Technological World for October 4, consumer tech: Google shows off new Pixel 8 handsets and Pixel Watch 2, updates Fitbit

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Google’s now annual Made By Google event happened today, and during that we got to learn all about the new Pixel devices. We also know all about the latest Fitbit device which was announced a few days ago.

Pixel 8 handsets get brighter screens, face unlock

The design of the new Pixel handsets has changed slightly. They have rounded corners and softer edges with a flat display. They’re also more efficient thanks to the new Tensor G3 chip.

Both handsets get the face unlock feature so you can activate your phone by looking at it, and they maintain the fingerprint sensor, it’s under the screen, in case you prefer it.

Where the two phones differ is in the screen and the cameras.

The 6.2-inch Pixel 8 (starting at $949) is slightly smaller than the Pixel 7 but it has a brigther, Actua display (LTPS OLED) with a 120 Hz refresh rate and a camera with a 50 MP sensor and a 12 MP ultrawide.

The 6.7-inch Pixel 8 Pro (starting at $1349) has a Super Actua display (LTPO OLED) which is brighter and has a variable refresh rate. In addition to the 50 MP sensor on the main camera, the Pro has a 48 MP ultrawide and a 48 MP telephoto.

It’s also got sublime features like “best take” that uses the best pose in group photos and “audio magic eraser” that removes background noise from video recordings.

Purchase a new Pixel 8 or Pixel 8 Pro and Google will include Pixel Buds Pro or a $260 discount on a Pixel Watch 2.

Second generation Pixel Watch catches up

Blending technology from the Fitbit side of the company with the kind of health and fitness features that people expect from a smartwatch, the Pixel Watch 2 ($480 for Wi-Fi only, $550 to include LTE cellular) and its 24-hour battery is on par with competitor wearables.

It’s got workout tracking, fall detection, heart rate sensors and more. And it’s designed to work seamlessly with your Google devices and your Google services like Gmail and Calendar.

Fitbit’s newest tracker is the Charge 6

A few days ago, Google’s Fitbit division pulled the wrapping off the Fitbit Charge 6 ($220), which is primarily a fitness tracker but has a bunch of Google ideas built in.

In addition to the usual heart rate, breathing rate, activity tracking features, the Charge 6 also streams music and has Google Wallet and Google Maps on board.

And the Charge 6 can also connect to certain gym equipment brands, so when you’re at the gym you can connect to Bluetooth-ready equipment and you can pull info from the equipment into your Fitbit to be part of the data you collect.

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