At Phones Canada, we are excited about the advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). As early adopters of AI technology, we have experienced the benefits of using Cleverbot, ChatGPT, and now Bard. Collaborating with a bot to create a custom watch face has been a fun and enjoyable experience.

Google has embraced AI in their latest phones, the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. With impressive displays and strong performance, these devices finally feel like proper flagships. In addition to their overall features, the Pixel 8 Pro has AI-powered photo capabilities that have sparked some controversy.

However, we fail to understand why people are afraid of AI. These features have been part of our world for about a decade now. The Pixel 8 Pro’s 50MP camera sensor is impressive, but it’s what the device can do with that sensor that truly matters.

Here are some of the photography-related tricks that the Pixel 8 Pro offers: the ability to remove unwanted objects from a photo with a few taps on the screen, the ability to move subjects within a frame, and the ability to delete elements entirely. While some may argue that these features make traditional photography skills obsolete, we believe that photography is not dead. It has simply become more complex.

In the age of social media and online presence, retouching photos and applying filters has become the norm. Influencers, who are highly attuned to their online image, carefully select filters and use various apps to enhance their photos. This has been the case for years, and the Pixel 8 Pro only makes these editing capabilities more accessible and convenient.

Furthermore, the Pixel 8 Pro is not just for influencers. It is also great for artists like ourselves. Google has eliminated the need for expensive PC apps like Photoshop and multiple photo editing apps on our phones. With the Pixel 8 Pro, we can create top-quality shots without the hassle of learning complex editing software.

While AI technology continues to rapidly develop, it has one significant flaw that only humans can overcome: intent. Intent, combined with the viewer’s perception, is what creates meaning in art. Factors such as photo framing, subject lighting, and the photographer’s reactions still play crucial roles in the creative process. However, when it comes to social media posts, most of them are products rather than aspirations.

The Pixel 8 Pro empowers users to create better products for less and on the go. It does not hinder artistic expression but rather enhances it. Cameras have captured a wide range of subjects, from pin-ups to nature’s beauty, and have been used to create both films and commercial products. It is hypocritical to criticize Google for providing us with powerful tools to create meaningful art.

As a photography graduate with a successful freelance career, I can confidently say that ever since I got my Pixel 6a, I have sold my DSLR. Most of my clients cannot tell the difference between photos produced by my Lumix camera and my Pixel 6a. The addition of AI has not diminished the quality of my work; it has enhanced it.

In conclusion, AI should not be feared, but embraced. The Pixel 8 Pro’s AI-powered features are game-changers for both influencers and artists. It enables us to create breathtaking and meaningful art with ease. So let’s stop fearing AI and embrace the technological advancements that enhance our creative pursuits.