Google launches the Pixel 8, 8 Pro and Pixel Watch 2: Here's all you need to know

(Image: Google)

Google's big Pixel 8 launch has come to a close, and the hardware and search giant had a lot to announce. Here is a rundown of everything launched at the event.

Pixel Watch 2: Features and pricing

Google has made big improvements to the design and hardware of their Pixel-branded smartwatch. From a refined design to a new quad-core CPU, the Pixel Watch 2 promises to be more efficient and powerful than the previous generation.

Google says that the Pixel Watch 2 has 24 hours of battery life now with always-on display enabled. It also has a faster charging rate with up to 50% charge in 30 minutes.

Besides that, is a new heart rate sensor which is paired with a new AI heart rate algorithm, that produces a more accurate reading than before. Google says it's up to 40% more accurate than the previous generation.

There is a new continuous electrodermal activity sensor (cEDA) that can accurately track stress levels with a combination of heart rate, variability and skin temperature.

When the watch picks up the tell-tale signs of stress, it will prompt you to take action, like guided breathing exercises or a mindfulness session. The skin temperature sensor on the watch can track your sleep revealing insights for overall wellness.

In addition to this are new safety features like Medical ID, Emergency sharing and Safety checks.

The Pixel Watch 2 uses the same band system from the first generation, which means all the accessory bands you bought for the Pixel Watch are compatible with the Watch 2.

The Pixel Watch 2 is available to pre-order starting now at Rs 39,900 on Flipkart and will be available starting on October 12.

Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro: Features and pricing

The Pixel 8's standard variant is a little smaller this year with a 6.2-inch Actua display that Google says is 42% brighter than the Pixel 7. The phone features a satin metal finish, and polished glass back and comes in three colours - Rose, Hazel and Obsidian.

The Pixel 8 Pro houses a larger display with a 6.7-inch Super Actua panel that Google says is its brightest display yet. The Pro is available in two colors - Bay and Obsidian.

Both phones feature a new 50-megapixel main camera and the Pixel 8 has an updated ultra-wide camera with support for Macro Focus. The Pixel 8 Pro houses an updated ultra-wide camera with Macro Focus and a telephoto lens that Google says can capture images with 56% more light.

Besides this, are the software updates. The camera app now has a redesigned interface and on the Pixel 8 Pro, users will have access to Pro Controls, which will allow them to fine-tune capture settings.

There is a new Best Take feature that will create a blended image from a series of photos to get everyone’s best look. Magic Editor in Google Photos uses generative AI to help you reposition and resize your subjects to create a perfect photo of the moment you were trying to capture.

Audio Magic Eraser can reduce background noise and isolate sounds in different tracks so that you can easily get rid of sounds you don't want.

Later this year, the Pixel 8 Pro will get more feature drops like Video Boost, which uses the phone's new G3 Tensor chip to apply advanced processing to videos. It can adjust colors, lighting, stabilization and graininess.

Night Sight Video allows to take videos in low-light conditions for better quality and sharpness. If that wasn't enough, Google is now promising 7 years of software OS upgrades for the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. This will include OS, security enhancements, and feature drops.

The Pixel 8 will start at Rs 75,999 and the Pixel 8 Pro starts at Rs 1,06,999. Both devices can be pre-ordered from Flipkart and will be available starting October 12th.

Limited launch offers include Bank offers on select banks up to Rs 8,000 and an exchange offer of Rs 3,000 on the Pixel 8.

Pixel 8 Pro has bank offers worth Rs 9,000 and exchange offer of up to Rs 4,000. With any purchase of the Pixel 8 or the Pixel 8 Pro, you can get the Pixel Watch 2 and Pixel Buds Pro at discounted prices of Rs 19,999 and Rs. 8,999 respectively.