We were excited to be invited to the launch of the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro at the Singapore Google office. The event was held on October 5, 2023.
The event started with a presentation from Google executives, who talked about the company’s vision for the future of mobile computing and how the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro fit into that vision. They then introduced the new phones and showed off some of their new features, including Best Take and Magic Audio Eraser.
After the presentation, we had the opportunity to try out the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro for ourselves. We were impressed with the new phones’ design, performance, and camera capabilities. We also had the chance to talk to some of the Google staff on new AI features.
During the event, we were given a demonstration of Best Take and Magic Audio Eraser and Macro Focus.
Best Take
Best Take is a new feature that uses machine learning to automatically select the best photo from a burst of shots. It takes into account factors such as facial expressions, sharpness, and composition to choose the best possible image.
To demonstrate Best Take, Google staff took photo of “a group of friend on holiday”. 5 to 6 shots were taken consecutively. In some of the photos, the friends were looking elsewhere or had eyes closed or mouth opened. Best Take automatically selected the best photo from the burst, where everyone had their eyes open and was smiling. You can then select the best combination and generate the final photo where everyone is looking at the camera and smiling.
Magic Audio Eraser
Magic Audio Eraser is a new feature that uses machine learning to remove unwanted background noise from videos. It can be used to remove things like traffic noise, wind noise, and even barking dogs.
To demonstrate Magic Audio Eraser, a video showing two friend’s voice muffled by the surrounding noise of cars and wind noise. With Magic Audio Eraser, it was able to detect and reduce or remove all of the background noise, so that the voice was clear and easy to hear.
We were impressed with both Best Take and Magic Audio Eraser. These features have the potential to make taking photos and videos with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro even more enjoyable and rewarding.
Macro Focus was demonstrated and was a feature available on the Pixel 7 Pro. It allow users to take stunning close-up photos and videos of the world around them. It is perfect for photographers who want to capture the smallest details of their subjects. The photo was so detailed that we could see the individual pollen grains on the flower’s petals.
At another corner of the display booth were photo illustrations of Night Sight, True Tone, Magic Eraser which uses AI.
Unfortunately, the highly anticipated Night Sight Video or Video Boost wasn’t demonstrated at the event. This feature which is exclusive to Pixel 8 Pro will be available later in December 2023 in the form of a Feature Drop.
Overall, we had a great time at the Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro launch event. We were impressed with the new phones and their new features, and we’re excited to see how they are received by consumers.
Stay tuned to https://en.ocworkbench.com for our review of the Pixel 8 Pro.