In the 100-minute event held yesterday, Google unveiled a wide range of products made by its in-house product team. Through unveiling an array of products, the company has made its strategy clear, of controlling both hardware and software for its devices. The factor all these products have in common is the artificial intelligence (AI), which is seen as Google Assistant, a voice-activated assistance service. This means there is no more “Ok Google” or “Google Now”.
“The goal is to build a personal Google for each and every individual,” said Sundar Pichai, Google’s chief executive.
To sum up the launches, Google has launched its phone – Pixel and its variant Pixel XL; a new Wi-Fi router; a virtual reality headset Daydream view; Google Home smart speaker; and a Chromecast device Chromecast Ultra.
Google Wi-Fi router
One of Google Wi-Fi router's highlight features is its expandable network. The device uses multiple routers to create coverage across the home. There are other smart features such as managing Wi-Fi access for connected devices and Network Assist working to keep the signal strong for users, The router costs $129 (approx. Rs. 8600) or $299 (Rs. 19,900) for a 3-pack. Google Wi-Fi can be pre-ordered in November and will be available by December in the U.S.
Google Chromecast Ultra
It streams videos in 4K resolution, supporting both HDR10 and Dolby Vision HDR video. There’s an Ethernet port to handle the heavier load of data. It loads videos up to 1.8 faster than previous Chromecast dongles and bears an Ethernet port if required. Google Play Movies will start offering 4K content next month. With the support of Google Home speaker, users can control their TV via voice commands. Priced at $69 (Rs. 4600), the new Chromecast Ultra comes in November.
Google Home
Google Home was initially announced at Google I/O developer conference earlier this year. Launched as a competitor to Amazon Echo, this is a stylish personal assistant speaker. Users can ask Google Home to read the calendar appointments, add Shopping List, work out the fastest route to a place, or even to reply emails or SMS (user can simply dictate the content). The user need not wear any an Android Wear smartwatch or have your smartphone to hand to control it. Rather, he/she can simply shout his need aloud. Interestingly, families can share Google Home hub. They can work from a single shared calendar or Google Play Music account.
Google Daydream VR Headset and Controller
Priced at $79 (roughly Rs. 5,300), Google Daydream VR Headset looks like a fabric and is hand-washable. Users can insert their Daydream-ready smartphones in the headset and start using it. There’s no wire required to sync with the phone. There are three colors available -- Slate, Snow, and Crimson. The controller can be fit into the headset for easy storage, and features motion tracking sensors and a volume button. The U.S., Canada, the UK, Australia, and Germany will get the controller. They will be available by November.
Google Pixel & Pixel XL Specifications
Undoubtedly, Google Phone was the predominant attraction of the event. To quickly go through Pixel’s specifications; we find that new Google Pixel is a 5-inch and XL is 5.5-inch smartphones featuring a full-HD AMOLED display with 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection. Pixel is the first smartphone with the Google Assistant built into the device. Measuring 5.6 x 2.7 x 0.2 inches, Google Pixel has a metal unibody design. It is powered by a 2.15GHz/1.6GHz Snapdragon 821 (MSM8996 pro-AB Quad Core 2+2 Kryo) processor paired with 4GB LPDDR4 RAM. There are two memory configurations available, 32GB or 128GB.
Pixel has a 12.3MP camera, featuring a f/2.0 aperture and big 1.55 micron pixels. There is a Smartburst feature integrated into the smartphone that enables the user to take a sequence of shots and it automatically selects the best one. New exposure controls, Lens Blur (to achieve shallow depth-of-field and bokeh effects), and free unlimited storage for original photos and videos at full resolution in Google Photos are the other exclusive camera-related features of Pixel.
The secondary camera is 8MP IMX179 with f/2.4 Aperture and fixed aperture. It comes with Android Nougat 7.1 OS Nougat loaded. It supports a wide range of connectivity options. While 2770mAh battery powers the Pixel, Pixel XL has a higher battery – 3450mAh. The Pixel also comes deeply integrated with Google Duo and Allo.
Google Pixel Price and Availability: Pixel is priced at Rs. 57,000 and will be available for pre-order from October 13 on Flipkart. Pixel will be available in two colors - Quite Black and Very Silver.
“Pixel users will have access to a toll-free phone support number along with 54 walk-in service centers across 30+ cities in India,” a release from the company added.
