The Google Pixel Event 2023, also known as Made By Google, was a moment of sheer excitement for tech enthusiasts like me. The star of the show, of course, was the Pixel 8, alongside the Pixel Watch 2. We summed up the most important parts of the keynote below.
Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are Google's latest smartphone offerings, and they're all about speed and security, thanks to the inclusion of Google AI and some seriously impressive Pixel Cameras.
The Pixel 8 rocks a 6.1-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400, while the Pixel 8 Pro steps it up with a slightly larger 6.8-inch screen, though at a tad lower pixel density.
What's exciting is the extreme brightness these displays bring, with the Pixel 8 peaking at 2,000 nits and the Pixel 8 Pro cranking it up to 2,400 nits, both offering a smooth 120hz refresh rate.
Now, let's talk money - the Pixel 8 starts at $699, and the Pixel 8 Pro at $999. But the Pro version doesn't stop there; it boasts a sturdy Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and a bunch of camera upgrades, including a whopping 50 mp main wide camera and nifty features like Super Res Zoom.
Plus, it's powered by the new Tensor G3 processor. The camera game gets even stronger with Magic Editor and Best Take for epic photo moments.
And here's a real first – the Pixel 8 Pro will run Google's generative AI models on-device, setting a high bar for innovation in the smartphone world. So, there's a lot to love about these new Pixels!
Pixel Watch 2
The Pixel Watch 2 has arrived, and it's Google's follow-up to the first generation. In terms of hardware, not much has changed on the outside – it maintains that sleek round design with the distinctive "waterdrop" display.
However, under the hood, there are some noteworthy upgrades. They've switched to a lighter aluminum body, making it more comfortable to wear.
The crown has also received attention, and it now offers exceptionally smooth performance with inertial scrolling. You'll notice a significant improvement in haptics, providing a satisfying click and rumble throughout the interface.
The real game-changer is the new Snapdragon W5 series chip, leaving the last-gen Exynos 9110 in the dust. The result? A snappier and more responsive experience. Health features have also received a boost with pace training and stress tracking, thanks to the enhanced sensors.
The heart rate tracker now boasts five contact points for accuracy, and there's even an EDA sensor tucked in there. Plus, the support for auto-start and auto-stop for workouts adds practicality.
While the Pixel Watch 2 may not win over those who disliked the original, it's a marked improvement. For $349, it's a solid option in the smartwatch world, even if we're still waiting for some key changes in the next iteration.
Pixel Buds Pro
Google didn't introduce a new version of Pixel Buds Pro; instead, two new colors and a software update are all it gets. These earbuds, first introduced at Google I/O 2022, were already a solid addition to Google's ecosystem,
Bluetooth Super Wideband, enhancing call quality and voice recordings for clearer communication.
Clear Calling takes noise reduction up a notch, making your calls crisp and clear.
The Conversation Detection feature is a game-changer. It uses AI to automatically switch to transparency mode and pause your music when you start speaking. The earbuds will even nudge you to lower the volume if you've been cranking it up too much lately based on your volume habits.
Gamers will be thrilled with the addition of a low-latency gaming mode, and now, you can control your Pixel Buds Pro from a Chromebook, just like you would on a Pixel phone.
Google has added two cool new colors, Bay Blue and Porcelain, which perfectly match their latest Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 8.
These are the main things that caught my eye at the Google Pixel Event 2023. There are more things like the New Android 14 and the PixelFold, but we already discussed those. So, are you going to buy these new devices? Let us know in the comment section.
