The Pixel 8 New AI Photo Tricks Are Absolutely Blowing My Mind
The official release of the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro promises the same improvements in design, camera, and performance we’ve come to anticipate from any yearly phone update.
I CAN COUNT THE NUMBER OF TIMES my jaw has dropped upon learning about a new product in ALL MY YEARS of researching personal technology devices.
But since Google phones are all about the software, the Pixel 8’s collection of AI-powered image editing features is among the most innovative we’ve ever seen on a phone, in ways that vary from helpful to slightly unsettling.
Are the new Pixel gadgets from this year worth the upgrade?
Being a sceptic journalist is advantageous! But when Google showed us a few photographic wizardry on its brand-new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro devices, I was unable to retain my objectivity.
If viewed in a vacuum, anyone who is familiar with Photoshop or video editing software may use these functions. However, the new Pixel phones make them available to everyone, which is thrilling and, to be honest, a little frightening. Let’s go over them.
This function was hinted at by Google at their developer conference in May.
It’s a logical development of Google’s Magic Eraser, which was released a few years back.
The latter enables you to remove undesired elements from your photo, such as a fire hydrant or a background subject. The entire image can be warped to a new level with Magic Editor.
Google displayed a picture of a female running on a beach as part of a demonstration. A spokesman pressed on the issue while using Magic Editor in the Google Photos app, and the tool generated an exact cutout.
They could then move the subject around the scene as they pleased, and the software filled up the empty space with what it believed belonged there. Of course, Google selected these images, but Magic Editor accurately filled in the blanks.
Release date and preorders for the Google Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro
The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro models may be preordered now and will go on sale on October 12 for $699 and $999, respectively.
If you preorder the Pixel 8 through Google, you’ll receive a free set of Pixel Buds Pro, and if you preorder the Pixel 8 Pro, you’ll receive the new Pixel Watch 2.
Magic Editor
Additionally, the lighting of the scene can be altered using Magic Editor. If you capture a shot at midday with harsh lighting, it’s simple to switch it to golden hour to obtain those lovely warm evening tones—and maybe even add a sunset!
Another image shows a youngster getting ready to shoot a basketball from the ground. The spokesperson casually remarked, “You can move their shadow too!” after grabbing the individual in the picture and dragging him up into the air to simulate him about to dunk.
Two lovely designs, but the Professional’s is superior.
Although there are a few pleasant improvements, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro appear very similar to the Pixel 7 we received last year.
Both phones felt comfortable in my hands during my brief hands-on time and appear to have slightly softer edges than before. However, even with the larger-than-before camera modules, the massive aluminium bar on the back that houses them is still not my favourite.
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MIT Media Lab
Last year, I discussed computational photography and digital photo editing with Ramesh Raskar, an associate professor at the MIT Media Lab.
Now, his statements seem foresighted. Businesses are operating under the presumption that “most consumers would like to just take a photo, click a button, and get something they really would like to see, whether it matches the reality or not,” Raskar said.
Imagine arriving in Paris and finding the Eiffel Tower obscured by a haze. You want to take a family portrait with the Eiffel Tower in the background, as if it were a beautiful day, right?
You’ll be quite pleased if someone can add a sunny photo of the Eiffel Tower behind your family.
With Magic Editor, doing this is now simpler than ever.
Smaller, but actually appreciated, improvements
Aside from the eye-catching AI features, Google’s phone portfolio gains a few minor but useful updates with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. With the addition of a temperature sensor, the Pixel 8 Pro can now measure a variety of surfaces’ temperature just by placing the camera close to them.
The functionality appears to work well with the many beverages Google set up in their makeshift office space and is compatible with everything from walls and fabric to liquids and food.
I’m especially excited to test out the food temperature and cast-iron settings because they should reduce some of the guessing involved in making dinner because I’m a hurried and erratic cook.
There’s also a possibility that you’ll encounter more sinister, distorted pictures that slowly alter the veracity of a scene, similar to the AI-produced viral pictures of Donald Trump that went popular over the summer.
There is some hope for those looking for the truth because Google claims that the information will indicate whether Magic Editor was used. However, it’s simple to remove image metadata, so it’s uncertain how successful this will be.
The Best Take
Each of us has taken a group photo in which someone is averting their gaze or closing their eyes. Parents of energetic children will be able to exhale with ease after reading Best Take, yet it may also cause minor panic.
The majority of smartphones actually take numerous pictures at varied exposures when you take a picture, allowing you to take well-exposed pictures in a variety of lighting conditions.
Google uses another frame from the image it has collected to swap out the person’s face for one where their eyes are open in order to correct someone’s closed eyes.
Video Boost
This aspect is more simply amazing and less ominous. Only available on the Pixel 8 Pro, Video Boost can be turned on when recording videos in low light or when there will be a lot of activity.
The processing of your video is subsequently transferred to Google’s Cloud in a copy that can be up to 4K at 30 frames per second.
The upgraded clip is then delivered back to your device after this processing, which can significantly increase stabilisation, upgrade clarity, and reduce noise.
This could take a few minutes or you might have to wait all night, depending on how long the video is.
However, when I saw a comparison clip next to an iPhone 14 Pro, the results were shocking. In comparable low light conditions, the footage from the Pixel 8 Pro was noticeably clearer, brighter, more colourful, and more stabilised.
But it won’t be accessible at launch, so it will be interesting to watch how it functions.
I’m Hassan Saeed, a Clinical Psychology graduate deeply engaged in the realms of WordPress, blogging, and technology. I enjoy merging my psychological background with the digital landscape. Let’s connect and explore these exciting intersections!
