MWC 2024: Google Pixel 8 Wins Best Smartphone at GLOMO Awards; Leo AI-Assistant Announced for Brave Browser

Highlights

• Google Pixel 8 series crowned Best Smartphone at GLOMO Awards.
• Marks Google’s first win in this category, showcasing innovation and performance.
• Competed against iPhone 15 Pro, Samsung Galaxy S23, and others.
• Leo is the new AI-Assistant for Brave browser.

The Global Mobile Awards (GLOMO) announced its contenders for accolades in several segments, including Mobile Tech, Digital Everything, Device, and more.

These awards were a focal point of the Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2024, hosted in Barcelona.

As the event draws to a close, the spotlight shines on the announcement of this year’s best smartphone.

Pixel 8 Victorious in the Best Smartphone Category

Emerging victorious in the Best Smartphone category for the year is the Google Pixel 8 series.

Google’s Senior Vice President of Devices & Services, Rick Osterloh, took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to express his pride in this achievement, a premiere for Google in the history of the GLOMO awards.

The criteria for the Best Smartphone award encompass exceptional performance, innovation, and leadership.

These are gauged by a panel comprising the world’s leading independent analysts, journalists, and influencers, evaluating the market’s offerings from January 2023 to December 2023.

Apple’s iPhone Dethroned

In the preceding year, the iPhone 14 Pro by Apple was adorned with this accolade, following the iPhone 13 Pro Max’s recognition the year prior.

The award for 2021 was bestowed upon the Galaxy S21 Ultra from Samsung, and in February 2020, the OnePlus 7T Pro was celebrated.

The competition for the Best Smartphone of the year was fierce, with nominees including the Apple iPhone 15 Pro models, the Google Pixel 8 series, OnePlus/Open OPPO Find N3, Samsung Galaxy S23 series, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.

The Google Pixel 8 series, unveiled last year and comprising the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro, has been lauded for its innovative AI features such as Magic Editor, Best Take, and Audio Magic Eraser.

The series has garnered significant appreciation from consumers, reflecting in Google’s buoyant sales figures disclosed for Q4. Following a landmark year in Pixel phone sales, Google is now ambitiously aiming to ship 10 million units in 2024, setting a new sales target for the Pixel lineup.

AI-Powered Leo Assistant Announced for Brave Browser

Talking about the Pixel 8’s AI capabilities, at MWC, Brave, a privacy-centric web browser, has expanded the availability of its AI-powered chat assistant, Leo, to Android users, aiming to boost privacy and productivity on the platform.

Initially launched on desktop, Leo is built on Meta’s Large Language Model (LLM) technology, transitioning from Llama-2 to Mixtral 8x7B, reflecting Brave’s dedication to privacy by avoiding third-party AI services.

This assistant enhances user interaction with the web directly from the browser or within webpages, offering a range of functionalities like summarizing content, writing code, generating new texts, translating, and transcribing, all without requiring user sign-up, thus maintaining Brave’s privacy focus.

The rollout of Leo in Brave browser version 1.63 introduces these advanced features to Android, supporting multiple languages to cater to a global audience.

Leo not only facilitates a richer browsing experience through its diverse capabilities but also emphasizes user privacy. Brave also introduces Leo Premium for $14.99 a month, offering enhanced features for users seeking an even more powerful AI tool.

FAQs

What makes the Google Pixel 8 series stand out to win the Best Smartphone at the GLOMO Awards?

The Pixel 8 series excels in performance, innovation, and leadership, evaluated by a panel of leading analysts and influencers, setting a new standard in the smartphone industry.

Who were the nominees for the Best Smartphone category at the GLOMO Awards?

Nominees included Apple iPhone 15 Pro models, Google Pixel 8 series, OnePlus/Open OPPO Find N3, Samsung Galaxy S23 series, and Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.

How does the Google Pixel 8 series’ victory impact its sales and future projections?

Following its GLOMO Awards win, the Pixel 8 series has seen significant consumer appreciation, leading Google to set a sales target of 10 million units for 2024.

What is Leo and how does it enhance the browsing experience on Brave?

Leo is an AI-powered chat assistant developed by Brave to improve privacy and productivity for its users. Leveraging Meta’s Large Language Model technology, Leo offers functionalities such as content summarization, code writing, content generation, translation, and, more.

Can I use Leo on devices other than desktops, and what languages does it support?

Yes, Leo has been rolled out to Android devices with Brave browser version 1.63, allowing users to enjoy its features on the go. Leo supports multiple languages, including English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish, making it accessible to a wide range of users worldwide.

What is GSMA Criteria For Best Smartphone Of The Year Award ?

The GSMA states that, based on smartphones that are on the market between January 2023 and December 2023, the Best Smartphone Awards should provide performance, innovation, and leadership, as stated by eminent independent analysts, journalists, and influencers.

What were the Best Smartphone Of The Year Competitors ?

The competition for the top spot was between the iPhone 15 Pro series, OnePlus Open, Samsung Galaxy S23 series, and Samsung Galaxy Z
Flip 5.

Which Device Got Best Smartphone Of The Year Awards ?

In the Last Few Years
This is Google’s first title. Last year, the iPhone
14 Pro won the honour for its innovative
technology. The iPhone 13 Pro Max also received the honour last year. Back in 2021, the Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra received the honour. The Pixel 6 Pro made the list in 2021 but did not receive an award.