The feature-packed Google Pixel 8a was introduced to the world on May 7 and will begin shipping on May 14, but we're already hearing about an additional AI feature that will be included in the phone's first post-launch software. update.
According to a Verizon product page (via Android Authority), the Pixel 8a's first software update will grant access to Google's AI Wallpapers app, which lets you generate entirely new wallpapers based on words. key and selected topics.
AI-generated wallpapers are currently exclusive to the Google Pixel 8, Google Pixel 8 Pro, and some Samsung devices (see our Galaxy AI compatibility overview for specific models), and the feature will not be included in the Pixel 8a firmware . at launch. However, Google's AI wallpaper app will be included in the phone's first security patch, which will presumably begin rolling out from May 7.
To generate AI wallpapers on the Pixel 8a, you'll need to long-press on an empty space on your device's home screen, select “Wallpaper & Style,” then “More wallpapers,” then “Wallpaper from AI.” By the way, the feature works with Google's cloud servers, rather than on-device processing, so you'll need an internet connection for it to work.
Regarding the AI features that willpower will be included with the Pixel 8a at launch, Google has confirmed that Circle to Search, Call Assist, Best Take and Magic Editor will be present and correct on May 7. From what it seems, Google's new economic model will be the most economical. phone for AI features, with Samsung's latest affordable effort, the Galaxy A55, excluded from the company's Galaxy AI feature set.
The Pixel 8a is now available for pre-order starting at $499 / £499 / AU$849. However, if you're in the US, you can get the phone for free thanks to a flashy new Best Buy promotion. For a limited time only, the retailer is offering a powerful combination of a $100 gift card as an additional gift and a trade-in rebate of up to $499, enough savings to cover the entire cost of the Pixel 8a device.
We're currently putting the Pixel 8a through its paces in our test labs and will share our full verdict on the new phone soon, so stay tuned to TechRadar for more information.
