Due to a recent DOJ decision, Google’s lucrative relationship with Apple’s iPhone is in jeopardy, and that means the Pixel is even more important than ever to the company’s success. In 2024, it seems like the company will be leaning into AI. It’s got the Pixel 9 Pro with plenty of Gemini AI features, plus the Pixel 9 Pro Fold. The company’s also launching a new Pixel Watch 3 as well as the Pixel Buds Pro 2.
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!
We’re expecting two phones, one watch, and a lot more details about three already very teased and leaked devices.
Our team will be reporting live from the event — you can follow along live from our stream below.
9to5Google reports that Google’s AI-heavy follow-up to the Pixel 7 phones will go up to $699 for the Pixel 8 and $999 for the Pixel 8 Pro in the US.
The reported prices are $100 up from their respective Pixel 7 counterparts. Google will hold an event on October 4th to discuss its new Pixel hardware.
It is frankly shameful that Judge Amit Mehta still hasn’t ruled on opening up access to documents in this industry-shaking trial, let alone made it clear when any of the trial itself would be open to the public. Today, Apple’s John Giannandrea testified in closed court while reporters waited outside with no communication from the court at all. Ridiculous.
MySmartPrice shared official-looking renders of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro and some of the colors that the phones will apparently come in. The article includes three colors for each phone, and you should check the galleries for yourself to see what Google might have in store at its Pixel launch event on October 4th.
Below, I’ve included an image of my favorite color of the lot: a Pixel 8 Pro in a nice porcelain. And check out our storystream to see more leaks about the phones.
The patch is for all devices running Android 13, covering the Pixel 4a up (Verizon) or Pixel 6 and up (T-Mobile, Google Fi) in the US. That includes both the Pixel Tablet and Pixel Fold for Verizon customers.
Google says the vulnerability “may be under limited, targeted exploitation,” indicating it’s not a widespread issue. The company doesn’t offer any information about the vulnerability itself.
[support.google.com]
We knew the Pixel Tablet didn’t exactly belong in the premium Pixel lineup, but I didn’t expect it’d be quite this hollow in iFixit’s teardown photos!
Ars Technica takes a harsher tone than I would; More battery would be nice, but I’m on board with a single layer of components as long as repairs are easy. Lots of glue here despite no water resistance, though...
Maybe it’s because it reminds me of the old phones’ pill-shaped navigation UI, but this Google Camera 9.0 update 9to5Google reports is rolling out to beta Pixels looks... kinda bad? There even seems to be slightly less viewfinder space. Also, it requires Android 14, so maybe there’s something to rumors of a camera revamp coming with the Pixel 8.
I do love the Ice Cream Sandwich-era vibes of that cyan highlight color, but that might just be Material You theming at work.
Android 14 Beta 5.3 is rolling out now with a handful of fixes and tweaks. Check out the list of updates in 9to5Google’s article.
9to5Google reports that a new feature of the Pixel 8 Pro may be better video recording in the dark. The report doesn’t say whether it’ll hit the standard Pixel 8, too.
Oh, and good news for anyone who switches phones now and then: apparently the SIM card slot is still there.
FCC filings suggest both the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro will get the yet-to-be-certified Wi-Fi standard (available now in some routers), as reported by Droid Life and shared by Android expert Mishaal Rahman.
But the non-Pro Pixel 8 might lack the ultra-wideband chip needed for Google’s upcoming “Hold Close to Cast” feature and the same goes for the rumored Pixel Watch 2.
