Apple’s fall device launch is getting all the love, but Google wants you to remember it’s here too – with lots of shiny new tech and some seriously impressive AI upgrades coming soon available on a phone near you.
Let’s break down everything Google just announced and see how the Pixel 8 compares to the new iPhone 15.
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Batting 1,000
That’s the price of the Google Pixel 8 Pro (OK, it’s $999), which is $100 more than the top-of-the-line 7 model. For a great price, it includes Google’s Tensor G3 chip and a camera good enough to rival the iPhone 15. Cool feature: Zoom Enhance lets you go in and add details after you’ve taken the photo and you want to zoom in on a photo.
The other random but great addition is a temperature sensor that can accurately measure how hot or cold a surface, object, and even your forehead is.
It’s available in black, porcelain, and light blue – expected to ship Thursday.
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And the non-Pros?
The Pixel 8 also increases by $100. It’s faster and slightly smaller than the 7 – and provides access to Google’s new AI photo editing tools (with the 8 Pro).
◾ Magic Editor uses AI to change the scenery of a photo, remove distracting elements and even move people.
◾ Best catch is a game-changing group photo. The idea is that you take multiple photos, then you can choose the best face for each subject and merge them into one final image. Finally, everyone looks good!
◾ Audio Magic Eraser reduces annoying sounds from audio tracks that spoil your video.
The 8 costs $699, or $799 if you buy from Verizon. It’s available in pink, black, and hazel and is also expected to ship on Thursday.
Updates through 2030
Hey, at least if you spend all the money you know your phone will work for many years. Google says the 8 and 8 Pro get seven years of “operating system, security, and feature updates” for both phones.
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How do they compare to the new iPhones?
For most people, it depends on which ecosystem you prefer. If you’ve used either for years, you know exactly how they work and are comfortable with the operating system.
Maybe you’re not so brand loyal. Let’s compare some specs, shall we? We’ll stick to the basic models.
iPhone 15 vs. Pixel 8
◾ Cost: $799 to $1,099 (iPhone); $699 to $749 (pixels)
- ◾ Screen: 6.1-inch OLED with 460 pixels per inch (iPhone); 6.2-inch OLED with 428 pixels per inch (Pixel)◾ RAM: 6 GB (iPhone); 8 GB (pixels)◾ Battery: 3,349mAh (iPhone); 4,575 mAh (pixels)Rear cameras: 48-megapixel main camera, 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera (iPhone); 50-megapixel main camera, 12-megapixel ultra-wide
- Before facing the camera: 12 megapixel main camera (iPhone); 10.5 megapixel main camera (Pixel)
I’ll let you draw your own conclusions, but in terms of specs alone, the Pixel models are totally solid for the price. (And yes, I say this as an iPhone enthusiast.)
Beyond phones, here’s what Google is working on.
More autonomy, better sensors
The Pixel Watch 2 looks like the original, but the inside has been significantly improved. The upgraded Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 processor delivers up to 24 hours of battery life, even with the always-on display enabled.
It’s equipped with new skin temperature and electrodermal activity sensors to indicate your stress levels, as well as additional heart rate sensors for more accurate readings and automatic workout tracking.
You’re looking at $349.99 for the GPS version or $399.99 for LTE. Choose from silver and blue, silver and white, gold and hazel or all black.
Can you hear me, Buds?
Pixel Buds are Google’s answer to AirPods. The upgraded Buds Pro get light blue and porcelain options to match the new phones, as well as audio upgrades for “fuller, clearer” sound. They cost $199.99.
The assistant gets smarter
We wouldn’t be in 2023 if there were no discussions about AI. Google Assistant will get a Bard AI upgrade “in the coming months.” It will connect to your Google apps – like Gmail, Drive and Calendar – to plan trips, caption photos, make lists and find that dinner reservation you forgot.
Maintain your technical knowledge
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And then, return to the office? Here’s what you need to know about the bosses who follow you. I’m talking to Sharon from Oregon about finding good animation software for her grandson. Plus, high-speed police drones and a warning: hackers are targeting travelers.
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Discover all the latest technologies on the Kim Komando show, the nation’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and gives advice on today’s digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacking. For his daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit his website.
