Google's latest Pixel launch event has concluded, and despite some prior leaks, the company managed to unveil a range of intriguing surprises. Here are the seven most significant announcements from the Made by Google event.

  1. Pixel 8 Pro's Upgrades: Google officially introduced the Pixel 8 Pro, boasting a Tensor G3 chipset and an enhanced rear camera setup. This includes a 50MP primary sensor, a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide camera. A novel "Zoom Enhance" feature allows users to add detail to images when zooming. The Pixel 8 Pro features a temperature reader for surface, object, and potential body temperature measurements. It retains a 6.7-inch display with LTPO technology and a peak brightness of 2,400 nits, but the starting price has increased to $999.
  2. Compact Yet Powerful Pixel 8: The Pixel 8 receives a performance boost with Google's G3 Tensor processor. Sporting a 6.2-inch OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate and 2,000 nits peak brightness, the phone offers a compelling user experience. It comes with a 50MP primary camera and a 12MP ultrawide camera. Both the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro gain access to AI-powered editing features in Google Photos.
  3. Enhancements to Pixel Watch 2: The Pixel Watch 2 may look similar to its predecessor but boasts improvements like the efficient Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 processor, offering up to 24 hours of battery life with an always-on display. New sensors for skin temperature and continuous electrodermal activity enable stress detection and automatic workout tracking. A multi-path heart rate sensor enhances heart rate monitoring. Prices start at $349.99 for the GPS version and $399.99 for the LTE variant.
  4. Pixel Buds Pro Updates: The Pixel Buds Pro receives new colors (light blue and porcelain) and conversation detection, which pauses audio and activates transparency mode when the wearer speaks. Enhanced voice call quality is facilitated by Bluetooth Super Wideband, offering fuller and clearer sound. Google's Clear Calling feature reduces background noise during calls.
  5. Android 14 Arrival: Android 14 brings improved passkey support, health tracking, and customization options. Notably, it introduces AI wallpaper generation for personalized backgrounds. Initially, it's available for Pixel phones 4A 5G and newer, with support for other manufacturers coming later this year.
  6. Extended Software Updates: Google commits to providing seven years of "OS, security, and Feature Drop updates" for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, extending support until 2030. This marks a substantial increase from previous models, which received up to five years of security updates and three years of Android updates.
  7. AI-Enhanced Google Assistant: Google is launching Assistant with Bard, an AI-enhanced version set to arrive on Android and iOS in the coming months. Integrated with Gmail and Docs, it assists users in various tasks, from creating captions for photos to managing grocery lists and finding information in email inboxes.

These announcements showcase Google's commitment to innovation and user experience across its product lineup, promising exciting advancements for users and technology enthusiasts alike.