Last month internet giant Google unveiled two new phones that answer calls on behalf of the owner in tricky situations, as it continues its goal of placing powerful artificial intelligence in the pockets of consumers all over the globe.
The new handsets, the Google Pixel 3 and Google Pixel 3 XL, feature different screen sizes and prices to rival Samsung – the current market leader in terms of Android phones.
Both new models feature an innovative tool dubbed ‘Google Assistant’, which is a voice activated AI that helps answer questions and can even screen phone calls to avoid those highly irritating cold calls.
The 6.3 inch screen Google Pixel 3 XL will cost up to £969 for the 128GB version, while the Pixel 3, with a 5.5 inch screen, will set you back up to £839.
As well as marketing the new phones as the ultimate in artificial intelligence, Google also says its much-hyped Pixel 3 collection will help users take brilliant photos every time. “We’re taking more photos on our phones than ever before, but we still often miss the perfect moment,” it says. “Pixel 3 helps you get that perfect shot on the first try.”
So do Google’s super impressive camera claims ring true? We’ve taken a closer look at the Google Pixel 3 XL and here are our top eight camera centric features of this shiny new Android smartphone.
Capture smiles, not blinks:
A feature Google calls ‘Top Shot’ uses AI to help you capture what it describes as “the perfect photo every time”. When you take a motion photo, it captures alternate shots in HDR+, then recommends the best one – even if it’s not exactly when you hit the shutter. Very impressive we must admit.
Get better zoom:
When you zoom in on a phone camera, the image looks grainy. Google’s Super Res Zoom is a computational photography technique, traditionally used for astronomy and scientific imaging, that produces sharp details when you zoom.
No light; no problem:
Pixel 3 lets you take natural-looking photos in dark surroundings, all without a flash. With Night Sight you can take bright, detailed, colorful shots around the campfire, in a moonlit forest, or after you close out the bar. Very smart indeed.
No selfie stick required:
Get everyone in the picture with the phone’s Group Selfie feature, which gives you a whopping 184 per cent more room in your photo for friends and scenery.
Look … no hands!
Photobooth mode uses AI to recognize that when you’re smiling or making a funny expression, you’re ready for a selfie. It snaps the photo on its own so you don’t need to reach for the shutter button – a good option for candids.
Even more stunning portraits, front and back:
When you take photos in Portrait Mode, you can change the blurriness of the background, or change the part of the picture in focus, after the fact. Google Photos can also make the subject of your photo pop by leaving them in color, while changing the background to black and white. Very handy.
Create and play:
In Playground, you can make photos, selfies and videos come to life by adding your favorite superheroes, animated stickers and fun captions. In celebration of Marvel Studios’ 10 Year Anniversary, you’ll enjoy seeing the characters from the Marvel Cinematic Universe (exclusively on Pixel) react to each other and to you. New packs for Weather, Pets, Sports and Signs let you have everyday fun, and coming later this year, you’ll be able to sharpen your dance skills with moves from Childish Gambino.
Super smooth video:
When you want to capture something that won’t stop moving – think an adorable toddler or your new puppy – Motion Auto Focus will make sure your Pixel 3 camera stays in sharp focus automatically, as you record. And if you happen to be taking a selfie video while walking or moving around, Pixel 3 brings you front-facing video stabilization.
