All articles tagged with #pixel 8
Google has officially launched Android Desktop Mode for Pixel 8 and newer devices following the March 2026 update. This feature allows users to connect their phones to external monitors via USB-C to access a windowed, PC-like interface. While it supports multitasking and basic productivity, the experience faces limitations regarding thermal management, 4K support, and Chrome extension compatibility.
Google appears to be phasing in AirDrop-style transfers via Quick Share to older Pixel phones, with Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 users seeing notices that the feature is available. Early reports are mixed and some devices don’t activate the feature yet, suggesting a broader rollout may be forthcoming. A Pixel Tablet notification hints broader device support as well, though Google has not officially announced the update.
Google appears to be expanding cross-platform AirDrop/Quick Share support to older Pixel devices, with Pixel 7 and Pixel 8 users reportedly receiving alerts about the feature; rollout seems phased and Google has not yet published full device-by-device compatibility details.
Google's August Pixel update for Android 17 is rolling out, bringing bug fixes to Pixel 10-series devices and a high-severity security patch. The global update arrives as CP2A.260805.005 (Rogers Canada variants CP2A.260805.005.A1). Eligible devices include Pixel 8/8 Pro/8a, Pixel 9 family, and Pixel 10 family, while Pixel 6/7 aren’t listed for this update and some Rogers Pixel 8-series units may be excluded.
Google has updated the Pixel Camera app to bring the new panorama mode from Pixel 9 and 10 to Pixel 8, offering an improved, AR-style guided interface for capturing panoramic photos. Older Pixel models still use the previous interface. The update is available on the Play Store with Pixel Camera 10.2.
Google's Pixel Camera update introduces a new Panorama mode to the Pixel 8 series, inspired by Photo Sphere, with an easy-to-use UI, level indicator, and compatibility with Night Sight, utilizing Pixel's HDR+ pipeline for seamless stitched panoramas. The feature is rolled out with Pixel Camera version 10.2, but not yet available on Pixel 7 Pro.
Android 16 introduces a shortcut to open Google Wallet with a double-press of the power button, but Google has limited this feature to Pixel 8 and newer devices, despite no apparent technical reason. The feature works on unsupported devices when manually enabled, suggesting the restriction is artificial. Google has not explained the rationale behind this limitation, which appears to be a market-specific decision or an internal policy.
Google is gradually rolling out AI Weather Reports to Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a devices with the Gemini Nano update, providing brief weather summaries that are similar to those available on Pixel 9 series, though they offer limited additional insights.
Google's Pixel Weather app, initially exclusive to the Pixel 9 series, has expanded its AI-powered forecast feature to Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a devices equipped with Gemini Nano, enhancing the app's capabilities across more Pixel models.
A comparison between the Pixel 9 and Pixel 8 highlights significant design changes, including more rounded corners, a larger camera bar, and bigger microphone holes. The Pixel 9's design continues the trend started by the Pixel 8, moving away from the blockier designs of the Pixel 6 and 7. Concerns are raised about the camera bar's new design potentially affecting the phone's ergonomics.
During the Google Store summer sale, buyers of the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro can get four months of Google One AI Premium for free, along with significant discounts on the devices. This offer includes access to advanced AI features and 2 TB of Google One storage.
Google is offering a 50% discount on the Pixel 8A when purchased with any Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, or Pixel Fold during its summer sale. This brings the Pixel 8A's price down to $249.50 for the 128GB model and $279.50 for the 512GB model. Additional discounts are available on other Pixel devices, including the Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro, and Pixel Fold, as well as on the Pixel Watch 2, original Pixel Watch, and various Fitbit models. The Pixel Tablet and Pixel Buds Pro are also on sale.
The US Google Store has launched a summer sale with significant discounts on Pixel phones, tablets, and watches, including a deal where purchasing a discounted Pixel 8, 8 Pro, or Fold gets you 50% off a Pixel 8a. The sale runs until June 22, 2024.
An Android AICore update is rolling out to the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8a, enabling on-device GenAl features through Gemini Nano. The update, which appears in Developer options, requires overnight charging and Wi-Fi for full functionality. Initially limited by RAM, Gemini Nano is now available on more devices, including the base Galaxy S24, and powers features like Summarize in Pixel Recorder and Gboard Smart Reply.
The Google Pixel 8a and Pixel 8 present a confusing buying decision due to fluctuating prices and staggered release dates. The Pixel 8a is a good low-cost option, but frequent discounts on the older Pixel 8 make it hard to recommend one over the other definitively. This pricing chaos, exacerbated by Google's release strategy, complicates consumer choices.