Made by Google 2023: What to expect at Pixel 8’s launch event and where to watch it

Google is preparing to unveil a fresh range of Pixel products at its upcoming Made by Google event. While Google has already announced the debut of the Pixel 8 and the updated Pixel Watch 2, there might be additional surprises in store for viewers.

For those eager to catch the event, here’s the when and where, as well as a glimpse of what to expect.

How to Watch the Made by Google Event
The Google Pixel event is scheduled for October 4th, 2023, starting at 10 AM ET or about 7:30 IST. While Google will have an in-person audience at the event’s New York City location, you can also stay tuned by watching the live stream on Google’s website, YouTube channel, or through the video embedded at the top of this article.

All-Around Upgrades for the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro
The spotlight of this year’s Made by Google event will be the new Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. Both devices come with significant enhancements compared to their predecessors. Following a series of leaks, Google released an official teaser showcasing the lineup, confirming several rumours that have been circulating over the past few months.

According to leaks, the Pixel 8 Pro is expected to retain the same 6.7-inch display size as the Pixel 7 Pro, ensuring a familiar screen size for users. On the other hand, the standard Pixel 8 is anticipated to have a slightly smaller display compared to its predecessor, measuring 6.17 inches instead of 6.3 inches.

Leaked information, attributed to Kamila Wojciechowska, hints at significant camera upgrades for the Pixel 8 Pro. Its rear camera array is said to include a 50MP wide lens, a 48MP ultrawide lens equipped with Macro Focus capabilities, and an additional 48MP camera featuring a 5x telephoto lens. Notably, the Pixel 8 Pro might also introduce a body temperature reading feature, adding an extra dimension of functionality.

In contrast, the standard Pixel 8 is rumoured to sport a 50MP wide camera on its rear, complemented by a 12MP ultrawide lens with Macro Focus. The leaked spec sheet suggests that both devices will feature a 10.5MP front-facing camera, which is slightly lower than the 10.8MP selfie camera found on the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.

Excitingly, both the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro could offer support for staggered HDR, a photographic technique that can enhance image clarity. They may also provide DSLR-style controls for photography enthusiasts.

Leaked advertisements tease the arrival of various AI-powered photo editing features in the Pixel 8 lineup, including the “Magic Editor” and an as-yet-unannounced feature called “Best Take.” These features are likely to enhance the creative and editing capabilities of the new Pixel devices.
The forthcoming Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are anticipated to be powered by Google’s new Tensor G3 chip, offering 8GB of RAM for the Pixel 8 and 12GB for the Pixel 8 Pro. Additionally, their displays are expected to provide a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz, a notable upgrade from the 90Hz screen found on the Pixel 7.

The leaked information also suggests that Google plans to offer an impressive seven years of software support for its latest Pixel lineup. Furthermore, there are rumours of an enticing offer, wherein the purchase of a Pixel 8 Pro may include a free Pixel Watch 2, although this hasn’t been officially confirmed by Google.

While Google has not yet officially disclosed the pricing for the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, there are speculations of a potential price increase. Reports indicate that the Pixel 8 could be priced at $699, up from the $599 price point of the Pixel 7.

Meanwhile, the Pixel 8 Pro might come with a $999 price tag, an increase from the $899 cost of the Pixel 7 Pro. Renders obtained by MySmartPrice showcase various colour options for both devices, including grey, black, and pink for the Pixel 8, and sky blue, porcelain, and black for the Pixel 8 Pro.

Pixel Watch 2
In addition to the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, Google has offered a sneak peek at the Pixel Watch 2. Notably, the teaser reveals a flatter crown design and hints at the incorporation of more health-tracking features, including a new heart rate tracker and stress management capabilities.

The Pixel Watch 2 may also automatically detect new exercises, offer a Safety Check feature to enhance personal security and maintain a design similar to its predecessor, with potential enhancements like a Snapdragon W5 Gen 1 processor and an ultra-wideband chip. The expected battery life is around 24 hours, and it may come in gold, black, or silver colour options.

Moreover, the Pixel Buds Pro is rumoured to receive new colour options, with the possibility of porcelain and sky blue cases. It remains uncertain whether there will be changes to the design or internal hardware of the earbuds.

Android 14
Additionally, the release of Android 14 is anticipated to coincide with Google’s event. This update promises a host of new features, including passkeys, AI-generated wallpapers, enhanced text options, stylus improvements, and the potential to use your phone as a webcam.

Google may also unveil new Pixel-specific features and updates, as it has been several months since the last Pixel Feature drop, and such announcements are expected at the event. Stay tuned to The Verge for the latest updates on Google’s upcoming announcements.