Updated October 2nd: Original article posted September 30th.
Google is launching a new series of Pixel smartphones and peripherals this week. The Pixel 8 Pro is expected to leave an impressive footprint on the Pixel brand and the broader Android smartphone market. Yes, Google wants to sell phones, but these phones have more than market share.
It all starts with creating the proverbial “best smartphone.” Without it, no one would be able to tell Google the time.
Update: Sunday, October 1st: More details about the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro hardware are being released in the lead-up to Wednesday’s launch, along with a series of promotional videos. Leaked by the esteemed @MysteryLupin.
These videos are for the general public and explain how easy it is to switch to Pixel. While there are several numbers that cover specific subjects, the hero video explains the features Google wants consumers to look out for.
First, we’ll show you how easy it is to change to Pixel. Moving texts, messages, contacts, music, and videos are all indicated by the tagline, “No need to switch and start over.”
This “Your data is safe” section is followed by the good news that Google has a wide range of camera features, including many AI-driven editing tools. These include the existing Magic Eraser tool that removes unwanted parts of a photo, real-tone visual reproduction, and the new Best Take tool that lets you combine composite images and swap faces for a better shot.
And all of these are called out with specific reference to Google AI. Mountain View’s message is to get out there and not just “buy these phones.”
Update: Monday, October 2nd: With the release just days away. pixel 8 and pixel 8 pro Featured on the Internet’s popular benchmarking site Geekbench. Summarizing the potential of a device, especially its chipset, is more of a well-documented guide than an absolute measure, butHe scored with two new devices
Tensor G3’s score is higher than most expected, similar to that of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8+ Gen 1, but running at a lower clock speed, suggesting a more efficient chip design. Comparing the Pixel 8 Pro’s single-core and multi-core numbers with other flagship models, its score of 1760/4442 is noticeably lower than the Galaxy S23 Ultra’s score. 1880/4981or iPhone 15 Pro Max 2882/7140.
However, Tensor chips have never been about pure performance. They are leaning towards proving a particular AI toolset on a device in hardware and realizing all the efficiencies that that implies.
The Pixel line has gone through several design iterations, and the current hardware is derived from the Pixel 6. Still, the real change is that Google has switched from various his Qualcomm Snapdragon system-on-chips to its own designs. Tensor chipsets are tuned away from outright performance to support computational routines (particularly AI and machine learning) that run on the device rather than being passed to the cloud.
There are only a few system-on-chip companies in the ecosystem. Google uses Tensors to show where he thinks development should take place. With the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro equipped with Tensor G3, and Google expected to lean further into the use of AI and ML in its software and demonstrate its benefits to consumers, these companies will experience.
Next is Android. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will be the first devices to launch running Android 14 out of the box. Other manufacturers will soon follow suit. Presumably, version 14 of the Android open source project will be fully released after several delays over the past few months.
There are two important things to note about Android 14. The first is Google’s decision to extend the support period to his reported seven years. That’s 7 years of Android OS updates and security fixes to keep your device safe. The latter is one of the important factors that determines the lifespan of a mobile phone. Hardware may last for decades, but without security it has little utility.
The Pixel’s seven-year shelf life will be a crowd-pleaser, as consumers consider how long their phones will be useful. Google will likely hope that other manufacturers will take a long-term view and extend support periods.
The second, perhaps more subtle, is about providing consistency to consumers while maintaining flexibility. Over the years, Google has promoted various “Material UI” iterations on its devices and standard Android. Depending on how much customization the manufacturer adds to his flavor of Android, this could be seen on other handsets or removed entirely.
While retaining the manufacturer’s individuality, the feeling of “It’s Android after all!” remains.
One area Google would like to find more common ground with is third-party apps. When an app works consistently, it’s easier to use from the beginning, integrates better with any mobile device, and is more comfortable and pleasant to use. Subtleties like the option for shared style sheets, which allow developers to customize options in a standard window, can be found across Pixel smartphones.
Using hardware to improve AI and ML. A consistent approach across first- and second-party apps from Google and manufacturers. And it takes a long period of support and security updates. Although the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are considered consumer machines, their long-term value lies in embodying Google’s view of mobility across the Android ecosystem.
Read the latest smartphone headlines in Forbes’ weekly Android News Digest…
check out my Website.