Google's Pixel 8 is getting new AI smarts, and a Mini paintjob

A suite of impressive new features makes the Pixel smarter than ever.

Jan 26, 2024 - 00:30

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Google's Pixel 8 is getting new AI smarts, and a Mini paintjob

Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones might have first launched in October of 2023, but one of the main benefits of an Android smartphone by the maker of Android is consistent updates. The Pixel long has long received monthly updates that squash bugs as well as toss in some surprises.

These are known as “Feature Drops,” and Google packaged up a big one for the first drop of 2024. “Circle to Search,” which premiered on Samsung’s Galaxy S24 family, is arriving on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro as an intuitive way to get results quickly.

It’s arriving on Google’s flagship smartphones soon, with it beginning to roll out as a software update now. Additionally, if you’ve been eyeing a Pixel 8 or 8 Pro, Google’s giving you a physical reason to plunge.

Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in Mint

Alongside the Pixel 8 in Obsidian, Hazel, or Rose and the 8 Pro in Bay, Obsidian, or Porcelain, both Pixels are now coming in Mint. Yes, the proverbial central color of mint chocolate chip ice cream and the wonderful herb are fresh shades for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

Google’s take on Mint is a light, airy shade combining light blue and light green into one. It’s also a nice pop of color ahead of Spring; look at the photo above and a few included below.

Prices and storage options remain the same for the Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro in Mint, and they’ll come out of the box with the latest Pixel and Android software enhancements. One thing to note is the Mint flavor of the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro will only come in 128GB of storage at $699 and $999, respectively. You’ll also need to shop it directly from the Google store or through Google Fi.

An easier way to share files and search

Like the Galaxy S24 Ultra, you’ll soon be able to long-press the home button and circle something on the screen to see search results. It could be a funny button-down you spotted on Instagram, a photo of a unique plant, or anything you find on your phone.

Results will appear in a window that bubbles up the bottom half of your smartphone, and just like a traditional Google Search, you can scroll through several options. Powering those results is Google’s AI, which can identify and search from pictures, other visuals, and even written text.

My favorite aspect of Circle to Search is that it works over any application and doesn’t require you to jump out of an application and then move to a browser. It’s much more succinct, and we’ll go hands-on with it in the future.

Another new AI feature, specifically in the generative sector, is “Magic Compose” with messages. Also, similar to a headlining Galaxy AI feature on the S24 lineup, you’ll be able to get feedback on a drafted message and even see it presented in different tones.

Quick Share has been a staple for easily moving images and other files between Samsung devices, but now it’s becoming the equivalent of Apple’s AirDrop for Google’s Android ecosystem. It arrives for the first time on a Samsung device, now on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, and any Android 6.0 or newer device. You’ll see it as a new option under the share sheet and then see nearby devices to share with.

Also arriving on Pixel in this update is Seamless Audio Switching for the Pixel Watch and Photomoji. The latter is similar to the ability to make stickers in iOS, as you'll be able to turn any photo into a sticker and add an effect.

Lastly, the Pixel 8 Pro features a temperature sensor on the back next to its triple camera setup, and it's getting more useful. You can now use it to take people's temperatures and save those within the Fitbit app on your Pixel.

Folks with a Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro can begin checking for the latest software update today. Though, as is par for the course, it’s a rollout and could take a bit to reach your phone. Still, though, it’s upping the overall value of Pixel, and these new AI features will be pretty handy.

As far as Apple goes, considering Samsung and Google are both continuing to lean into AI-infused features, we'd expect the next version of iOS to offer some of these for the iPhone. Apple historically previews new software at it's annual World Wide Developers Conference, which typically happens in early summer.