Yesterday Google unveiled its newest roster of devices, including an updated Pixel phone, a high-end tablet and an IoT hub. We look at 5 of the biggest announcements.
Unlike a typical Google event, the company announced its new lineup at the top of the hour and made the products immediately available for pre-order before the event even concluded.
Our family just got bigger. Welcome Pixel 3, Google Home Hub and Pixel Slate, now on Google store #madebygoogle pic.twitter.com/evtB5Uod38
— Google UK (@GoogleUK) October 9, 2018
Watch the event recap here:
Pixel 3
Google’s new flagship phones, the Pixel 3 and 3 XL have bucked the trend for multiple camera lenses, instead opting for more AI features to boost the quality of photos, such as correcting low light, choosing the right moment for snaps and taking wide angle shots for group selfies.
The phone also acts as a replacement Google Assistant when paired with a new stand, which retails for $79.
The Pixel 3 and 3 XL start at $799 and $899, respectively, at a 64GB configuration, and they come in a new “not pink” colour.
AI voice calling system
Google is now rolling out its robot voice calling system “Duplex” for Pixel owners. This lets users request Assistant to call and make reservations or appointments at hair salons.
The new Pixel 3 will also have a spam call-screening feature that can screen suspicious calls and transcribe the message to help you determine whether to block or respond to the call. This feature arrives to other Pixel users later this year.
Pixel Slate takes on iPads and Surface
The Pixel Slate utilises Chrome OS on a tablet for the first time. The 12.3-inch display. A separate keyboard is sold separately for $199. A separate stylus will also be available for $99.
Google Home Hub to rival Echo Show
The Home Hub serves as a smart display that sits as a picture frame in your home. It works as a visual version of Google Assistant, and a video feed for viewing YouTube. It integrates with smart home gadgets to control and schedule those devices based on each user’s routines, and it will contain Voice Match to cater to different members of a family. The Hub is up for preorder today for $149 with a ship date of October 22nd. It’ll arrive first to the US, UK, and Australia, and it’ll come with six free months of YouTube Premium.
Chromecast gets multiroom audio sync
Google also quietly released a new version of its Chromecast streaming dongle, available for purchase as well as new $30 USB-C earbuds. According to Google, the new Chromecast is up to 15 percent faster and allows users to stream audio from services like YouTube Music and Spotify to their TV as well sync up the music to any speaker connected to Chromecast. This multiroom audio feature, which acts much like Chromecast Audio, will be available on the Chromecast later this year. Google will also roll out this function to current owners of the second-generation Chromecast, too.
View the full event livestream here: