Google LLC today sent out press invitations for a hardware event where it’s widely expected to debut the Pixel 8, the latest iteration of its flagship Android smartphone.

The event will take place in New York on Oct. 4. Alongside the Pixel 8, Google will reportedly announce a refresh of its Pixel Watch smartwatch. Both devices are expected to feature upgraded processors. 

New smartphones 

The Pixel 8, the main focus of Google’s upcoming hardware event, will reportedly come in two editions: a standard version and a more expensive Pixel 8 Pro. The former device is expected to feature a 6.16-inch display with a resolution of 2268 pixels by 1080 pixels. The Pixel 8 Pro will reportedly include a 6.7-inch screen with slightly higher resolution.

Recent leaks suggest that both devices will ship with an enhanced version of Google LLC’s Tensor G2 smartphone processor. It’s said to be based on a system-on-chip, or SOC, from Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.’s Exynos product line. Exynos SOCs combine a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit and other compute modules in a single package.

The Pixel 8 Pro’s camera array is expected to receive a major upgrade. According to Engadget, Google is adding a 50-megapixel main camera that can capture 50% more light than the previous-generation sensor in the Pixel 7 Pro. Additionally, it’s believed that the search giant has significantly increased the resolution of the handset’s ultrawide lens.

Google is said to be pairing the hardware upgrades with new photography software. One new software feature, Adaptive Torch, can reportedly adjust the intensity of the camera flash based on ambient light levels. Another capability called Staggered HDR is expected to reduce motion blur in photos.

In May, reports emerged that the Pixel 8’s case may include a thermometer next to the camera array. It’s believed the thermometer will allow users to measure their skin temperature to determine if they may be running a fever.

Upgraded smartwatch 

The Pixel Watch 2, the other device Google is expected to debut at its Oct. 4 hardware event, is also believed to feature new sensors. Reports suggest the smartwatch will include sensors that can measure the wearer’s stress levels and skin temperature. The Fitbit Sense 2, a smartwatch that Google’s Fitbit unit launched late last year, offers similar features.

The Pixel Watch 2’s sensors will reportedly be powered by Qualcomm Inc.’s Snapdragon W5 Plus chip. The chip, which is optimized for use in wearables, features a four-core CPU with a 1.7GHz clock rate. There’s also a two-core GPU designed to speed up rendering tasks.

Qualcomm’s Snapdragon W5 Plus is made using a four-nanometer process, whereas the chip in the current Pixel Watch is based on less advanced 10-nanometer technology. The latter chip also includes fewer CPU cores. As a result, the Pixel Watch 2 is expected to offer faster performance and a longer battery life than its predecessor.

Image: Google