What to expect from Google's Pixel 8 event

Google has a new Pixel phone coming out. There's a big event on Wednesday to show it off. We've been here before, so let's go over what to expect.

Yes, it's that time of year again. The 2023 version of the annual Made by Google event airs on Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. ET on Google's YouTube channel, meaning you can watch it live from your couch or bed. It doesn't get any better than that.

Of course, we know the Pixel 8 will be there. But Google is always good for at least one or two surprises. Let's take a look at what you can expect to see at Made by Google on Wednesday.

Pixel 8, duh

We might as well start with the show stopper. This year's Made by Google event, like those that came before it, will almost certainly be primarily focused on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro flagship smartphones.

The good news is, like usual, the new Pixels have leaked to oblivion and back before the event. Google even posted an official video showing off the phones, which from the outside look a lot like the Pixel 7. We're also pretty sure, courtesy of leaks from Twitter user @Za_Raczke, that the Pro will retain its $899 price point while the regular Pixel 8 will get a $100 price bump up to $699.

That price hike isn't without some justification, namely the rumored 120Hz refresh rate (as opposed to 90Hz on the Pixel 7 a year ago). The Pixel 8 Pro may have a temperature sensor on the camera bar, as well, though we're not yet sure what purpose that could serve.

As far as cameras go, leaks provided by 91mobiles suggest both phones will have a 50MP primary lens, but the Pro will have a higher megapixel ultra-wide lens and a telephoto lens that the base model doesn't have at all, same as last year. There are also rumors of features like Night Sight for videos and a way to fix people's faces in group photos so everyone looks perfect.

In all, the Pixel 8 phones don't seem to be drastic departures from previous models, but the usual array of camera and processor improvements should give folks plenty to play with.

Pixel Watch 2

Beyond that, the only other major hardware announcement people expect to see at Made by Google is the Pixel Watch 2. Last year's wearable debut for Google was a bit disappointing thanks to a relative lack of sensors and features, but leaks once again provided by 91mobiles indicate the new one will improve on those weaknesses.

For instance, stress management features (from Fitbit) and an improved heart rate sensor are reportedly in the cards. It can reportedly also automatically start and stop workouts depending on your activity. Last but not least, there are apparently some safety features like "emergency sharing," which shows your real-time location to emergency contacts in case you don't get home on time.

If there are any other major changes, we'll just have to wait and see.

Anything else?

Pixel 8 and Watch 2 seem to be the focal points of this year's presentation, but the original teaser video for the event does briefly feature the Pixel Buds Pro. Does that mean we'll get new versions of Google's best earbuds?

Not necessarily. Leaks suggest we'll get some new colors to match the new color options on Pixel 8. Beyond that, there may be software updates, but right now there's no indication that Google is planning to unveil a real successor to the 2022 Pixel Buds Pro.

Based on what we know so far, that just about covers it for Made by Google 2023. Naturally, there will probably be things we didn't expect in our wildest dreams. Or maybe not! We'll just have to watch and find out on Wednesday from 10 a.m. ET.