Hot off Apple dating its next major event (presumably the iPhone 15), Google has confirmed it will its next Pixel phones at the start of October in a New York event. The event will take place at 1am AEDT on October 5, and we're expecting to see the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and potentially a new Pixel Watch.
Google's announcement follows it inadvertently posting a photo of the Pixel 8 Pro early on its website yesterday (pictured above). The image confirms a new camera bar design we've previously seen in leaks. A notable is a new sensor under the flash, but it's not quite clear what it will be used for yet.
We're expecting new camera features on both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, but the Pixel 8 is tipped to have a fairly similar camera setup to last year. This would mean it would stick to a primary lens and an ultra-wide lens, missing out on the telephoto lens available in the Pro.
One report points to an extended software support life for the new phones, with Google aiming to match or best Samsung. Pixel phones currently receive three years of major operating system updates and five years of security updates. Many Samsung phones get four years of major operating system updates, and five years of security.
There's obviously a big question about price. Last year Google kept Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro at the same starting prices as their predecessors. While it would be very welcome if Google pulled the same trick this year, everything has been getting more expensive lately.
Alex Choros
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