Google could offer 7 Android OS updates to Pixel 8, specs sheet leaked
Google is all set to launch its latest flagship smartphones, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, on October 4th. The devices will come with some impressive features, such as a brighter display, a durable design, and a powerful camera system. But perhaps the most notable feature is that both the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro could offer OS and security updates for 7 years.
According to the 91Mobiles report, Google will offer 7 years of OS and security updates to Pixel 8 and 8 Pro devices. In addition, the all specs of the upcoming Google smartphone series have been revealed. You can check the specs below.
Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro Specs
Pixel 8
- Display: 6.2-inch FHD+ OLED display with 60Hz-120Hz refresh rate. Up to 2,000 nits peak brightness
- Processor: Google Tensor G3 with Titan M2 security coprocessor
- RAM and Storage: 8 GB LPDDR5X RAM, 128GB/256GB UFS 3.1 storage
- Battery and charging: 4,575mAh with up to 27W fast charging, Qi-certified wireless charging up to 18W
- Security and OS updates: 7 years of OS and security updates
- Cameras: 50MP Octa PD wide camera, ,12MP ultrawide camera, OIS and EIS on wide, 10.5MP Dual PD front camera
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth v5.3, NFC
- Material: Corning Gorilla Glas Victus cover and back, IP68 rating
- Others: Under-display fingerprint sensor, Face ID
Pixel 8 Pro
- Display: 6.7-inch LTPO OLED display with 1Hz-120Hz refresh rate. Up to 2,400 nits peak brightness
- Google Tensor G3 with Titan M2 security coprocessor
- RAM and Storage: 8 GB LPDDR5X RAM, Up to 1TB in US and 512GB rest of the world, UFS 3.1
- Battery and charging: 5,050mAh with up to 30W fast charging, Qi-certified wireless charging up to 23W
- Security and OS updates: 7 years of OS and security updates
- Cameras: 50MP Octa PD wide camera, 48MP Quad PD ultrawide camera, 48MP, Quad PD telephoto camera with Super Rez Zoom up to 30x, OIS and EIS on wide and telephoto, 10.5MP Dual PD front camera
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth v5.3, NFC
- Material: Corning Gorilla Glas Victus 2 cover and back, IP68 rating
- Others: Under-display fingerprint sensor, Face ID
The Pixel 8 series will also have some new video features, such as Video Boost, Light Sight, and Audio Eraser. The Pixel 8 will be available in Obsidian, Hazel, and Rose color options, while the Pixel 8 Pro will come in Obsidian, Porcelain, and Bay. The prices and availability of the devices are yet to be announced by Google.
Google has started rolling out new Theft Protection features for Android devices including Samsung Galaxy devices running version 10 and above. Announced at the I/O 2024 event in May, these new features help to keep your personal information safe if your phone gets stolen.
The trio of Theft Protection features are now becoming available to Android users including those with devices from brands like Pixel and Samsung. You can start seeing these new features if you’re part of the Google Play services beta (version 24.40.33) program.
Google Theft Protection
The Theft Protection is a new privacy and device safety feature added under Google Services. It helps to keep your personal data safe if your device is stolen.
To access the new theft protection features, check the Theft protection in your device’s Settings app. You can also go to the Google Services page and find it under the All Services tab. This feature includes three main options, they are:
1.) Theft Detection Lock
This feature uses your device’s sensors, Wi-Fi, and smart device connections to detect if someone suddenly grabs your phone while you’re using it. If this happens, your phone will automatically lock its screen to unauthorized access to your personal data.
2.) Offline Device Lock
This feature starts its work if someone steals your phone and turns off the internet to stop tracking. For that, Google mentions two conditions – you need to be using your phone while it’s unlocked, and you can only lock the screen up to twice a day.
3.) Remote Lock
If your phone is stolen, you can go to android.com/lock to lock it remotely. You’ll need to confirm your identity with a phone number and answer a security question. This is faster than the Find My Device method.
With these features, Google aims to enhance your security and protect your personal information. The company will soon make these features available to all Android users through a stable update.
Google Maps will soon display real-time police activity in one US state, thanks to a partnership with the Illinois State Police (ISP). This collaboration aims to enhance driver safety and awareness while promoting compliance with the state’s “Move Over” law.
Currently, Google Maps provides user-generated reports for alerts about traffic incidents. Now, with this new collaboration, police officers will report their activities directly to provide more accurate and timely information to drivers. This will include updates on traffic stops, accidents, and other roadside incidents.
When an officer reports an incident or activity, the information will be sent to Google Cloud, which will then share it with Google Maps users. As drivers go towards a location where police are present, they will see specific icons on their map indicating these situations.
The ISP explained that this new feature will improve awareness of police activity, making it easier for drivers to navigate safely around emergency situations.
However, it’s important to note that while Google Maps will display police locations, it will not include reports of speed traps which users can still report on their own.
The Police Activity Alerts feature is expected to roll out soon, enhancing the Google Maps experience for Illinois drivers in the US. It could be available in more states.
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Samsung devices include several important features powered by Google Play services. A recent update of the Google Play services lets you check how much data these services are using, which helps to manage your data more effectively.
Google Play services support various features on your Samsung device, such as connecting to other devices, ensuring security, and managing your Google account. They help to keep your apps and system running smoothly. Now, you can easily track their data usage.
You just need to follow a few simple steps to check out how much data Google Play services are using.
- Open the Settings app on your Samsung device.
- Search for “Google Play services” in the App section.
- Tap on Mobile data usage.
- Select the View App settings option
Here, you’ll see a detailed breakdown of data usage, split between Mobile and Wi-Fi. This can help you understand where your data is going.
The update shows data usage for different functions within Google Play services. These fucntions are Device Connections, System Management, System diagnostics, Security, Wallet, Developer features, Contacts, Ads Safety, Fitness, General, Account management, Support, Autofill with Google, and Location sharing.
Tracking Google Play services data on your Samsung device is easy and can help you manage your mobile experience better. This feature is available on All Android phones.
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