Apple had its moment last month
, and now it’s Google’s time to shine! Google’s MadeByGoogle event is finally here, though some of the excitement is tempered by the fact that we’ve seen a tonne of leaks on the Pixel 3 and the Pixel 3 XL so far. The event is taking place in New York, and this is where you can find all the updates from the event, which will kick off at 8.30 pm tonight. If you’re here early, here’s a quick look at all that we’re expecting. The Pixel 3 and the Pixel 3 XL, have leaked endlessly in the past and we essentially know all the details about the device. The biggest thing that people have been arguing about is the gigantic notch on the Pixel 3 XL, which almost looks like a face. [caption id=“attachment_5347671” align=“alignnone” width=“1024”]
MadeByGoogle launch event. Image: YouTube/Google[/caption] Besides the Pixels, we are also expecting an unusual smart speaker this time, with a touchscreen display of about 7 inches mounted on a cloth-covered speaker, which will be called the Google Home Hub. There is also Google’s first Chrome OS tablet, called the Pixel Slate which might be launched at the event. It might feature a detachable keyboard accessory and have support for an active pen. A wireless charging stand called the Pixel Stand with a Google Assistant interface, a Pixelbook 2 and finally, a new Chromecast, are also expected.
Google Pixel 3 event highlights: Pixel 3 launched at Rs 71,000, XL at Rs 83,000
Devices will be available for pre-order from 11 October, to ship 1 November.
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Google Pixel 3: Specs and availability
OS: Android 9.0 Pie
RAM: 4 GB
Storage: 64/128 GB
SoC: Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
Battery: 2,915 mAh, 18 W fast charger included, Qi support
Colours: Clearly White, Just Black, Not Pink
Pre-orders begin 11 October
Devices to be available from 1 November.
Pixel 3, 64 GB: Rs 71,000
Pixel 3, 128 GB: Rs 80,000
Pixel 3 XL, 64 GB: Rs 83,000
Pixel 3 XL, 128 GB: Rs 92,000
Your own personal Google
Designed from the inside out to offer your own personal Google, says Osterloh.
We’re taking user wellbeing very seriously.
All devices are available on store.google.com.
And that seems to it. A rather quick and low-key event for products that deserved more.
Google Pixel 3 prices
Google Pixel 3: $799, arrival on 19 October
Pixel Stand: $79
For now, these are US launch dates and prices.
Pixel Stand
The phone will provide a totally different experience when charging. Introducing: The Pixel Stand.
The stand changes the way you interact with the phone. The UI changes to be visible from across the room. The alarm is also more thoughtful. The screen, for example, will brighten more slowly.
Google Pixel stand with Google Assistant announced
Flip to Shush!
You can flip the Pixel to shush all the notifications.
No more pesky spammers
Just tap “Screen Call” when you get a call and the phone will automatically answer the call and ask who’s calling and why. The conversation is transcribed in real-time on the screen. You can then simply ask Google to send a quick reply or mark the call as spam. You can, of course, answer the call if you feel like it.
This is game-changing!
When is Google Duplex coming though?
Google Lens
Google Lens support is integrated into the phone. Google’s calling such features “superpowers”.
Motion AF will continuously track moving objects and maintain focus. Other features will track smiles and take pictures automatically only when you’re smiling.
A whole suite of such features will enhance your Google experience.
AR also comes to Pixel
Google has partnered with Marvel, and even Childish Gambino to bring AR stickers to Pixel devices. This feature will also be rolling out to older Pixel phones.
Pixel 3 vs iPhone XS. Who Won?
Group selfies come to Pixel
The phone’s dual front cameras can capture “group selfies”, i.e. wide-angle photos. Yay!
Night Sight: You’ll never need a flash again
Versus the iPhone XS, the Pixel 3 camera seems worlds apart! Images are brighter and cleaner, though this is a Google demo.
The feature is coming to older Pixels as well.
Haha! We see what you did there Google!
Top Shot: Smiles instead of sneezes
Cue compilation of the worst possible photos we’ve ever taken.
Top Shot will skim through the burst of photos it captures for every shot you want to take and pick the best image for you, images with smiles, open eyes and everything else that makes an image great.
The camera is “generations” ahead
Pixel captures a burst of photos and combines them algorithmically. This is “generations” ahead of the competition, says Google.
Pixel Core, the AI that drives Pixel’s camera, is now integrated into Pixel 3.
Pixel 3 is here
Google Pixel 3 announces a partnership with A****nnie L****eibovitz
The smartest camera gets even better
Google is partnering with Annie Leibovitz. She will travel the world and take photos with it.
Other top photographers have shot magazine covers using the phone.
Finally, the phone
Google has finally decided to start talking about the phone.
The phone features a matte-finished glass back. It’ll be available in 3 colours, black, white and pink.
The display is a 6.3-inch unit and is a flexible OLED.
The speakers are 40% louder, it seems. Pixel 3 owners will get 6 months of free YouTube Music.
Prices of the Google Pixel Slate, the Pixel Slate keyboard and the Pixelbook Pen announced
Pixel Slate pricing
Google Pixel Slate: $599
Google Pixel Slate Keyboard: $199
Google Pixelbook Pen: $99
Pixel Slate vs iPad Pro: What do you prefer?
Where’s the phone, Google?
Yes, the Hub is awesome, and so is the Slate, but where’s the Pixel 3? We need more, Google! Hurry it up, please.
The Pixel Slate has a detachable keyboard.
Pixel Slate Keyboard
Pixel Slate supports a keyboard in a folio case. It’s full size and is backlit. There’s also a trackpad.
The folio stand is completely adjustable and you can lay the device flat or at any angle.
Why couldn’t Apple have bothered to design their iPad Pro keyboard like this?
ChromeOS on Pixel Slate actually looks nice
Unlike regular Android tablets, the Pixel Slate runs ChromeOS, which seems surprisingly useful in tablet mode. It’s no longer about blowing up a phone UI.
The power button is a fingerprint sensor.
Pixel Slate is now official
Pixel Slate supports Portrait mode
The 8 MP camera units on the front and back support single-camera portrait mode, just like on the Pixel.
Chord cutters ahoy
Pixel Slate buyers will get three months of free YouTube TV.
Google announces the all-new Pixel Slate
It also comes “with surprisingly bug sound” for a great entertaining experience
Pixel Slate
Slate is a completely new experience. It’s not a laptop trying to be a tablet or a phone trying to be a tablet.
The Pixel Slate features a 290 ppi display, that’s fractionally higher than that of the iPad Pro.
It features dual front-firing speakers that deliver “surprisingly big” sound. AI has apparently helped fine-tune the audio output as well.
The Google Pixel Slate
ChromeOS brings together the best of Google
Security, speed and usability, says Osterloh, is the promise of ChromeOS.
He then goes on to talk about the usefulness of the device and app support, which was added last year.
This is probably a lead up to the Pixel Slate.
The Google Home Hub has been launched at $145
It goes on sale on 22 October in US, Australia and UK.
Pricing and availability
Google Home Hub will go on sale at $149 in the US, UK and Australia on 22 October.
Best foot forward
AI will ensure that only your “best” photos are visible. Blurry photos, for example, will not be visible.