There is no debate about the biggest addition to Google’s new Pixel 7 lineup. It’s the new Tensor G2 that powers both the $599 Google base model and the $899 Pixel 7 Pro.
Google started making its own Tensor chips last year with the debut of the Pixel 6, as it wanted a system specifically designed on the chip to take advantage of the machine learning capabilities that the knowledge graph could support. This means not only enhanced computer imaging tools but also on-device dictation and translation as well as smarter phone call management.
These capabilities return with the Pixel 7, as the in-phone Tensor G2 silicon brings new and improved features unique to Google phones. It’s safe to say that some of this Tensor-powered capabilities are the main reason to get one of the new Pixel 7 models.
But what exactly are those features that are powered by the Pixel 7’s Tensor chipset. And if you’ve already pre-ordered the Pixel 7, which hardware you should check out first when your new phone arrives later this week. Here are the new Tensor-powered capabilities that debuted in the Pixel 7 that we’re excited to try.
The image is not blur
Like last year’s Magic Eraser feature, Photo Unblur seeks to salvage secondary shots from a one-way trip to your trash by applying some photo-saving magic to the original shot. In the case of Magic Eraser, this meant eliminating the distraction of people or things from a perfectly cool image. Photo Unblur saves photos by eliminating noise caused by motion blur, camera shake or just a focus problem.
You don’t even have to take pictures with Pixel 7 for Photo Unblur to work its magic. As long as you can access the photos on your Pixel 7 through the Google Photos app, you can run the Tensor wizard to make the edited photo look sharper.
Faster night vision
Night Sight has been one of the most powerful camera features of Google’s Pixel series, but you have to hold your phone pretty steady to get a clean shot in the dark. With the Pixel 7, Google says it’s improving HDR+ with Bracketing, a technology that combines images captured at different exposures into a better-looking final product. In addition, the new phones take advantage of Tensor’s enhanced machine learning techniques to reduce noise in low-light photos.
The end result of all this fix is that low-light photos are processed twice as fast, reducing the chances of camera shifting and image spoiling.
cinematic fog
While we’re on the topic of Pixel 7 camera improvements, let’s talk about Cinematic Blur, a new video capture feature that adds shallow depth to the feed effect on videos. The result is the same kind of background blur you get with portrait shots, and it’s only applied to video.
Yes, that mirrors Apple’s Cinematic Mode, available on the iPhone 13 and now on the iPhone 14. But I’m pretty sure Pixel fans won’t complain about the phone that got the capability first after it became available to them.
Super Res Zoom improvements
Super Res Zoom has been an example of Google’s gift with computational photography over the years, helping to produce noise-free zoomed shots even on phones without a dedicated telephoto lens. It appears to be continuing on the Pixel 7 phones, with an important boost.
The Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro will both benefit from HDR+ with Bracketing working in tandem with each phone’s 50MP sensor’s internal crop. This will help produce 12.5MP photos at 2x zoom on the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, and Google says the end product should be high-resolution photos with low noise that look like they were taken with a dedicated 2x telephoto lens.
The feature should really shine on the Pixel 7 Pro, which has a telephoto lens that can provide 5x optical zoom. On top of that, Super Res Zoom can take over, resulting in 12MP 10x shots that rival what you’d get with a dedicated 10x optical zoom. In fact, the Pixel 7 Pro can zoom up to 30x, which is the largest zoom Google has ever supported on its phones.
oriented frame
Google is very proud of its Guided Frame feature, which got a definite shoutout during the Pixel 7 launch event. The video that explains how the Guided Frame works is equal. Available on YouTube (Opens in a new tab).
Basically, this is an accessibility feature that helps Pixel 7 users with low vision to take perfectly framed selfies. This is understandably difficult if you can’t see your phone screen clearly, but Guided Frame intervenes with haptic feedback and voice commands to help users position the camera for the perfect shot.
It’s not a feature every Pixel 7 owner will use. But it shows how Google can use machine intelligence to solve a problem that would prevent people from enjoying basic phone features on an equal footing.
Voice Typing Assistant
Using your voice to type messages is another accessibility feature, but one that a large number of people take advantage of. Then, it’s sometimes easier to say your message than to tap it via the onscreen keyboard, especially when Google Assistant is so adept at transcribing your spoken voice.
Voice typing was previously on the Pixel, but the Tensor chip inside the Pixel 7 improves things by adding support for more languages — you can now dictate in French, Italian or Spanish. If you love emoji-filled messages, you’ll be happy to see that Assistant now suggests relevant emoji, while the search feature lets you search with emoji with your voice as well.
Loudspeaker labels in the recorder
I’m on record to say that my favorite Pixel feature is the built-in Recorder app. I love the way it takes recordings on the go and makes it easy to search through those texts. Snap editing too.
Recording on Pixel 7 numbers will be even better for those of us who use the app to record interviews or Q&A sessions. The app will add labels for different speakers, making it easier to follow your text.
Convert voice messages to text
The Tensor chipset’s ease of converting spoken words into written text extends to the voice messages your friends send you through the Pixel 7 Messages app. If you’re in a place where audio files are hard to hear – or if you don’t want to broadcast that voice message to anyone within sight – You can click to convert the message to text.
Voice message transcription works in English, Japanese, German, and French at launch, and it looks as though Google might add other languages soon after. This feature may arrive on additional devices, but for now, it will be exclusive to the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro.
Direct My Call improvements
The release of Pixel 6 last year brought a smart feature with which the Google Assistant can convert those phone directories set up 800 numbers — you know, “press 1 for support, press 2 for sales,” etc.? – And convert them into written lists. This saves you the trouble of having to remember which number will direct you to which department.
Google says the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro will display these numbers before they’re even spoken, making you get to the right person more quickly. The feature should work with some of the most popular toll-free numbers in the US right away, and Google is promising to add more companies over time.
clear contact
One of the Tensor-powered additions that I look forward to most with the Pixel 7 won’t be there when the phones arrive. But as someone whose hearing has deteriorated over time, I’m looking forward to seeing how the promised Clear Calling will improve the sound quality of phone calls.
All we know from Google’s statements about Clear Calling is that it takes advantage of machine learning to filter out background noise while improving audio on the other end of the line. The idea is that you’ll be able to hear it loud and clear regardless of whether there’s a lot of background noise from its end, whether it’s traffic, chatter, or even wind.
We’ll see how clear these calls are, but if it means I don’t have to struggle to hear the other end of the conversation, I’ll be happy.
Tensor G2 Predictions
This is not a complete list of the capabilities supported by Tensor. I’m sure more will be revealed when we get a chance to test the Pixel 7. And it looks like at least some of those features may trickle down to the Pixel 6, which has its own Tensor chipset.
But it does show how important the new Tensor chipset is for the Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro. If these phones are going to have any success in earning a place among the best phones, then these Tensor-powered capabilities are worth appreciating.
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