Tag: pixel 8 pro

WhatsApp Now Supports Face Unlock for App Lock on Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro

Google Pixel 8 series arrived last year with an improved face unlock feature allowing users to access compatible banking and payment apps. Now, WhatsApp has rolled out support for the face unlock feature on the Pixel 8 phones. This update provides a convenient way to unlock WhatsApp and keep chats secure from prying eyes. Once users have set up facial recognition on the instant messaging app, they can simply look at the phone’s front camera to unlock the app. This facility eliminates the need for biometric authentication.

The Meta-owned instant messaging platform has added a new security layer with the latest update to the app on Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro users. Face unlock support on the Pixel 8 series appears to have rolled out with WhatsApp’s stable version 2.24.8.85. After the update, WhatsApp will show a system face unlock sheet at the bottom of the screen and a ring around the front-facing camera upon launching the app. If the app doesn’t recognise the user’s face within a few seconds, it will then switch back to the fingerprint sensor prompt. Users can also choose to enter their PIN. We at Gadgets 360 were able to use Face unlock on the Pixel 8 for WhatsApp. 

The latest update also seems to bring visual changes to the ‘WhatsApp Locked’ screen. As seen on our Pixel 8, the locked screen now shows the word ‘locked’ instead of the previous tick mark.

Google has been offering a face unlock option on its flagship phones for years now. However, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 pro smartphones, launched in October last year, were the first to come with upgraded face unlock capabilities that let users access compatible banking and payment apps like Google Wallet.

This feature is fueled by the Google Tensor G3 SoC and advanced machine learning algorithms combined with Titan M2 security chip. It can be used to authorise a contactless NFC transaction via Google Pay.

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Google Pixel Phones May Soon Adapt Touch Sensitivity Based on Environment: Report

Google’s last year’s Pixel 8 series offers an exclusive screen protector detector feature. This advanced feature detects when a screen protector is put on or taken off from the Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro handset and notifies users to enable or disable screen protector mode accordingly. Now, the search giant is reportedly gearing up to introduce a new adaptive touch feature to Pixel handsets. This facility is expected to automatically adjust screen touch sensitivity based on the environmental conditions and activities of users. Reference about the feature was allegedly spotted on Android 14 QPR3 Beta 1.

As per a report by Android Police, evidence of the adaptive touch feature was found in the code strings of the latest Android 14 QPR3 Beta 1 release. According to the strings, the adaptive touch feature will reportedly adjust the touch sensitivity of the handset automatically based on the user’s environment, activities, and screen protector.

The strings don’t include references to the environmental factors or activities that would trigger a change in touch sensitivity. However, the report speculates that Pixel might adapt screen touch sensitivity automatically based on environmental conditions like rain or cold and activities like swimming. The mention of screen protector could be a reference to the screen protector detection feature which is already available on Pixel 8 devices.

Further, the report states that once the new feature goes live on Pixels, the Adaptive Touch toggle will be placed in the Settings app under Display > Touch Sensitivity. The feature is expected to improve the user experience.

As mentioned, Google is already offering the screen protector detector feature exclusively for the Pixel 8 series. This functionality detects when the user adds or removes a screen protector from the handset. Upon attaching a screen protector, it will send a notification prompting the user to enable the screen protector mode to increase the touch sensitivity.

Google I/O 2023 saw the search giant repeatedly tell us that it cares about AI, alongside the launch of its first foldable phone and Pixel-branded tablet. This year, the company is going to supercharge its apps, services, and Android operating system with AI technology. We discuss this and more on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro Get New Mint Colour Option; Available in Only 128GB Variant

Google Pixel 8 series has been launched in a new colourway. After teasing the new colour option last week, Google announced the availability of the Google Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro in a new Mint colour. This is the fourth colour option for both handsets. In October 2023, the Pixel 8 was launched in Hazel, Obsidian, and Rose colourways, whereas the Pixel 8 Pro was offered in Bay, Obsidian, and Porcelain colourways. The price of the new Mint colour is the same as other colour variants.

Last week, Google posted a binary code along with a video of a mint green colour splash on the Pixel 8 Pro on its social media handles. The binary code translated to “fresh year, fresh drop,” hinting at the new colour option. Interestingly, the new colour option will only be available in the 128GB inbuilt storage variant for both Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. The higher storage variants will only be available in the original colour options.

In India, the Mint colour option is only available on the vanilla Pixel 8. It can be purchased through Flipkart. The colour will be exclusive to the Google Store and Google Fi in the US. Those who have already purchased the Pixel 8 or the Pixel 8 Pro can still experience the new colourway, as Google also sells a Mint silicone case for both phones.

Pixel 8 price in India starts at Rs. 75,999 for the 8GB RAM and 128GB inbuilt storage model and the Pixel 8 Pro starts at Rs. 1,06,999 with the 12GB RAM and 128GB inbuilt storage model.

Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro specifications

The Pixel 8 features a 6.2-inch full-HD+ OLED panel with a 120Hz refresh rate. Under the hood, it is powered by the 4nm Google Tensor G3 SoC. For optics, the smartphone sports a dual rear camera setup comprising a 50-megapixel primary sensor and a 12-megapixel ultra wide-angle camera. It carries a 10.5-megapixel camera on the front. The handset is backed by a 4,575mAh battery with support for 27W wired charging.

In contrast, the Pixel 8 Pro features a 6.7-inch Quad-HD OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. Just like the base model, it also runs on the Google Tensor G3 chipset. The rear camera visor houses three sensors including a 50-megapixel primary camera, a 48-megapixel telephoto lens, and another 48-megapixel ultrawide camera. It is backed by a 5,050mAh battery with support for 30W wired charging.

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Google Brings Circle to Search, Magic Compose, More to Pixel 8 Pro With January Feature Drop

Google’s January Pixel feature drop is now available to download, unlocking new functionality on the company’s latest Pixel 8 lineup. According to details shared by the search giant, the January feature drop update comes with the new Circle to Search feature found on the Galaxy S24 series of smartphones that was unveiled by Samsung earlier this month. It also makes the thermometer sensor on the Pixel 8 Pro more useful, and brings generative AI features to the flagship phone.

With the January Pixel feature drop, Google has brought the new Circle to Search feature that arrived on the Galaxy S24 series to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. You can long press the navigation bar — or home button — and circle, scribble, or highlight images and text on the screen to perform a search without leaving the app. This feature will go live on January 31, in time for the arrival of the Galaxy S24 series.

The Pixel 8 Pro is also getting a option within the thermometer app, allowing owners of the high-end Pixel phone to record their body temperature. Google says that the “medical grade” feature will let you record body temperatures of any person, but you can choose to store your own records using the Fitbit app. The standard Pixel 8 and older models aren’t equipped with this sensor, so the feature won’t be available on those handsets.

Magic Compose powered by Google’s on-device Gemini Nano AI model is also available on the Pixel 8 Pro with the latest feature drop. You can pick from four different writing styles — Chill, Excited, Formal, and Shakespearean. Similarly, the Photomoji feature is now available on all currently supported Pixel phones, allowing you to turn photos on your phone into emoji that you can use for message reactions.

With the January Pixel feature drop, Google has rebranded the Nearby Share feature to Quick Share, a feature offered by Samsung alongside Google’s feature. This change was previously announced by the company and will roll out to all Android smartphones in the future. Meanwhile, owners of the Pixel Watch 2 will now experience seamless switching between their devices, when they’re using the Pixel Buds Pro, according to the company.

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Google Pixel 8a Design, Specifications Tipped via Alleged Retail Box; Could Offer 27W Fast Charging

Google started selling its new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro in October last year. A less expensive version —Pixel 8a— is expected to debut in May as a successor to last year’s Pixel 7a. The handset could feature a new processor and upgraded cameras and is expected to come with a design inspired by the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Ahead of the official debut, alleged images of the Pixel smartphone’s retail box have leaked online, suggesting its model number, design, and specifications. The Pixel 8a is said to include dual rear cameras and might offer 27W wired fast charging.

Vietnamese user Hung Nv (via No name (@chunvn8888)) posted alleged retail box images of the Google Pixel 8a on a private Facebook group. The image suggests a G6GPR model number for the handset. The retail packaging shows the phone in a black shade with rounded corners similar to the Pixel 8 handsets. It appears to have a dual camera setup on the rear alongside an LED flash placed inside the visor-like camera module. The power button and volume rockers are seen on the right side of the handset.

The design of the Pixel 8a appears to match what we saw on multiple leaked renders earlier. The retail box image suggests that the smartphone will support 27W wired fast charging.

Google is believed to announce the Pixel 8a at its I/O event sometime in May. The handset is expected to debut as a mid-range offering. The price of the Pixel 8 in India starts at Rs. 75,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage model, while the Pixel 8 Pro starts at Rs. 1,06,999 for the 12GB RAM + 128GB storage model. Meanwhile, the Google Pixel 7a is priced at Rs. 43,999 for the 8GB RAM + 128GB storage model.

The Pixel 8a is tipped to get a 6.1-inch display with 90Hz refresh rate and run on Google’s Tensor G3 SoC. It is said to measure 152.1 x 72.6 x 8.9mm.

Google I/O 2023 saw the search giant repeatedly tell us that it cares about AI, alongside the launch of its first foldable phone and Pixel-branded tablet. This year, the company is going to supercharge its apps, services, and Android operating system with AI technology. We discuss this and more on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro Get Fixes for Camera Crashes, UI Bugs With January Update: How to Download

Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro are receiving fixes for a handful of bugs related to the camera app and the user interface with the January monthly update that is rolling out to eligible Pixel smartphones. The latest update is available for Google’s smartphones going back to the Pixel 5. Google’s first-generation Pixel Tablet will also receive the January update with a fix for a bug that prevented users from exiting the Setup Wizard, according to the company.

The January update began rolling out on Wednesday to the Pixel 5, Pixel 5a, Pixel 6, Pixel 6 Pro, Pixel 6a, Pixel 7, Pixel 7 Pro, Pixel 7a, Pixel Fold, Pixel Tablet, Pixel 8, and Pixel 8 Pro. Owners of the Pixel Fold and Pixel Tablet — the company’s first foldable phone and tablet — are also receiving the update. After installing the update, you should see the security patch updated to January 5, 2024.

According to the company’s changelog for the update, the latest update includes a fix for a bug that caused the camera to crash in certain conditions on all supported phones from the Google Pixel 5 to the Pixel 8 Pro. Another glitch that showed a black wallpaper on the home screen on some occasions has also been fixed on the Google Pixel Fold and the Pixel 8 series.

The latest update is a 26.58MB download on the Pixel 8

 

Meanwhile, a bug that displayed a black screen when the video is playing in certain conditions on the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Some users were unable to exit the Setup Wizard on the Pixel Tablet in some scenarios due to a bug which has now been fixed, according to Google’s changelog.

If you haven’t received a notification to update your Pixel phone, you can navigate to Settings > System > System Update and then tap Check for update. While this is Google’s first update of the year 2024 for Pixel phones, the company is expected to release the Android 14 “QPR2” — with the next Pixel Feature Drop — in March, with new features for supported Pixel smartphones.

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Google Pixel 8 Pro Now Available in 256GB Storage Variant: Check Bank Offers

Google Pixel 8 Pro was launched in India on October 4 at the company’s Made by Google 2023 event. It went on sale, alongside Google Pixel 8, on October 12. At the time of the debut last month, the company released the Pro variant in a single 12GB RAM + 128GB storage variant, which was priced at Rs. 1,06,999. The smartphone was available in three colour variants — Bay, Obsidian, and Porcelain. Now, exactly a month later, Google has launched another storage model for the Pixel 8 Pro. 

As posted by tipster Ishan Agarwal (@ishanagarwal24)on X, the company has released a 12GB RAM and 256GB storage variant of the smartphone in India. While the Pixel 8 Pro new storage model is priced at Rs. 1,13,999, interested buyers can also avail bank offers. For purchase made through SBI Bank Credit Card, one can get an off of Rs. 9,000, while there is also an exchange bonus of up to Rs. 4,000. 

In India, the new variant of the Google Pixel 8 Pro comes only in Obsidian colour option, unlike the 128GB storage variant that has three choices for colours. It is important to note here that Google Pixel 8 Pro 12GB RAM and 128GB storage model can be purchased at Rs. 1,06,999, bundled with the same bank offers as mentioned above. 

In terms of specifications, the handset runs on Android 14 out-of-the-box. It sports a 6.7-inch Quad-HD (1,344×2,992 pixels) screen and a 120Hz refresh rate. The Google Pixel 8 Pro is powered by Google’s Tensor G3 SoC and the Titan M2 security chip. 

It houses a triple rear camera unit, led a 50-megapixel main sensor, and two 48-megapixel sensors. Meanwhile, for selfies, there is a 10.5-megapixel front camera. The Pixel 8 Pro is backed by a 5050mAh battery with support for 30W wired charging. 

Google I/O 2023 saw the search giant repeatedly tell us that it cares about AI, alongside the launch of its first foldable phone and Pixel-branded tablet. This year, the company is going to supercharge its apps, services, and Android operating system with AI technology. We discuss this and more on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Spotify, Gaana, JioSaavn, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.
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Google Expands Pixel’s Car Crash Detection to India: Here’s How to Enable the Feature

Google Pixel phones have included Car Crash Detection since 2019, but the safety feature had been available in select regions only. Now, the search engine giant is expanding the feature to more countries, including India. Google has added India and four more nations to its list of supported regions for the Car crash detection feature on Pixel phones. The feature first launched on Pixel phones in the US in 2019, two years before Apple introduced its own crash detection feature on its devices.

First noticed by Android Central, Google’s support page for Pixel phones now lists five new countries where car crash detection feature is supported. These include India, Austria, Belgium, Portugal, and Switzerland. The feature, however, is not yet available in Indian languages. Do note that crash detection is only supported on Pixel 4a and later devices. The phone must also have a SIM for the feature to work.

To set up Car crash detection on your Pixel handset, head to the phone’s Personal Safety app. In the app, tap Features and scroll to “Car crash detection.” Then tap set up to activate the feature on your phone. You’d also need to give permissions for location, physical activity, and microphone sharing for the feature to work.

The Car crash detection, as the name suggests, will detect when Pixel users are in a severe car accident, alert emergency services automatically and share their location. Pixel 4a and later phones from Google, including its first foldable handset launched earlier this year, the Pixel Fold, utilise information like the phone’s location, motion sensors, and nearby sounds to detect a car crash. In the event of a car crash, you Pixel phone should vibrate, sound and alarm at maximum value and ask if you need any help. Upon confirmation or in the case of no response, the phone will attempt to contact 112 — the pan-India emergency services number — with your location and car crash data.

Bear in mind, however, that a Pixel phone might not be able to detect all kinds of car accidents and a high-impact activity — for example a roller coaster ride — could also trigger the crash detection feature. It’s also worth noting that Pixel phones must be connected to a stable mobile network for successfully alerting emergency services.

Last month, Google launched its latest Pixel phones, the Pixel 8 and the Pixel 8 Pro, at its Made by Google event. The new Pixel handsets run on the company’s newest Tensor G3 chip and bring a host of new AI-backed features and camera improvements. Pixel 8 is priced in India at Rs. 75,999 and will be available in a single 128GB storage model. The Pixel 8 Pro, on the other hand, comes in at Rs. 1,06,999 for the same storage size.

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Google Pixel 8 Pro Survives Durability Test, Fares Better Than iPhone 15 Pro Max

Google Pixel 8 series, which includes Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, was launched earlier this month on October 4. The smartphones from the tech giant are powered by a Tensor G3 chip and run on Android 14 out-of-the-box. The Pro variant has recently secured the top rank in the DxOMark display test ranking. It was recently tested for its durability, and the Pixel 8 Pro seems to have performed better than most of its contemporaries, including the recently launched iPhone 15 Pro Max. 

YouTuber Jack, popularly known by his channel name JerryRigEverything, has recently tested the Pixel 8 Pro for its durability. The smartphone was tested for seven years worth of damage. As per his claims, the flagship model presents the brightest screen ever made by Google, protected by a Gorilla Glass Victus 2.

The power and volume button of the smartphone, which is made from recycled aluminium, can be removed easily with the help of a knife. The side panels of the Pixel 8 Pro visibly got some damage with knife scratches. 

The YouTuber then put the iPhone 15 Pro Max and Pixel 8 Pro together to show how the two smartphones differ when it comes to rear magnetic charging abilities. The Google smartphone also gets an infrared thermometer placed next to the LED flashlight. It can test the temperature of a body which is located within a radius of 2 inches and doesn’t work for humans. 

When put to fire test, the smartphone got a permanent burn mark after 17 seconds of getting in touch with the flame. However, despite damage to the screen, the fingerprint scanner of the smartphone worked the same. In the bend test, while the iPhone 15 Pro Max completely failed, the Pixel 8 Pro performed well in the structural strength show, with no cracks or fractures. 

To recall specifications, the Pixel 8 Pro features a 6.7-inch Quad-HD (1,344×2,992 pixels) resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. It packs a 5,050mAh battery with support for 30W wired charging.

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Google Pixel 8 Pro Tops DxOMark Display Test Ranking

Google Pixel 8 was launched earlier this month along with Pixel 8 Pro. The smartphones come with dual-SIM support and run on Android 14 out-of-the-box. The Pro variant of the Pixel 8 series houses a 6.7-inch Quad-HD (1,344×2,992 pixels) resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate. The smartphone has also recently performed well on DxOMark’s display rankings, securing the top position. From its smooth touch to its viewing experience, the Pixel 8 Pro has scored high in all departments on the ranking website. 

A now-removed report from PhoneArena (via Gizmochina) cited Google Pixel 8 Pro’s top position in the DxOMark’s display ranking. As per the official website of the rankings, the smartphone offers good screen readability in all environments, with pleasant screen colour and solid HDR video experience. The Pixel 8 Pro has also been appreciated for its smooth web browsing and quality sound from built-in speakers. The website also mentioned one con of the latest smartphone, which includes limited audio zoom performance.

Also read: Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro First Impressions: Going Big on AI

The smartphone has secured a top display score of 164, while the audio score is 142. The Pixel 8 Pro was launched on October 4, and it went on sale in India on October 12. It is priced at Rs. 1,06,999 for the lone 12GB RAM + 128GB storage model, available in Bay, Obsidian, and Porcelain colour options.

It runs on Android 14 out-of-the-box and features a 6.7-inch Quad-HD (1344×2992 pixels) resolution. It is powered by Google’s nona-core Tensor G3 SoC and the Titan M2 security chip. The Pixel 8 Pro packs a 5,050mAh battery with support for 30W wired charging.

For optics, the Pixel 8 Pro houses a 50-megapixel primary camera with a Samsung GN2 sensor with an f/1.68 aperture, along with a 64-megapixel ultra-wide-angle camera. There is a third 48-megapixel telephoto camera with a Samsung GM5 sensor. For selfies, the smartphone gets an 11-megapixel camera. 

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