Google Unveils New Pixel 8 Phones with AI Software Upgrades, Not Major Hardware Changes

Google unveiled the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones with a focus on AI-powered software features rather than major hardware upgrades.

Key new AI features include Magic Eraser to edit photos, Assistant screening calls in a more natural voice, and Bard integration.

The Pixel 8 starts at $699 and the Pixel 8 Pro at $999 with incremental upgrades like battery life.

Google is hoping to establish early leadership in generative AI capabilities like ChatGPT.

But Pixel remains a niche 1% player in the smartphone market, so this is partly a showcase for Google's AI expertise.