The Made by Google event for this year recently wrapped up, and one of the biggest announcements this year was the release of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The Pixel 8 Series, although not a huge leap aesthetically, is a huge leap in terms of internals and OS-based features. The Pixel series now comes with the new Actua displayed, features the new Google Tensor 3 chips (unless you opt for the Pixel Fold), sports 8GB to 12 GB of RAM, and huge batteries ranging from 5050 mAh to 4575 mAh.
Google also announced tons of new features like call screening by Google Assistant, Google AI features, Video Boost, improvements to Night Sight, Astrophotography, and much more. But the availability of these new features is still in question. So, if you, too, have been wondering which features will be available out of the box, which ones will be released later on, and which ones have certain restrictions, then we have the perfect post for you. Here’s all you need to know about the Pixel 8 series’ features and their availability.
Pixel 8 Pro features availability and restrictions:
We have categorized the Pixel 8 Pro features into two different categories: features that will be available now right out of the box and features with restrictions. Features with restrictions include features that have certain terms so that you can avail of them, as well as features that will be released at a later date in the future. Features available now will include features that will be available out of the box as soon as you get your hands on your new Pixel 8 Pro. Let’s take a quick look at these features and all you need to know about them.
Features not available at launch
1. Video Boost
Video Boost has been the talk of the town since its announcement at the Made by Google event. This new feature powered by Google AI improves lighting, reduces noise, enhances overall image quality, and even adds Night Sight to videos.
The difference between the original capture and the enhanced video is night and day, according to Google’s initial examples. However, this feature won’t be available out of the box and, according to Google, is slated for release via a Feature Drop update.
2. Zoom Enhance
With generative AI, Zoom Enhance smartly closes the pixel gaps and figures out details. This means you’ve got more freedom to nail the perfect frame and really focus on what’s key in your photo.
Zoom Enhance can zoom right into any part of that photo, after you’ve taken it! Want to crop it down to what really matters to you? No problem! The super-smart generative AI in Pixel 8 Pro fills in the gaps in pixels, predicting all those tiny details. That means you’ve got loads more freedom to frame your shots just the way you want them. Game-changer?
Again, Zoom Enhance will be available via a Feature Drop update later this year.
3. Assistant with Bard
Another highly anticipated feature for Pixel 8 Pro is Google Assistant with Bard. This integration opens up new possibilities for Google Assistant as it can now answer queries, perform complex AI tasks, and more directly from the Assistant. Google Assistant with Bard will also be able to access and use your data in all Google apps like Chrome, YouTube, Docs, and more to provide personalized results.
Google plans to release Assistant with Bard in the coming months. Even if it becomes available on Pixel sets first, eventually, it will become available on most Android phones and iPhones.
Features available without restrictions
Here are all the features that will be available for the Pixel 8 Pro right out of the box. Let’s take a quick look at them.
1. Pro controls
The new Pixel 8 Pro offers Pro controls, which allow more creative control over your images. Pro controls unlock the ability to control your camera’s ISO, shutter speed, and more to get the perfect creative shot you’re looking for. Manual control over the shutter speed allows you to capture long exposures easily while ensuring you can reduce the speed in harsh lighting conditions.
Similarly, manual control over the ISO allows you to capture images in extremely low light conditions where the moment you wish to capture might take priority over image clarity. Pro controls are only available on the Pixel 8 Pro and won’t be available in all third-party camera apps.
2. Night Sight and Astrophotography
Google has also improved the way Night Sight works on the Pixel 8 Pro. Night Sight now allows for better-resolution photos and will also be available in video-capturing modes once Video Boost is released later this year. In addition to this, Astrophotography has also been improved to capture better images without streaks while ensuring you get the best possible results.
All these features will be available right out of the box when you get your hands on your Pixel 8 Pro, except Night Sight for video, which will be released this winter. Additionally, keep in mind that these features will only be available through the new and improved default Camera app.
3. Google AI Noise reduction and light enhancement
A big part of the Google Pixel 8 Pro this year has been the introduction of Google AI across various services. Google AI aims to provide various enhancements to existing services, and among them is the addition to the Camera app when capturing videos. Google AI will now automatically process your video to produce sharp image quality even in low light conditions.
Google AI will reduce the noise from your captures while enhancing the overall lighting during the process. This will improve your video quality, no matter the current lighting conditions. This feature will also be available out of the box; however, do not confuse Google AI enhancements with Video Boost, as that is a separate feature coming later this year.
4. Improved Magic Editor
Google’s one of the most popular features for Pixel devices has been the Magic Editor over the past few years. The Pixel 8 Pro now comes with an improved Magic Editor that allows you to enhance the light in any photo, apply custom edits that you see fit, edit the background separately, and much more.
You can even lift subjects and move them around using the Magic Editor with only a few simple taps. The Magic Editor will also be available right out of the box with your new Pixel 8 Pro. However, keep in mind it requires the use of Google Photos. Magic Editor won’t be available in other Gallery or image editing apps.
5. Improved Audio Magic Eraser
Audio Magic Eraser is another highly anticipated feature announced by Google that allows you to reduce ambient sounds that might take away from video capture, like car noises, wind sounds, insects, nearby machinery, and more. Audio Magic Eraser, like other features, relies on Google AI to intelligently remove unwanted sounds from your videos.
6. Enhanced Google Assistant support
Google Assistant is also receiving various enhancements that now allow it to translate text in real-time. It can now also summarize and read aloud content on your screen thanks to Google AI. Keep in mind that translation isn’t available in all languages and all regions where the Pixel 8 Pro is sold.
7. Gmail email suggestions
Gmail also receives Google AI enhancements. These enhancements now provide you with suggestions when replying to an email. It will also help you send and prioritize emails according to your needs and requirements. This feature will also be available right out of the box as soon as you get your hands on the new Pixel 8 Pro.
8. Google AI support in Google apps
Google AI has also been introduced for most stock Google apps, including Chrome, YouTube, Google, Calendar, Maps, Gmail, Assistant, and more. This allows you to take advantage of AI-enhanced features in each of these apps, like improved photo processing in the Google Photos app, live translation with the Assistant, and much more.
9. Temperature readings
The Pixel 8 Pro now features a dedicated temperature sensor directly under the flash. This will allow you to get real-time temperature readings for various objects like a hot pan, tea, milk, and more. Google has also applied to the FDA so that the temperature app is approved to take body temperature readings, which can then be saved in the Fitbit app.
10. Google Tensor G3 and Titan M2 data encryption
Pixel 8 Pro is also bundled with Google’s new in-house Tensor G3 chip and the Titan M2 chip. This enables the device to provide you with state-of-the-art data encryption, ensuring that all your data is safe from prying eyes in case of any vulnerabilities or exploits. In addition to this, Google also provides you with the Google One VPN, which further enhances your privacy by sending all your traffic through encrypted VPN servers.
11. Improved audio calls
Google AI, which is now included with the Pixel 8 Pro, is also used to enhance the overall audio quality when making phone calls. This results in clearer audio and lesser background noise, allowing you to converse with your loved ones more easily and efficiently.
12. Easy data transfer
One of the biggest caveats of buying a new phone is the fact that you have to transfer all your data, including your contacts, photos, videos, files, and more. This can be quite cumbersome, especially if you’re switching platforms, and in most cases, you will have to re-download most third-party apps again.
Google has simplified this process by now allowing you to transfer your data from another Android device or iPhone by simply using a few taps. According to Google, you should be able to transfer most of your data from your old phone to your new Pixel 8 Pro within 30 minutes or so without any issues.
13. Support for Galaxy and Garmin smartwatches
The Pixel 8 Pro and the Pixel 8 series, in general, now also introduce native support for Galaxy and Garmin smartwatches. These smartwatches are trusted by many professionals out there thanks to their reliable data, exceptional battery life, and other unique features.
You can now natively use Galaxy and Garmin smartwatches with your Pixel 8 Pro and enjoy all their features without being tied to a single ecosystem.
Features available with restrictions
Now that we have discussed the features you can enjoy right out of the box, here are a few features that will be released later this year or have a few restrictions based on your current region and language. Let’s take a quick look at these features and their restrictions to get familiar with them and consider them before your Pixel 8 Pro purchase if you haven’t already pulled the trigger.
1. Live Translate
Live Translate is another highly anticipated feature that allows you to translate languages in real-time. You can also translate face-to-face conversations with someone in 49 different languages using Live Translate on your Pixel 8 Pro. Not only this, but Live Translate also works with Google Assistant, allowing you to translate and transcribe messages as well as translate signs in real-time.
However, according to Google, Live Translate won’t be available in all countries and regions and won’t be available for all languages. In addition, Live Translate support in third-party apps is limited.
2. Call screening by Google Assistant
Google Assistant can now screen spam calls for you and reply to them on your behalf accordingly. The Assistant can also transcribe and read aloud who is calling you and why by picking up their call before you choose to answer them.
However, the biggest limitation of this feature is that it is only available in English and in the US. Unfortunately, there is no word from Google regarding future support for other languages and regions in the future.
3. Google Maps Immersive View
Google Maps is also getting a new feature, the Immersive View. This new view allows you to view a location or destination you plan to visit upfront. The Immersive View is generated using tons of high-fidelity images of the location that are stitched together. This allows you to view attractions, spots, locations, restaurants, and more directly on your smartphone before you visit the place.
According to Google, Immersive View is only available in select markets, and we will have to wait for the final release to find out which regions in Google Maps support this feature.
4. Free Offers
Pixel 8 Pro also comes bundled with three exciting free offers for paid services to help you make the most of your new device. However, these few offers have a few restrictions and clauses that you should be aware of. Let’s take a quick look at them.
Free Fitbut Premium for 6 months
You get six months of free premium Fitbit subscription with the purchase of the new Pixel 8 Pro. However, this offer only applies to new and returning Fitbit Premium customers. If you’re an existing Premium subscriber, then unfortunately, you won’t be able to avail this offer on the same ID. Moreover, the offer is set to expire on the 15th of December 2024 and requires a valid form of payment to be registered before you can avail this offer.
Free Google One Premium 2TB for six months
You also get six months of premium Google One subscription with 2TB of data; however, like the Fitbit subscription, this is only available to new Google One Premium customers. If you’re an existing or returning customer, then you unfortunately can not avail this offer. This offer, too, is available till the 15th of December 2024 and requires a valid form of payment before it can be availed.
Free YouTube Premium for 3 months
To avail of YouTube Premium for 3 months for free, you need to be a new customer. This means a completely new customer as if you’re someone who has availed the free premium offer for YouTube Premium, YouTube Red, YouTube Music, or Google Play Music, then you can not enroll for this offer. Like before, this offer is valid til 15th December 2024 and requires a valid form of payment.
5. Crisis Alerts
Google has also introduced Crisis Alerts for the Pixel 8 series that alerts you about critical weather events in your area, like alerts for nearby active hazards and extreme weather events like floods, fire, tornados, and more. This feature, however, is only available in select regions that support proactive Crisis Alerts.
6. Google One VPN
Google One VPN is now a part of your OS, which can now help protect your online activity and traffic no matter the connection you use. This can help enhance your device’s privacy and security out of the box without the need for a subscription to a third-party VPN provider.
However, according to Google, not all your data is transmitted through the VPN when using the Google One VPN. As to what data is not transmitted via the VPN, there is no information on this for now. Additionally, the Google One VPN is only available in select regions and might increase data costs depending on your ISP in certain regions.
7. Car Crash Detection
The last prominent feature with restrictions in the Pixel 8 Pro is the new Car Crash Detection. This new feature helps detect car crashes, contact emergency services, and even share your location in case you’re unable to do so on your own. Unfortunately, this new feature isn’t available in all countries or languages.
Additionally, the feature might not be able to detect all accidents and can get triggered due to other severe high-motion activities. Moreover, it relies heavily on your connection, so it might not be able to help you in scenarios where you have no or low cell service.
We hope this post helped you get familiar with all the new features currently bundled with the Pixel 8 Pro and slated to come in the future. If you have any more questions for us, feel free to reach out to us using the comments section below.
