Google Pixel 8’s killer feature could be an AI-powered noise eraser

AI-powered features look core to the Google Pixel 8 experience

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If you’ve ever tried to capture a tranquil scene on video, say of some ducks milling around a lake, but had it ruined by someone talking loudly in the background, then theGoogle Pixel 8could be here to help.

That’s because a survey titled “Future of Pixel Sports” was tweeted by tech tipsterMishall Rahamnoting reference to the Audio Eraser tool, which is reportedly designed to eliminate unwanted sound in videos while also enhancing the audio you want. Previouslyshown off in a leaked video, the Audio Eraser looks set to be a locked-in feature for the Pixel 8 phones.

Some Pixel Superfans are getting surveys asking them about Team Pixel’s sports partnerships. One page asks fans to select scenarios that might be “influential” in deciding what smartphone to buy, and some of the scenarios may hint at upcoming features for the Pixel 8!These… pic.twitter.com/VskXd9j0N9August 23, 2023

The survey was sent to members of theGoogleSuperfans group and cited an example of the Audio Eraser tool being used at a sports match to “eliminate the shouting of the fan in the next seat from your game-winning shot video with your phone’s amazing AI video noise removal.”

And for people who want particular spectator noise, then Audio Eraser can “Enhance the sound of your friends and family’s reactions during a thrilling game, while minimizing the background stadium noise with your phone’s amazing AI video noise removal.”

I’ve already been impressed with theMagic Eraserfeature on Pixel phones, which removes unwanted objects from images, so I’m cautiously optimistic about the Audio Eraser tool. While improvements in smartphone photography are arguably incremental for phone generation-to-generation at the moment, I feel there are improvements to be made in video capture. And having AI-powered tools to help capture the content you want at source, rather than needing to spend a lot of time editing, is a promising idea.

That being said, I’d also like to see Google improve its video capture on the next Pixel flagship phones. While thePixel 7 Prois far from bad at video, I feel it lags behind the likes of theiPhone 14 ProandGalaxy S23 Ultra.

Clever content capture

An X user by the name ofKamilaposted a screenshot of what appears to be the full list of options in the Google survey, and from the looks of it the Pixel 8 phones will once again be leaning heavily on AI-based features.

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also, for reference, here’s a full list of options in the survey pic.twitter.com/ki99wg3mtiAugust 23, 2023

Not only can we expect to see improvements to thePhoto Unblur, Lens and AI photo merging features, but new editing features that use smart processing look to be on the cards, too.

Furthermore, an improvement in how fast the camera shutter works was also tipped; faster shutter speeds are better for capturing fast moving objects – Google has made some headway with this using AI to unblur photos, but having that backed up by hardware will surely help.

An upgraded Tensor chip will likely power these AI-centric features. Rumored to be called theTensor G3, the chip looks set to have an overall performance boost in addition to improving the responsiveness and effectiveness of smart features.

With camera sensor improvements touted and the addition ofsatellite communication capabilities, the Google Pixel 8 looks set to be an attention grabbing phone when it launches, likely in October, and a potential contender for ourbest phoneslist.

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Roland Moore-Colyer is Managing Editor at TechRadar with a focus on phones and tablets, but a general interest in all things tech, especially those with a good story behind them. He can also be found writing about games, computers, and cars when the occasion arrives, and supports with the day-to-day running of TechRadar. When not at his desk Roland can be found wandering around London, often with a look of curiosity on his face and a nose for food markets.

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