Pixel 8 series gets Circle to Search

Google has begun rolling out its cutting-edge Circle to Search function on its latest smartphones, including the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. This innovative feature harnesses the power of generative AI to identify content on your smartphone screen. Circle to Search allows for direct identification of highlighted items.

It was originally showcased during Samsung's Unpacked event last month for the Galaxy S24 models, but we know Circle to Search is not exclusive to Samsung devices. And it appears that Google timed the rollout to coincide with the release of Samsung's smartphones. Currently, the Circle to Search feature is exclusively available for Android smartphones, possibly aimed at enticing iPhone users to make the switch.

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Revolutionizing Pixels: A closer look at Google's latest feature drop

Photo: Google

Google's latest announcement goes beyond introducing a fresh colour for the Pixel 8 series. In addition to this, the company unveils its newest feature drop, showcasing the innovative Circle to Search feature. Originally spotted on Samsung's Galaxy S24, this functionality will soon be available on the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, with its launch scheduled for January 31, coinciding with the release date of Samsung's S24 lineup. To use Circle to Search, long press the home button or navigation bar and encircle any item on your phone screen. Google will then provide relevant information about the selected content. 

This update also enhances the use of the Pixel 8 Pro's built-in thermometer. You can now measure body temperature, a feature described by Google as "medical-grade." This suggests that Google likely obtained FDA clearance for this specific use. Adding a practical application for the thermometer somewhat eliminates its earlier puzzling presence in the phone. 

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What’s new in the Pixel 8 Pro: AI, camera, screen, and more

Google

The Pixel 8 Pro is Google’s latest flagship phone. It follows last year’s design, but with a sleeker camera bar, smoother corners, and a familiar look that works. It’s AI-powered on the inside and out. The Pixel 8 Pro runs on Google’s third-generation custom chipset, Tensor G3. It enables many of the new AI features onboard, but Google doesn’t claim any improvement in battery life or heat management. It has a 5,050mAh battery and supports 30W wired and 23W wireless with the Pixel Stand).

The Google Pixel 8 Pro differs from the standard Pixel 8 by having a matte finish on the back glass panel. It comes in obsidian black, porcelain, and a light blue “bay.” This Pro phone is the one has an LTPO display (Google calls it “Super Actua”) with variable refresh rates from 1Hz to 120Hz. It’s still 6.7 inches across, but it finally has a flat screen instead of curved edges. It also boasts a higher peak brightness of 2,400 nits, which is very bright in technical terms. If the Pixel 8 Pro can maintain that brightness level without overheating and dimming, that’s impressive.

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Google Pixel 8 series to get 7 years of OS updates

Google

Google Pixel 8 series debuted without too many unexpected surprises, except possibly for one. Google's biggest surprise for the phones' official announcement today: the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro will get seven years of operating system upgrades. That’s a huge leap from the three years of OS upgrades and five years of security support Google offered for its previous flagships. And it potentially matches the lifespan Apple provides for its iPhones. That is, if Google delivers on it. 

Now, if there’s one thing that makes a higher price more palatable, it’s the promise that you’ll get many more years of use out of your device. And if Google stays true to its word, we finally have that option in the Android space. We're curious to see if other Android manufacturers, like Samsung, will follow suit.

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