Google Pixel 8 launch event; here's what happened

The newly launched Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro with Google’s G3 Tensor processor.

The Pixel 8 Pro will feature an updated rear camera array with a 50MP main sensor, a 48MP telephoto lens with 5x zoom, and a 48MP ultrawide camera, while the Pixel 8 will feature a two-camera setup with an upgraded 50MP main camera and 12MP ultra wide camera.

Both the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro will also get access to the new AI-powered editing features within Google Photos, including Magic Editor and Best Take.

With a 6.2-inch OLED display, the Pixel 8 is slightly smaller than its predecessor. Although this display isn’t LTPO like the Pixel 8 Pro, it still offers an upgraded 120Hz refresh rate with a peak brightness of 2,000 nits.

The Pixel 8 Pro will feature a temperature reader that can be used to accurately detect the temperature of objects, surfaces, and, in the near future, the user's own body.

The display will remain the same as the original Pixel 8, measuring 6.7 inches in size, but will be upgraded to High-Definition Optical (LTPO) technology and have a luminosity of 2,400 nits.

Pixel 8 starts at $699 and Pixel 8 Pro $999, getting a price hike of $100 from the previous generations.

Pixel Watch 2, starting at $349 comes with a Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 processor that allows for up to 24 hours of battery life even with always-on display turned on. It gets a digital crown and advanced health-tracking features powered by AI.

Android 14 is finally here, offering improved passkey support, a new health tracking feature, and several customization updates. This latest version of the OS will be available to the Pixel phones first and "later this year" to other phone companies.

Google has announced that it will offer seven years of “OS, security, and Feature Drop updates” for both phones. That means Pixel 8 users can expect to get updates until the year 2030.

Google is also launching Assistant with Bard, an AI-enhanced version of the personal assistant that’s coming to Android and iOS “in the coming months.”

The AI assistant will integrate with Google’s apps like Gmail and Docs and help to create a caption for a photo, create grocery lists, and find information in your email inbox.

"Google was clearly focused on driving the mobile AI message in today's event and having AI on the device/client will be a big topic for the industry going forward," said IDC analyst Ryan Reith.