Google Assistant Receives Significant Upgrades on Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Devices
Google Announces Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro Flagship Smartphones at Hardware Event
The latest flagship smartphones from Google include advanced temperature
Google Unveils Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro with Enhanced AI Features
At a hardware event this morning, Google announced the latest flagship smartphones, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, equipped with cutting-edge technology. Among the notable highlights are a temperature sensor, off-device video processing, and enhanced photo-editing tools. However, both devices pack a significantly upgraded set of AI features courtesy of Google Assistant.
AI-Powered Summarization
Google Assistant on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro can summarize, read aloud, and translate web pages – an improved version of the ‘read aloud’ feature introduced by Google on Android several years ago. Previously, Assistant would read every word on a web page, including unrelated content above and below articles. However, Google’s AI can now paraphrase what’s on screen into key points leveraging generative models (albeit not in every language or country just yet).
While this reporter is skeptical of AI’s summarization skills, the potential benefits are undeniable. Assistant-driven summarization could be a useful time-saving feature if it works as advertised.
Enhanced Voice Typing and Language Support
Meanwhile, Assistant voice typing on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro is twice as fast in English (Google claims). This feature allows you to type, edit, and send messages across multiple languages. Assistant automatically detects – and switches to – the language you’re speaking when transcribing voices.
Additionally, Assistant now understands more natural conversations, picking up on pauses and disfluencies (e.g., ‘ahs’ and ‘ums’) for English users in the U.S. to start.
More Realistic Voice and Improved Call Screen
Speaking of more natural conversations, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are among the first to benefit from Assistant’s more ‘realistic-sounding’ voice. This feature will engage with callers that users screen via Google’s Call Screen feature (launched several years ago on the Pixel 6).
The upgraded Call Screen, underpinned by ‘multi-step, multi-turn conversational AI,’ employs a ‘more natural-sounding series of voice prompts’ to determine who’s calling and why – initially available for English-language callers.
Clear Calling and Spam Detection
Clear Calling, the background-noise-reduction feature that debuted on the Pixel 7, has been improved for clearer-sounding calls. And Call Screen is also now better at detecting and filtering out spam calls, Google says.
During a demo at today’s event, Google showed the Assistant silently answering a call from an unknown number, having a back-and-forth conversation to determine if the call might be from a spammer. This will be extended further soon, with contextual replies that’ll let users navigate phone trees via the Assistant without having to take a call.
At a Glance Widget and Google’s Generative-AI-First Strategy
Elsewhere on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, the Assistant-powered At a Glance widget on the home screen has been updated with a new design. It also shows more ‘useful info,’ Google says, including updates on travel, event tickets, and more.
The enhancements, taken together, are the first visible sign of Google’s new generative-AI-first strategy with Assistant. This approach aims to integrate AI-powered features into various aspects of user experience, making interactions more natural and efficient.
Implications for the Industry
Google’s focus on AI-driven innovation is likely to set a new standard for smartphone manufacturers. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more devices incorporating advanced AI capabilities.
The implications of this trend extend beyond smartphones, as AI technology becomes increasingly integrated into various aspects of our lives. We’ll need to adapt to a world where AI is an essential component of our daily interactions – whether it’s summarizing articles, transcribing voices, or navigating phone calls.
What’s Next?
As we explore the possibilities offered by Google’s generative-AI-first strategy, we can expect to see more innovative applications of AI in various fields. The potential for breakthroughs in areas like healthcare, education, and customer service is vast – and we’re likely to witness significant advancements in the near future.
With the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro leading the charge, Google is poised to redefine the boundaries of what’s possible with smartphones and beyond.
