Google Pixel 2 Launch: Pixel 2 XL, Pixelbook, Pixel Buds & More
The Google Pixel launch keynote likely to be hosted by Sundar Pichai, CEO, Google.
Key Google Announcements:
- Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL unveiled with Snapdragon 835 SoC
- Pixel 2 XL will be coming to India very soon
- Both phones get 12.3-megapixel camera with OIS
- Pixelbook with Chrome OS announced, works with Pixel Pen
- Google Home Mini and Home Max voice-assisted speaker launched
- Google Pixel Buds wireless headset unveiled
- Daydream View headset gets upgraded
- ARCore coming to Pixel devices very soon
- Google Clips pocket-size camera also announced
That's a Wrap
Phew, after a host of product announcements, the Google Pixel 2 launch has finally come to an end. We had expected the Pixel phones, Pixelbook and the Home Mini, but the Home Max and a slew of other products were definitely a few surprises that Rick Osterloh talked about.
Stay tuned for more on the Google Pixel 2 XL launch in India with The Quint.
Missed Something? Follow the Launch
Hello, Google Clips
Another Pixel-centric product is Google Clips. This is a small, almost palm-sized remote-operated camera, which clips on to more objects than just clothes.
This one is priced at $249 and don’t think it will be coming to our shores anytime soon.
Pixel 2 Gets Music Love
Pixel 2 also gets a wireless headset accessory for high-quality music called Pixel Buds. With these headsets, you can even speak to another person in a different language, including Hindi, which gets translated via Google Assistant. Now, that is useful.
Pixel Buds gets bundled with a charging case, and Google claims, the device can offer a battery life of 7 hours on a single charge.
Google Talks Daydream
Daydream will get more content from YouTube VR and Google Play Movies later this year. Daydream View is priced at $99 this year.
Google Pixel 2 Price
Pixel 2 is priced at $649 and will be available in over 7 countries to start of with. Early buyers get Google Home Mini with the phone.
Google has put India on its first list of countries to get Pixel 2 XL. We don’t know the date yet, but the launch could happen very soon.
Google Pixel 2 Camera - It's Good
Pixel 2 gets a 12.3-megapixel camera at the back, single unit though. Having said that, both Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL get OIS for smooth video output.
Google confirms that in addition to the rear camera, Pixel 2 can capture portrait images with the front camera. Pretty cool!
You store unlimited photos, 4k videos on Google Photos even with the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. This is big, they say.
Google Talks ARCore
And yes, it’s good to see Google talk about its ARCore capability and showcase it at the event. ARCore supports low-light condition, claims Google.
But that’s not all, you’ll even get AR to do stuff like get characters of Netflix show Stranger Things pop up right in front of you.
Google Lens with Machine Learning
As Sundar said, the cameras on Pixel 2 and 2 XL feature Google’s Lens capability. With this you can scan email IDs from posters and send the mail.
This feature will be available to Pixel users, with others to follow in the coming months.
Pixel 2 With Oreo
Yep, the new Pixel phones will come with Android 8.0 Oreo out-of-box. This means you get features like picture-in and dot notification among others.
Google Pixel 2 is Here, Finally!
Google Pixel 2 is here, and as expected, you also get the Pixel 2 XL. While the Pixel 2 gets a 5-inch full-HD display, the bigger variant comes with a 6-inch 18:9 screen much like the Samsung Galaxy S8 and the iPhone X.
Google says that Google Assistant has been heavily integrated with the new Pixels, making search easier.
Google Pixelbook is here
Pixelbook runs on Chrome OS, and Google claims, this is the lightest notebook they’ve ever made.
It gets a 12.3-inch Quad-HD display, with soft touch keys for comfortable typing. Will be available in Core i5 and i7 variants with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage. You can instantly tether from a phone to the Pixelbook.
Pixelbook is also the first notebook to come with built-in support for Google Assistant, and a Pen.
Google Home gets Max
Home Max is Google’s rival for Apple’s HomePod. Purely focused on audio, Google claims Max offers heavy bass.
The device is easily able to adapt to your position and offer music at the acceptable volume. It supports 3.5-mm audio jack, and works along with Google Assistant, playing music personalised to the user.
Works with Chromecast-compatible speakers. And here’s how much Home Max costs.
At $399 Home Max goes up against Apple HomePod.
Nest for Smart Homes
Google is working with Nest to make smarter homes, by partnering with third-party companies, to make lives simpler, says Yuki, from the Nest team.
Google Home Mini is here
Google wants people to put more Google Homes in their household, hence you get the Home Mini. Made with fabrics, the device offers 360-degree sound.
After a lot of tries, the Google team freezed on these three colours. It’s priced at $49 in the US, with pre-orders from today. Sadly, it’s not coming to India right now.
Pixel Can Wait, Time for Home
Before the Pixels are unveiled, Google Home is the first in line. The device has been used for millions of voice search, for both personal and office use.
Time for Pixel and some surprises!
Rick Osterloh, head for hardware at Google is on stage to showcase and talk about the new set of phones, and, um.. more surprises, he says.
Pixel was widely appreciated by consumers last year, claims Rick. But while he shares the number for Chromecast, no mention how many Pixels were sold last year.
How AI Works Now
Google is heavily deploying use of AI with features like object detection. You’ll see this on the Pixel camera, and was even used in Lagos for Maps.
Mobile first to AI First
That’s the pitch from Google at the event and Pichai says how Google has changed the way they’re building products.
AI will also make sure to notify you about events in a particular tone and at the right time.
Power of Machine Learning
Pichai shows the prowess of Machine learning, and how Google has managed to map roads in Lagos over the past 5 months.
Stage is set
While music plays in the background, we get going, with Sundar Pichai now on stage. He talks up the recent attack in Las Vegas, and pledges Google’s support.
Almost There
We’re just a few minutes away from the keynote now. Stay tuned for all the updates with The Quint.
Will Pixel 2 Match Up to the iPhone?
That’s the question everyone will be asking. While there’s no doubt about the capability of the Pixel series, but they still haven’t found takers, especially when you compare its demand to iPhone. We’re hopeful that Google can finally gives the Android-equivalent of the iPhone.
What to Expect?
Most of us already know that Google will launch its latest Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, but that’s not the end of the schedule. We also expect to see the new version of Daydream VR headset, and new range of Google Home speakers. You can read all about that over here.
Hello!
Welcome to our live blog for the Google Pixel 2 launch event, where the new Pixel phones will be unveiled. The keynote address, likely to be made by Sundar Pichai, CEO, Google will begin at 9:30 PM and we’ll keep you updated on the launch and news from the event.
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