Google made a splash at its recent Made by Google event in New York City, where it unveiled two new Pixel phones and its latest Pixel smartwatch. With the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, Google is making another attempt to capture a share of the market currently dominated by Apple’s iPhone. This time, Google is offering competitive prices, with the Pixel 8 starting at $699 and the Pixel 8 Pro at $999. Compared to last year’s models, these prices represent a $100 increase, but it remains to be seen if the market is willing to pay the premium for Google’s devices.
While the Pixel brand may have a small foothold in the smartphone market, it is steadily gaining ground. However, Google’s hardware business, including the Pixel phones, does not contribute significantly to the overall revenue of its parent company, Alphabet. In fact, out of the $74.6 billion in revenue reported by Alphabet in the second quarter, a majority came from Google ads. Nonetheless, Google remains determined to expand its hardware offerings and challenge Apple’s dominance in the smartphone industry.
One notable improvement in the new Pixel phones is the design. Both the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro have rounder corners and a flatter display compared to their predecessors. The entry-level Pixel 8 boasts a superior screen with refresh speeds rivaling those of the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, resulting in smoother scrolling and gaming experiences. The use of Google’s in-house chip, the Tensor G3, further enhances the phone’s capabilities, particularly in the realm of artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The Pixel 8 Pro stands out with its AI-powered editing tools integrated into the camera system. In addition to the popular Magic Eraser tool that enables removal of unwanted images from photos, the Pixel 8 Pro introduces a new feature called Best Take. This tool allows users to combine similar pictures into one, ensuring that everyone in a group shot is looking at the camera and smiling. Moreover, Google has made improvements to its Real Tone photography feature, ensuring more accurate representation of different skin tones. The phone also includes the Audio Magic Eraser, which allows users to eliminate unwanted sounds from recorded videos. From removing background noise to discreetly capturing precious moments, Google has put significant effort into enhancing the capabilities of its camera system.
Adding to its array of features, the Pixel 8 Pro surprises users with a built-in thermometer. Promoted as a tool to measure the temperature of beverages and cookware, the extra functionality seems intriguing, although its practical utility may be limited. Meanwhile, Google claims that its Tensor G3 chip will improve call quality and enable more effective detection and filtering of spam calls. By leveraging the power of AI and machine learning, Google aims to enhance everyday communication experiences for its users.
Accompanying the Pixel phones, Google also unveiled its Pixel Watch 2. Building on the success of its predecessor, the new watch incorporates the Fitbit platform, which Alphabet acquired in 2021. One of the standout features of the Pixel Watch 2 is its stress tracking capability. By collecting data such as heart rate variability and skin temperature, the watch can detect when users are under pressure and then make relevant suggestions for stress relief, such as going for a walk or engaging in guided breathing exercises. Additionally, the watch boasts a battery life that matches the original Pixel Watch, promising up to 24 hours of use with the always-on display feature.
With the launch of its latest Pixel phones and smartwatch, Google demonstrates its commitment to challenging Apple in the smartphone and wearable technology markets. The new devices offer significant improvements in design, display, camera capabilities, and overall user experience. While Google’s hardware business may not drive substantial revenue for Alphabet, the company remains dedicated to expanding its market share and establishing itself as a formidable competitor in the industry. As consumers eagerly await the availability of these new products, the battle for smartphone supremacy intensifies between Google and Apple.
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