Google Pixel 8

On the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, face unlock can authenticate tap-to-pay, banking apps, and now WhatsApp.

The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro might not be a true powerhouse, but the right accessories can take it to the next level. Whether you’re a gamer, a style icon, or someone who needs a little more juice, we’ve got you covered. Buckle up and get ready to explore some Pixel 8 and 8 Pro essentials that will make you wonder how you ever lived without them!

The new Find My Device network lets you find Android phones and tablets even if they’re offline and not connected to the internet, while the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro lets you take things further. 

Google.com has historically been used to advertise new first-party hardware and features. We’re now seeing a “Try the new Google Pixel 8” message on the Search homepage that wants you to “Upgrade now.”

Scrolling issues have been reported by some Google Pixel users for years now, with the issue resurfacing recently on Pixel 8. Now, though, Google claims that Pixel scrolling issues should be gone for good in Android 15.

After “hardware limitations” were cited as the reason that the Pixel 8 isn’t getting Gemini Nano earlier this month, Google announced today that the on-device LLM is coming after all.

When it launched the Pixel 8 series, Google also announced an unprecedented level of software support with the promise of 7 years of updates for both devices. For some, though, recent announcements have somewhat softened that promise. Should it? Let’s talk.

Smartphone cases are a place where personal preference reigns, and for many, a lot of cases tend to overdo it on the design or thickness and lack key features. But, in collaboration with Google, I think Mous has struck a near-perfect balance with its super-thin Pixel 8 case, which adds MagSafe and virtually no bulk.

Through the past several years of Pixel phones, none have supported the ability to use the USB-C port to put anything on an external display. But with the latest Android 14 beta, Google has finally enabled display output on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro.

During The Android Show today, Google shared more about Gemini Nano, including how it won’t be coming to the Pixel 8.

Google is offering a sizeable 15% discount the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro as part of Spring sales on the UK storefront.

The Pixel 8 series brings some big improvements to Google’s flagship series, and it’s also now bringing in awards, as the duo has now won the 2023 Phone of the Year award at MWC.

According to Nikkei Asia, Google in 2023 shipped “around 10 million” Pixel phones and plans to repeat that “milestone” this year.

One of the cornerstone mechanics of smartphone cameras is tapping the screen to expose the image automatically. On the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, that tap exposure feature is seemingly broken at its default focal length due to an interesting bug.

In addition to discounting the Pixel 8 Pro, 8, Fold, and 7a, the US Google Store is offering elevated trade-in rates.

Google will once again have a Pixel commercial during the Super Bowl. The Pixel 8 and 8 Pro Super Bowl ad focuses on using the camera with Guided Frame. 

Announced earlier this month and then made part of the January Feature Drop, Circle to Search is beginning to roll out to the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. It’s very much the latest version of “Now on Tap,” “What’s on my screen?” in Assistant, and later “Search screen.”

Google is now offering the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro in a “Mint” color. It’s a really light shade of green that reflects Google’s penchant for choosing pastel colors that look almost white depending on the lighting.

Google has been teasing a new ‘Minty Fresh’ color lately, and just a day ahead of the formal reveal, an image of the Pixel 8 Pro in this new green shade has finally surfaced.

Last week, Google teased a mint Pixel 8 and 8 Pro release for January 25 at midnight PT. The Google Store landing page was updated this afternoon with an extended countdown that now completes at 6 a.m. PT.