Google launches Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro and Watch 2 with deep AI integration

The Pixel 8 starts at $699, while the more premium Pixel 8 Pro starts at $999. That’s $100 more than last year’s models. The company also announced the Pixel Watch 2, which starts at $349. The devices are available for pre-order now and will be available on October 12.

The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro models have the same display refresh rate as the iPhone 15 series.

Google's Pixel phone brand, despite its small market share, is growing steadily.

However, the search giant's hardware division does not contribute significantly to parent company Alphabet's revenue. Of the total $74.6 billion in revenue in the second quarter, $58.14 billion came from the advertising business, while another $8 billion came from the cloud business.

The two latest smartphones both run on the Tensor G3 chip developed by Google, which allows deep integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning into device components, such as the camera.

The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro also run on Android 14 out of the box, and come with AI-powered photo and audio editing tools.

The Watch 2 has a standout feature that tracks the wearer's "depression" levels.

Specifically, in addition to the popular “Magic Eraser” tool, Pixel 8 Pro has an additional “Best Take” photo editing tool, which helps combine similar photos into a single photo. With audio, the “Magic Eraser” tool is capable of removing unwanted sounds from user videos.

The Pro version also includes an FDA-approved thermometer that's advertised as being used to scan food temperatures, but it's unclear if it can be used for other purposes.

Meanwhile, the Watch 2 model, similar to its predecessor, will integrate with the Fitbit platform that Alphabet acquired in 2021. One of the most interesting functions is tracking the user's stress level.

The watch will collect data from changes in heart rate and skin temperature, thereby analyzing and determining whether the wearer is under pressure and making suggestions such as taking a walk or practicing breathing.

(According to Reuters, CNBC)