The AI-powered functions don\u2019t stop there though. If you feel like creating a custom wallpaper, you can simply generate one based on a few adjustable parameters. It\u2019s an interesting way to create a unique backdrop, but as evidenced by the awkward-looking hands on the one I created, it still succumbs to a lot of the pitfalls that often plague AI art.<\/p>\n

When you want to save some time, you can ask the Google Assistant to summarize an article from the web. Or you can ask it to read the story aloud, which creates a new audio popup so you can listen while you multitask. It\u2019s like having the ability to turn every article into an audiobook, which is just really convenient. The entire internet is now a podcast. And if that\u2019s not enough, you can even have the assistant translate stories into another language at the same time too.<\/p>\n

Thanks to the Tensor G3 chip, Google also says that Pixel 8 supports more natural voice and text recognition, which powers features like a proofreading tool in Gboard and improved Assistant voice typing across multiple languages (English, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Spanish). Unfortunately, the only other language I speak is Mandarin, which isn\u2019t supported yet, so I\u2019ll have to check in again on this when that gets added.<\/p>\n

Lastly, Google says that by using a new algorithm alongside upgraded hardware, Face Unlock is significantly faster and more secure than before. In my testing, that increased speed definitely checks out. And a few times when I set the phone down on a wireless charging pad, it automatically unlocked from six feet away when I walked in the room, so facial recognition seems to have been improved as well. The one issue is that during setup, I found you need to be in a rather bright room, otherwise you\u2019ll run into errors and a message asking you to try again.<\/p>\n

Lastly, while it doesn\u2019t have anything to do with AI, there\u2019s a new temperature sensor on the Pixel 8 Pro that at launch can be used to measure drinks and whatnot. And in the future, if granted permission by the FDA, Google is hoping you\u2019ll be able to use the sensors as a thermometer for people. It\u2019s a nice but not essential added feature, though I imagine it will come in handy for parents of small children like me who are constantly in fear that their kid is coming down with something.<\/p>\n