October 5, 2023

IN THIS ISSUE

💥 Google unveils new phones, a new smartwatch, and more!

📱 See how the new Pixel 8 shapes up against the iPhone 15

🌡 Everything you can do with the Pixel 8 Pro's temperature sensor

⌚️ Is the new Pixel Watch 2 really a smartwatch?

UP FIRST

Google unveils new Pixel phones, a new smartwatch, and more

Following lots of leaks and speculation, Google unveiled a bunch of new goodies at a special event on Wednesday

The Made By Google event has left us with three amazing new devices and one incredible feat of software engineering that’s sure to be the talk of all smartphone and technology lovers for the next few months.

Yes, while the Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel Watch 2 may have been the hardware stars of the show, it’s the Best Take mode that really took our breath away.

Missed the show? Don’t worry, we didn’t, and we’ve put together this roundup to make sure you’re not missing out on Google’s latest and greatest smartphones, smartwatch, and incredible software tricks.

Here’s everything announced at the big Made By Google Pixel 8 event. And if you'd rather watch it than read about it, then this short video highlights the best bits from the event ...

COMPARISON

Find out how the new Pixel 8 shapes up against the iPhone 15

Has Google finally beaten Apple with its new smartphone?

Google has unveiled the Google Pixel 8 lineup at its Made by Google event in New York. Though there aren’t any drastic upgrades to the Pixel 8, Google made some smaller changes that are sure to be welcome among fans.

But Apple also released the iPhone 15 lineup a month ago. So, if you’re in the market for a new smartphone, which one should you pick up?

The Pixel 8 and iPhone 15 are both the baseline models for Google and Apple, respectively, and there’s a lot to like about both devices.

Let’s take a closer look at these two new phones and see how they match up on a number of fronts, including displays, software, performance, cameras, batteries, and charging.

Which handset do you think performs best?

PIXEL 8 PRO

Everything you can do with the Pixel 8 Pro's temperature sensor

The new feature will seem a bit gimmicky to some, but it could improve over time

There’s a lot to love about the Google Pixel 8 Pro, but it also has a unique feature hidden underneath the matte back glass: an object temperature sensor. But what can you actually do with this unique little sensor? As it turns out, not much!

Right now, the main thing that the phone’s new sensor can do is measure the temperature of various objects.

For example, you could try to measure the temperature of the pan you’re trying to cook with. Or maybe you’re curious how much heat your laptop is putting out when you’re trying to play Starfield. Or you just want to see how hot the iPhone 15 Pro is when it overheats.

Eventually, the goal of the temperature sensor on the Pixel 8 Pro is to measure the temperature of a person. This would be very beneficial in situations when you want to take someone’s temperature because they’re feeling sick, like with a fever ...

OPINION by Andy Boxall

Don't listen to Google: The Pixel Watch 2 isn't a smartwatch at all

'It's round like a watch, but when you describe it, it sounds like a fitness band'

I don’t think the Google Pixel Watch 2 is a smartwatch. I think it’s merely being passed off as one, as once more, Google hasn’t treated the design like a smartwatch at all.

Why? Because it has only made it in a single case size, which is the same mistake it made with the first Google Pixel Watch, and it’s shocking to see it has done so again. Due to this, it’s time we stopped calling it a smartwatch, as it has more in common with another popular type of wearable: a fitness band.

Why do I think the Pixel Watch 2 is a fitness band and not a smartwatch? Let me explain. Smartwatches have a dual role. In addition to all the smart features provided by it connecting to your phone, plus the health and fitness features delivered through the sensor array and software, a smartwatch should replicate the feeling of wearing a traditional watch through its design, style, fit, and finish ...

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