By
Mayowa Adebajo
April 29th, 2024
In addition to smartphones and watches, Google noted that it plans to enhance its virtual assistant with generative AI capabilities.
Alphabet Inc’s (NASDAQ: GOOGL) Google has once again taken the tech world by storm with the launch of the Pixel 8 smartphones and a smartwatch with Artificial Intelligence (AI) features.
Google’s latest upgrades to its Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are set to capture the attention of photography enthusiasts and those who cherish the pure Android experience. These enhancements couldn’t have come at a better time, as they are likely to entice shoppers preparing for their holiday season purchases.
Google Pixel 8 and Smartwatch: Features and Latest AI Addition
One of the most exciting features of the Pixel 8 smartphone is the inclusion of the Tensor G3 mobile processor. This powerful processor takes AI integration to a whole new level, allowing native machine learning and generative AI models to run directly on the device. The implications of this technology are far-reaching.
During the Made by Google event, company executives highlighted the significant advances in AI that Tensor G3 enables. For photography enthusiasts, this means even more impressive shots with AI assistance. For those who detest spam calls, it brings relief through AI-powered call blocking. Additionally, web browsing becomes more efficient as AI helps summarize lengthy web pages.
The higher-end Pixel 8 Pro takes AI integration a step further with the inclusion of a temperature sensor. In a noteworthy development, Google revealed that it had submitted an application to the FDA for approval of its Thermometer App, allowing the device to measure body temperature accurately or determine if another device may be overheating.
In addition to the smartphones, Google has upgraded its smartwatch offering with the Google Watch 2. Priced at $349, this watch comes equipped with a digital crown and advanced health-tracking functionalities powered by AI. As health and wellness tracking continues to gain popularity, this smartwatch’s features are likely to appeal to a wide range of consumers.
Notably, Google’s latest product unveiling, featuring the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones along with the Google Watch 2, comes with both excitement and a slight price increase. Priced at $699 for the Pixel 8 and $999 for the Pixel 8 Pro, these new smartphones are $100 more expensive than their predecessors.
Currently, the Pixel smartphone holds the 12th rank worldwide in terms of shipments, capturing a 0.9% market share. The United States serves as its largest market, accounting for approximately 39% of global shipments, followed by Japan at 29% and the UK at 9%.
With the introduction of the Pixel 8 smartphones and the Google Watch 2, Google is strategically positioned to strengthen its market presence and potentially climb up the rankings.
Enhanced Virtual Assistant
In addition to smartphones and watches, Google noted that it plans to enhance its virtual assistant with generative AI capabilities. This development aligns with the growing trend of virtual assistants becoming more intelligent and context-aware.
The ability to assist users in planning trips, managing emails, and asking follow-up questions will provide a more personalized and intuitive experience, making Google’s virtual assistant even more indispensable to users’ daily lives.