Google recently held its Pixel event, where it made several exciting announcements. One surprising revelation was the integration of Assistant and Bard AI. In a demo, Google showcased how Assistant can extract information from a party invitation in Gmail and provide directions to the venue using Google Maps. Additionally, users can interact with Bard AI to create meal plans and grocery lists without the need for a keyboard or copy-pasting. While there is no official release date yet, Google stated that Assistant and Bard will be available soon for both Android and iOS devices. If you encountered any issues with the registration process for the event, it has now been updated. Click here to register. – Mat Smith
Google’s Pixel 8 series was also unveiled during the event. The Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro bear a resemblance to their predecessors but feature some notable differences. The standard Pixel 8 is slightly smaller and more manageable for one-handed use. On the other hand, the Pro version sports a new matte finish, improved cameras, and an impressive heat sink. The Pixel 8 lineup is powered by the Tensor G3 processor and guarantees seven years of Android and security updates, ensuring a longer lifespan for Pixel devices. The inclusion of a temperature sensor on the Pro model offers a unique feature for users. Although it may seem like a gimmick, Google is awaiting FDA approval for the Pixel 8 Pro to read body temperature. The Pixel 8 starts at $699, while the Pixel 8 Pro is priced at $999, both $100 higher than initially planned. Continue reading.
In other news, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky revealed plans for the company to expand beyond its core business. Chesky mentioned that Airbnb is considering entering the car rental market in the near future. The company also aims to focus on long-term rentals, as only 18% of the nights booked in the second quarter of 2023 came from 30-day stays. Chesky believes that Airbnb can further disrupt the long-term booking market. Read more about this development.
Patreon, the platform for supporting content creators, also announced significant platform updates. These changes include giving subscribers more ways to follow their interests and providing more free content from developers. Creators now have the option to allow free access to certain content in addition to paid offerings. The platform also introduced a new marketing tool for creators to sell various digital products. Learn more about these updates.
Lastly, Google highlighted its focus on customization, control, and availability in the realm of Android. The company is working on a public build for Android 14, with Pixel users being the first to receive the update. Other Android device manufacturers, such as Samsung and OnePlus, can expect to receive the update later this year. Some of the notable enhancements include expanded lock screen options and improved AI capabilities for photo editing. Users will have the ability to generate a personalized image that matches a chosen phrase. Find out more about these upcoming changes.
