will feature on Pixel 8 Pro – with more features to come. 

For example, Recorder delivers live transcriptions already, but with on-device AI that can recap highlights with the press of a button. Nice. It'll also power smart replies in Gboard, to see quality smart reply suggestions. These will begin to roll out from December. 

Pixel 8 Pro will also be the first smartphone to feature a custom image processing engine with AI, with Zoom Enhance the first feature, which can intelligently sharpen when pinching to zoom/crop. 

Pricing!

Here we go, just how much will these handsets cost? Well, the rumours were both right and wrong. 

The Google Pixel 8 will be priced at $699 / £699. 

The Google Pixel 8 Pro will be priced from $999 / £999.

That's a jump north of the previous-gen Pixel 7 products in all territories. Still, I think they both sound ace, especially the 8 Pro!

That's a wrap!

That was a fairly quick hour from The Big G in revealing the Pixel Watch 2, Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, Pixel Buds Pro new features and colourways, and a raft of additional AI features, including Google Assistant with Bard coming in the future.

From myself and the T3 team thanks for reading, but do keep your eyes on the site in the coming days for Pixel 8 pre-order deals and, nearer to on-sale date, for in-hand device coverage of the new flagship phones. Ta ta for now!