Last year, Google decided to venture into the smartphone production and sales by releasing the PIXEL. Aside from being the first smartphone designed and sold by the company, it was also billed as the best Android smartphone at the time. Now, the tech giant promises bigger and better features with the second iteration of the Pixel phone. The Pixel 2 is scheduled to be launched in the upcoming Google hardware event and is considered to be one of the biggest releases from the company.
Google's I/O is known to be the biggest software event of the year.
However, a different event in the fall takes place to present the company's latest products. Reports say that this year's fall event is bound to introduce more than just a new Pixel phone. With the company making a serious effort in virtual reality and smart home, people are very likely to see more from these departments as well.
Stars of the night: Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL
The new Pixel phones have had a considerable amount of leaks at this point. According to FCC filings, the smaller Pixel 2 will be manufactured by HTC while the larger model will be made by LG. In terms of upgrades, the Pixel 2 is expected to have minor physical changes compared to its predecessor. The design will remain with large top and bottom bezels all in the same 5-inch frame.
Unfortunately, it will not feature a dual-camera setup. However, it is reported to adopt HTC's squeezable frame, which is similar to the brand's U11 phone model. In addition, the headphone jack has been replaced by two front-facing speakers.
The larger model, on the other hand, is set to have a number of new features and design.
It will have a bezel-less and edge-to-edge screen display that is common among the latest flagship smartphones today. This further showcases a 6-inch AMOLED screen as well as a Quad HD with 1440p resolution. Similar to the Pixel 2, this XL version will also have the stereo-speakers in the front as well as the squeezable frame.
Storage for both phones run a 4GB of RAM and an option of 64GB or 128GB of internal.
Google Home
Following Amazon's overhaul of its Echo line, the Silicon Valley giant is also planning to introduce at least one new Home product at the event. Leaks of a miniature version of the Google Home called Home Mini came out in September and is expected to offer the same voice assistant-powered features. Considering a reduced size and a tag price of $50, it could very well be an Amazon Echo Dot competitor. In addition, a Home "Max" speaker has also been in the talks, which offer premium design and high-quality sound. Apart from this bit, no further information has been revealed on this device.
A new Chromebook
When the original Chromebook Pixel came out in 2013 and the Pixel C in 2015, rumors surfaced that the company might debut a new Pixelbook. Accompanying these rumors are details indicating a 360-degree hinge and a built-in handwriting recognition. In addition, an optional Pixelbook Pen can also be availed for the price of $99. The total price of the Chromebook/Android laptop is believed to be at $1,199.
On virtual reality
Details of a new Daydream VR headset has also been leaked, which seems to look a lot like the original. However, it comes in a variety of colors including charcoal, fog, and coral. If the leak proves to be true, the headset will cost $99, which is $20 more expensive than its predecessor. Features and other information are still not available, but the up in price seems to suggest additional specifications for the headset.
