Google Pixel 2, Google Home Mini, Pixelbook and more: All the news from Google's Techsause
4.10.2017
Translation: machine translated
Google is going full throttle in the hardware sector. At an event on Wednesday evening, the search giant presented a whole host of new devices. The highlight is likely to be the new Pixel XL, but there was also some exciting news outside of smartphones.
After the numerous leaks in recent weeks and months, most people probably thought that Google no longer had too many surprises up its sleeve. Nevertheless, it was worth watching the live stream, as Google had a lot to present. In addition to new devices, the focus was particularly on voice recognition. This was demonstrated by the more than 20 false alarms on my Google Home, which were triggered by the constant "Ok Google" and "Hey Google". The focus was also on machine learning and the Google Assistant. Here are the most important news and products.
Pixel and Pixel XL
Google is launching a new series of Pixel smartphones, which were first released last year. The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are identical in terms of features. The only differences are the size and the edges. The Pixel 2 XL has the more elegant look of the two thanks to its significantly narrower edges. At 5 inches, the Pixel 2 is more manageable compared to the 6 inches of the XL version. The smartphones are available in two, or three, different colours.
As with the last device, a fingerprint scanner is installed in the centre of the back. As feared, the headphone jack has disappeared. In future, you can either use the included adapter from 3.5 mm to USB-C or rely on Bluetooth. There are stereo speakers on the front. The Pixel phones are also waterproof. The IP67 standard is therefore at the same level as the new iPhones, but slightly behind Samsung's IP68 standard.
Improved camera
The camera was given special attention in the presentation. No wonder, as the camera in last year's Pixel is considered one of the best on the market. The new camera should also take beautiful photos again. For example, with the portrait mode, which automatically blurs backgrounds thanks to machine learning - works on the selfie and main camera. The result of the improved camera is a DxOMark score of 98 - an unprecedented value. DxOMark is a website that specialises in camera tests. A personal test will show whether the advance praise is deserved.
Special features of the Pixel phones include the always-on display, which shows notifications and, of course, the time. In addition, the device is always listening and can therefore recognise music immediately without having to send any information to Google.
Finally, Google also presented Active Edge. This function, known from the HTC U11, starts the Google Assistant by pressing the sides of the smartphone. How hard you have to press can be configured.
Google Lens
Some things have also changed on the software side. The Google search bar has moved to the bottom of the launcher on the new Pixel phones. This makes it easier to reach with your fingers. However, Google Lens is much more interesting. The feature was already presented at the Google I/O developer fair in May. The function is now ready for harvesting and will initially be available exclusively on the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL. With Google Lens, any object can be focussed on using the camera and Google provides the corresponding contextual information.
The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL will be available in the USA and other countries on 19 October. It is not yet clear when it will be available in Switzerland. Prices start at 649 and 849 dollars respectively, with a Google Home Mini included for a limited time.
Specifications
- Processor: Qualcomm Snapdragon 835
- Display: Gorilla Glass 5, Full HD 16:9 (Pixel) and QHD 18:9 (Pixel XL)
- Cameras: Optical image stabiliser
- Battery: 2700 mAh (Pixel) and 3520 mAh (Pixel XL)
- Memory: 64 or 128 GB
- Ram: 4 GB
- Audio: No 3.5 mm headphone jack, stereo front speakers
Pixelbook
The successor to the Chromebook Pixel once again comes in an elegant guise and clearly stands out from other entry-level Chromebooks with its design and price. Google calls it a 4-in-1 device with a touchscreen. This means that it can be completely folded down thanks to the 360° hinge and used in different ways. This makes it ideal for use with the optional stylus. This can be used in combination with the integrated Google Assistant. For example, you can circle a word and the Assistant will respond. The 3:2 screen ratio is retained. The Pixelbook connects directly to the smartphone if no Wi-Fi is available. Apps from Google Play can be installed directly on the device. Costs from 999 dollars. Available in the USA, Canada and the UK from 31 October
Specifications
- Display: 12.3 inch, QHD
- Memory: 128, 256, 512 GB
- Processor: Intel i5 or i7 7th Gen
- Ram: up to 16 GB
- Battery: up to 10h runtime
- Weight: 1kg
- Thickness: 10mm
Google Home Mini and Max
The Google Home speaker family is expanding, or rather shrinking. Google Home Mini is the small version of the Google Assistant-supported speaker. Along with the size, the price has also shrunk. The Mini will cost just 50 dollars in the USA and will be available in three colours. The release date is 19 October. Unfortunately only in seven countries - nope, we're not there.
For those who like it bigger, there is the Google Home Max. This premium version has a much better speaker that can really fill a room with sound. It is said to be 22 times louder than the normal Google Home. Google Home Max has a 3.5 mm headphone plug and can also be controlled via Bluetooth.
The Smart Sound feature can measure the room and automatically adjust the sound so that the sound always sounds optimal. If you always listen to quieter music in the morning than in the evening, Google remembers this and adjusts it accordingly.
Released in the USA in December for 399 dollars.
Daydream
Google's VR glasses are getting an update. The new version comes in three colour variants, improved lenses and material. The field of vision is now larger. There are also free IMAX films. You can now stream what you're watching to a TV at the same time, so that viewers can enjoy it too.
In-ear headphones
Headphones from Google are now also available under the name Google Pixel Buds. With touch control and integrated Google Assistant. They can be used as a real-time translator in 40 languages at the touch of a button. Like Apple's Earpods, they also come with a small storage/charging case. The Pixel Buds cost 159 US dollars and will be released in the USA in November.
Google Clips
And Google had another surprise up its sleeve. Google Clips is a mini camera in the style of a GoPro. Clips comes from the fact that the camera has a bracket to attach it somewhere. Here too, Google emphasises that the data does not leave the camera - only if the user wants it to. Price point: 249 US dollars. Date: Coming soon.
Availability at digitec
Update: The Google Pixel 2 is now available to order. We do not yet have any information on the Google Pixel 2 XL, but we will keep you updated. We also have no new information on the other devices as yet.
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur.
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