The unveiling of Google's Pixel 8 was a grand display of artificial intelligence.

 During the inauguration ceremony of its most recent cutting-edge Smartphone models, the prominent search corporation made sure to extensively elucidate upon the multitude of Smartphone functionalities empowered by artificial intelligence. However, one cannot help but ponder over the intended audience for such grandiose displays.

I am unsure if you are aware, but Google's latest products are infused with artificial intelligence (AI). For instance, there is Magic Editor, a photo editing tool that utilizes generative AI. Additionally, there is Conversation Detection, an audio transparency feature powered by AI. Furthermore, the heart rate algorithms have been improved, and yes, they too are powered by AI.

The prospect of receiving seven years of operating system updates from Google seems like an excellent opportunity to access more AI features. Even the new photography features are driven by AI. 

Moreover, the Tensor processor has been specifically designed for AI applications. "As always, our primary focus is to enhance the usefulness of AI for everyone, while maintaining a bold and responsible approach," stated Rick Osterloh, Google's hardware chief, during his introduction, which, in my estimation, mentioned the term "AI" more than a dozen times. Throughout the hour-long launch event, Google's presenters made reference to AI more than 50 times.

As early as 2019, artificial intelligence (AI) had already become a popular marketing term used to promote a wide range of products, from toothbrushes to televisions. However, Google's recent presentations have demonstrated the company's assertive efforts to position itself as a leading force in the field of AI. Critics have suggested that Google was caught off guard by the sudden success of Open AI Chat GPT and Microsoft's swift integration of this new technology into its products. In its eagerness to respond, Google runs the risk of excessively emphasizing the AI aspect, potentially overshadowing the practical features that its customers will actually find useful.

This point was inadvertently highlighted by Osterloh during a recent presentation, where he referred to the original 2016 launch of the Pixel device and emphasized Google's long-standing focus on AI. Osterloh acknowledged the presence of individuals who had attended the first Pixel launch seven years ago, recalling how Google had emphasized the integration of hardware and software, with AI at the core, to deliver seamless, efficient, and intelligent user experiences.

However, upon reviewing Google's 20-minute presentation on the original Pixel, it became apparent that the phrase "AI" was not explicitly mentioned on stage. The presentation primarily focused on showcasing the capabilities of Google Assistant voice control, discussing computational photography, and highlighting the phone's compatibility with mobile virtual reality. Surprisingly, there were no direct references to artificial intelligence. 

This observation does not imply that Osterloh's claim of the original Google Pixel being AI-powered was false. Rather, it serves to highlight the stark contrast in how Google communicates about its products and services in 2023 compared to 2016. During the original Pixel launch, there were instances where the present-day Google would undoubtedly emphasize the role of AI, such as when product manager Brian Rakowski mentioned the camera's remarkable on-device software algorithms. However, the 2016 presentation was less focused on altering perceptions of the company's technical expertise and more concerned with elucidating the practical implications of these features for potential buyers.