More from Google Pixel 8 launch event: all the news
The pink iPhone 15 was the belle of the ball in September. Well, the influence of Barbie has hit Google, too, because we got a beeyootiful pink color Pixel 8, too. Hopefully, hopefully, it’ll be a more saturated pink. Never trust the renders!
Not sold on this bay blue for the Pro, though.
The Pixel 8 Pro — not the regular Pixel 8 — gets a new soft-touch back panel. There’s also a bright new “bay” blue that is “energetic and hopeful.” I mean, it’s blue for sure!
They’re the “next evolution of AI in your hand.” They’ve got Tensor G3, an updated silhouette with more rounded corners, and, of course, lots of AI.
They’re the same cost, starting at $349. It’s $50 more for LTE. You get six months of Fitbit Premium. That’s even though we’re downgrading from stainless steel to recycled aluminum. Hm.
The Fitbit app redesign rolled out a couple of weeks ago, but Park is onstage talking about the sleeker, more Material You-inspired design and how personalized AI folds in. Park is talking about generative AI within the app to give extra context as to your recent trends. Park’s using it to demonstrate how AI can tell you why you’re not doing so hot on your 5Ks. (Feels like a personal attack, honestly.) Whoop also announced something similar to this very recently.
This AI program will roll out early next year with priority access to Pixel phone owners.
The Pixel Watch’s new body response features are reminding me of the iPhone’s new mood logging prompts. Not gonna lie, I dismiss those notifications as soon as I get them. But thanks for caring, I guess?
Unlike the single line of LED sensors in the original, the Pixel Watch 2 has a new multipath sensor and an algorithm that is supposedly 40 percent more accurate during vigorous activities. And yup, we’re getting the cEDA sensor from the Sense 2 to get stress tracking and active prompts to help manage your stress in the future.
Safety check is a new proactive timer Google just announced. If you set the timer and don’t turn it off when prompted, your location will be shared with your emergency contacts.
James says we’re getting improved battery life on the Pixel Watch 2, and I am here for it. Faster charging sounds great, too.
Park is leading this announcement talking about how this new watch has the “best of Fitbit health and fitness tracking.” People apparently love the water droplet look, with a “more durable cover glass” and swapping stainless steel for recycled aluminum. We’ve got a glimpse of a new metal slim band and sports bands. Last year’s bands will still work with this year’s watch, too.
Most importantly, 24 hours of use on a single charge with the always-on display and 12-hour charge in 30 minutes.
Dual Screen translator mode is arriving via update. We’re also hearing about improvements to the Google Home app — coming next year.
The Pixel Buds Pro are, according to Osterloh, among the first to use Bluetooth Super Wide Band. We’re watching a video showing how this leads to Clear Calling that eliminates ambient noise. It’ll auto-pause audio, turn on transparency mode, and reduce latency by up to 50 percent. Supposedly, that’ll be great for GaMeRz.
Rick reminds us, again, that Google doesn’t want to end the world with AI. Also, we’ve already heard AI about 20 times and counting.
Countdown’s over, and we’re starting off with a cheeky video nodding to the massive barrage of leaks. So far, we’re talking about big and small-size phones, night vision, retro colors, “magic tricks,” editing, and helping with stress levels.
And here’s Rick Osterloh!
We’re in “Horizon Hall” at Pier 57 in Chelsea, and we’re about 10 minutes away from showtime. No secret what we’re about to see. Follow along with all our Google Pixel 8 live coverage!
