Google Pixel 9 Pro Prioritizes AI Video Boost Over Native 8K Recording

The Pixel 9 Pro is set to prioritize AI-enhanced video over native 8K recording, according to a recent leak, highlighting Google’s continued focus on leveraging artificial intelligence to deliver premium features.

Video Boost takes center stage: The Pixel 9 Pro will rely on Google’s Video Boost feature to upscale 4K video to 8K using AI, rather than allowing users to capture 8K video directly:

• Despite the 50MP main lens being capable of shooting 8K video, Google has chosen to prioritize its AI-driven Video Boost feature.
• Video Boost, which debuted on the Pixel 8 series, enhances captured content by processing it in the cloud.
• It remains unclear whether this AI upscaling will be an optional feature or if Video Boost will offer user preferences.

Pixel 9 lineup feature differences: The report suggests that not all Pixel 9 models will have the same video capabilities:

• The Pixel 9 Pro Fold will support Video Boost but will not receive the 8K enhancement, likely due to its different main sensor compared to the Pixel 9 Pro.
• Zoom Enhance, a generative AI feature that enhances a picture’s details after zooming in, will be available for the Pixel 9 Pro and Pro XL, although its availability at launch is uncertain.

Broader implications: Google’s decision to focus on AI-enhanced video features rather than native 8K recording showcases the company’s commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence to deliver premium experiences:

• By prioritizing AI-driven features like Video Boost and Zoom Enhance, Google is highlighting its belief in the potential of AI to enhance user experiences and deliver high-quality results without relying solely on hardware capabilities.
• This approach could set a precedent for future smartphone releases, with AI-enhanced features becoming increasingly prominent as a means of differentiating flagship devices and delivering cutting-edge functionality.

However, some users may be disappointed by the lack of native 8K video recording, as it has become a sought-after feature in high-end smartphones. Additionally, the reliance on cloud processing for Video Boost raises questions about the feature’s performance, accessibility, and potential impact on data usage.