The Google Made by Google event is here again, and it promises to unveil a host of products to its product lineups as competition from Apple and Samsung heats up. The internet company is set to unveil a fresh lineup of Pixel products. While the Pixel 8 and Pixel Watch 2 have been confirmed, there could be a few surprises in store in that department too.
The Event itself
Mark your calendar for October 4th, 2023, at 10 AM ET / 7 AM PT. While Google will host an in-person audience at the event in New York City, you can join the excitement by watching the live stream on Google’s website, YouTube channel, or via the embedded video at the top of this article.
All-Around Upgrades for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro
This year’s Made by Google event stars the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, both boasting significant upgrades. Rumours and of course leaks have given us some insights into these new devices. The Pixel 8 Pro is likely to feature the same 6.7-inch display as the Pixel 7 Pro, while the base Pixel 8 is expected to come with a slightly smaller 6.17-inch screen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_uap-98Knw
If you care so much about cameras, the Pixel 8 Pro’s rear camera array appears to be getting a boost, including a 50MP wide lens, a 48MP ultrawide lens with Macro Focus, and a 48MP camera with a 5x telephoto lens. Rumours even suggest the Pixel 8 Pro might have a body temperature reading feature.
On the other hand, the standard Pixel 8 is rumoured to sport a 50MP wide camera on its rear and a 12MP ultrawide lens with Macro Focus. Both devices are expected to come with a 10.5MP front-facing camera. Plus, these new Pixel models could bring features like staggered HDR and DSLR-style controls. AI-powered photo editing tools like Magic Editor and “Best Take” are also anticipated.
The new Tensor G3 chip, with 8GB of RAM for the Pixel 8 and 12GB for the Pixel 8 Pro, is set to power both models. They are rumoured to offer displays with a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz, an upgrade from the previous 90Hz screen on the Pixel 7. Additionally, Google may extend seven years of software support for its latest Pixel lineup and could even bundle a free Pixel Watch 2 with the purchase of a Pixel 8 Pro.
While pricing details are yet to be confirmed, speculations hint at a possible price increase, with the Pixel 8 at $699 and the Pixel 8 Pro at $999. Render leaks reveal a palette of colour options for both models, including grey, black, pink, sky blue, and porcelain.
The newly designed Pixel Watch 2
The Pixel Watch 2 is another exciting announcement. It features a flatter crown design and a new sensor array that suggests enhanced health tracking capabilities. Leaked specs indicate a heart rate tracker using Fitbit’s multi-path heart rate sensor, stress management tools, automatic exercise detection, and a safety check feature. The Pixel Watch 2 may come with an upgraded Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor and an ultra-wideband chip.
While it’s expected to maintain a familiar 24-hour battery life, it could feature an all-aluminium chassis. The price remains a mystery, but colour options might include gold, black, and silver.
Pixel Buds Pro Get a Colour Makeover
In addition to Pixel phones and smartwatches, Google is rumoured to introduce new colours for the Pixel Buds Pro. The teaser hints at a porcelain case to match the new Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel 8 Pro, and there’s speculation about a sky-blue colour option. Any potential design or hardware changes are still shrouded in mystery.
Android 14 Release
Coinciding with the Made by Google event, Android 14 is set to launch on October 4th. This version promises an array of new features, from passkeys to AI-generated wallpapers, text size adjustments, stylus enhancements, and the potential to use your phone as a webcam.
But that’s not all! It’s been a while since Google released a Pixel Feature drop, and the next one might be just around the corner. Keep an eye out for updates at Google’s event to learn about the latest features they have in store for their users.