Google Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL to launch on 4 October: How and where to watch it live

Google is all geared up to launch what is expected to be a long list of hardware devices at its annual event held on 4 October. [caption id=“attachment_4104539” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] The Google Pixel 2 XL. Image: Twitter/@evleaks[/caption] At the launch, Google is expected to announce the successor to its Pixel smartphones (tagged as the Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL by the rumour mill), an update for its **Daydream headset** , **a new Pixelbook** and a smaller version of its Google Home connected speaker. Everyone will be eager to check out the new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones of course. The smartphones that are expected to challenge the new Apple iPhone range in terms of price and features, but with Android Oreo running inside. The event will take place in San Francisco, USA on 4 October at 9.00 am PDT (Pacific Time), which is 9.30 pm IST (India Standard Time) on the same day. Google will have a live stream up and running, so you can catch the event live by hitting the play button below. The event will be livestreamed on Google’s official YouTube channel.

As for what we already know about the **Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL** , the device are expected to feature thick bezels with a refreshed design when compared to the previous models. The Pixel 2 XL is expected to feature the fancier 18:9 ratio display. [caption id=“attachment_4104535” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”] The Google Pixel 2 in white. Image: Twitter/@evleaks[/caption] From what we know thanks to the numerous leaks and rumours so far, the Pixel 2 will be built by HTC while LG will handle the bigger Pixel 2 XL. With that said, one can also expect HTC’s Edge Sense feature to arrive on the Google Pixel 2. And it’s the same reason why Google may have chosen LG for the Full Vision display on the Pixel 2 XL. The hardware inside is expected to be similar on both handsets, which means the key differentiation would come from the display size and the battery capacity. This was made clear when the press renders for both handsets leaked out a few days ago, revealing no difference in the camera setup on both handsets. What the renders also revealed is Google’s insistence on sticking to a single camera setup, as opposed to what every manufacturer has pulled off with their respective flagship handsets this year. [caption id=“attachment_4104545” align=“alignnone” width=“1280”] The Google Pixel 2 XL in white. Image: Twitter/@evleaks[/caption] Last but not the least is the choice of chipsets; and this year, unlike in the past, Google may have settled with the current offering from Qualcomm, instead of using something new and fresh. If the reports turn out to be genuine, both the Google Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL will pack in **Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 instead of the expected 836** . With a minor bump in power, we are not too sure what Google wanted from the 836 either, but ARCore could be one of those important reasons. This makes even more sense as we have yet to see Google demo its ARCore mobile augmented reality (AR) feature on stage; now that Apple has its new ARKit available on both newer and recent iPhone models, with the iOS 11 update. It’s going to be a feature-packed night, so look out for our live blog on tech2, and follow us on Twitter to get the latest updates from the event.