Google Unveils Two New Pixel Phones
Google Pixel Phone colors
October 22, 2016
Google announced its new non-developer smartphones Google Pixel and Pixel XL on October 4.
“Both smartphones have the same specs and can only be differentiated by the size and resolution of their screens 5-inch 1080p display on the Pixel and 5.5-inch Quad HD panel on the XL,” techjaja states about the two new google Pixel smartphones. Both devices are built by HTC, but Google takes full credit for their design and makes this explicit with its “phone by Google” branding. Both Pixel models are powered by the latest Snapdragon 821 processor and run a specialized version of Google’s Android software. They also have support for the Daydream virtual reality platform.
The Pixels were built on four different core features. The Google Assistant is used to bring up photos from a particular time or place from the past, and also plays whatever music the user asks it to play, choosing your favorite music app by default. Similarly, it integrates the Google Now on Tap functionality, allowing the user to swipe up with information on the screen, such as a restaurant name, and provides further information, such as reviews and the restaurant’s address.
“The Pixel and Pixel XL come with a 12 MP camera which scores an 89 in DxOMark, the highest rating ever,” Google states. Google claims that its new camera has “the shortest capture time on any mobile camera ever.” Google is also proud of the very intricate, gyroscope-based video stabilization on board. The camera also uses HDR+ by default with “zero shutter lag” to achieve the maximum dynamic range for each shot.
Google will allow free unlimited storage for full-resolution images and videos shot with the Pixel. That’s much like the standard Google Photos backup ability, but takes off the size limit, even on 4K video shot with the new phone.
‘If you’ve got a problem with either Pixel phone, you can head to the settings menu and immediately launch a voice call or chat session with Google’s customer support team. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” stated CNN reporter Selena Larson. From there, you can also choose to allow screen sharing so that the Google employee can control your device and show you firsthand how to fix whatever’s not working right. A bundled USB-C adapter will let users easily transfer contacts, messages, photos, and other content from their existing Android device or iPhone over to the Pixel. It will come in three colors: “quite black,” “very silver,” and “really blue.” It starts at $649 and it’s available for preorder starting October 4.