Google’s Pixel 8 lands next week but if you pay attention to the news, you have seen it from every possible angle already. Now, ever reliable leaker Evan Blass, has released images that confirm the return of some AI camera features, alongside a new pre-order deal.
Posting on Twitter/X, the leaked images show that Google is again making AI camera features a core selling point of its latest handset. The image touts the abilities of Photo Unblur, which unblurs pictures after they have been taken, and Magic Eraser, which can remove unwanted objects from your snaps. Both of these features were available in the Pixel 7 range, but it will be interesting to see how much faster and accurate they are when powered with Google’s new Tensor G3 chipset.
Blass also published a handful of new Pixel Watch 2 images. It looks like the premium stainless steel band is making a comeback alongside three other colored straps, including a powder blue option that can be matched up with the same color Pixel 8.
What isn’t clear is if the new wearable has a slimmer profile than its predecessor, which seemed to be the case in an earlier leak. Check out the image of the watch with the metal link band below, it certainly seems to be more slender than the original from that angle.
Blass’s leaked product shots confirm that Google will hand out a free Pixel Watch 2 or Pixel Buds Pro with pre-orders of the Pixel 8, which is a good deal considering the original models cost $349 and $199 respectively.
Google’s original Pixel Watch was seeing price cuts as early as December 2022, less than three months after it launched. So I’m not surprised that it is being included in a bundle deal with the new phone. As ever, it’s better to wait for the reviews before buying a pricey new device—even when they come with an expensive freebie.
The leaks have mostly focussed on the phone’s slightly augmented camera bump design, new video abilities, colors and some rumors around price. But Google will almost certainly have some new AI-focussed features saved for next week’s launch.
The biggest news so far has been the revelation that the Pixel 8 will come with seven years of Android updates. How those seven years are separated out, whether its seven straight years of Android updates, or five years with two extra years of security patches, will be interesting to watch out for.
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