Hey there, tech enthusiasts! Guess what just landed in the smartphone arena? That’s right, it’s Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, and they’re packed to the brim with AI wizardry and camera wizardry.

These snazzy gadgets are all set to hit the market on October 12, and we can’t wait to spill the beans on all the exciting updates.

Do you know how smartphones have always had a dash of AI here and there, like your trusty voice assistant or some nifty photo editing?

Well, Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are turning up the heat on the AI front. It’s like they’ve thrown a grand AI party, and everyone’s invited!

The Google Assistant Gets a Makeover

First off, the Google Assistant has upped its game. During a sneak peek demo, we witnessed something cool.

While browsing a Wikipedia page in Google’s Chrome browser, you can now summon the Assistant and ask it to “summarize.” Voila! It whips up a neat bullet-point summary for you. Handy, right?

Call Screen Gets a Tune-up

Remember Call Screen, the feature where the Assistant answers calls to ward off pesky spammers? Well, it just got a makeover.

Not only does the Assistant sound more natural, but it’s also become a pro at picking up context from your calls. No more hanging up at your doctor’s office when they hear the Assistant’s voice. It’s so lifelike you’ll do a double-take.

A Smile Makeover with Best Take

But here’s the real showstopper – Best Take. It’s a photo editing tool that works some magic on your group pics.

Say goodbye to those half-hearted smiles! Best Take finds matching faces in six quick snaps, suggests better expressions, and boom, you’ve got a picture where everyone’s beaming. It’s like having your personal photo coach.

Camera Upgrades Galore

Of course, we can’t forget the cameras. Google’s Pixel phones have been synonymous with top-notch photography, and the Pixel 8 keeps that tradition alive.

It boasts a 50-megapixel main camera, a 12-megapixel ultrawide, and a new macro mode for stunning close-ups.

The Pixel 8 Pro Takes It Up a Notch

But hold onto your hats because the Pixel 8 Pro takes things to the next level. It flaunts a 48-megapixel ultrawide camera for epic shots.

And there’s a game-changer in the pipeline called Video Boost. It processes videos in the cloud, not on your device, so you can expect stellar quality, especially in low light.

Temperature Sensor – A Novel Addition

Alright, this one’s a bit quirky. The Pixel 8 Pro is the first Pixel phone to come with a temperature sensor.

Sounds unusual, right? Well, it can tell you how hot your coffee is or the pavement before you step out with your dog.

Google even has plans for FDA approval, so you can use it as a contactless thermometer. It’s the phone that takes your temperature!

Pixels Keep Their Trademark Style

Now, let’s talk about the basics. Both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro run on Google’s latest Tensor G3 processor.

The screens have had a facelift, with brighter displays and a silky smooth 120Hz refresh rate for the Pixel 8, up from the previous 90Hz.

But the phones maintain that classic Pixel look and feel, with only a few design tweaks here and there.

Google Challenges the Status Quo

The most exciting part? Both these Pixel wonders promise seven years of software updates, outshining their competitors, Apple and Samsung, by a mile.

Google’s on a mission to stand out in the Android world, and it looks like these phones might just do the trick.

The Big Price Tag Reveal

Now, the moment of truth – how much do these beauties cost? Well, you’ll have to dig a little deeper into your pockets this year.

The Pixel 8 starts at $699 (£699, AU$1,199), and its Pro sibling begins at $999 (£999, AU$1,699).

That’s a Benjamin more than last year’s models. But hey, with all these AI and camera upgrades, maybe it’s worth the splurge.

So there you have it, folks, the lowdown on Google’s Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. AI is the name of the game here, from your trusty Google Assistant to your photo-editing buddy, Best Take.

Cameras are sharper, and the Pro model even boasts Video Boost. Plus, a temperature sensor, because why not?

All of this comes wrapped in the classic Pixel package with a price tag that might make you hesitate, but those seven years of software updates could sweeten the deal. Will these Pixels live up to the hype? We can’t wait to find out!