Can Pixel outsnap the latest iPhone?
GOOGLE has unveiled new phones, smart speakers and other devices including a laptop-tablet and wireless headphones that can translate languages for you in real time.
The company’s latest suite of consumer tech gadgets is infused with artificial intelligence in Google’s renewed bid to claim the high ground against rivals Amazon and Apple in the AI race.
NEW PHONES
The search giant has debuted its second generation smartphone, the Pixel 2 and the larger XL version.
While the Pixel 2 looks almost identical to its predecessor, the 2 XL has seen some notable design changes. Like other premium phones on the market, Google has followed the trend of pushing the display right to edges of the phone’s face, reducing the bezel. As a result the XL display has jumped from 5.5 inches (14cm) to 6 inches (15.2cm).
Both the 6-inch Pixel XL and the 5-inch Pixel will also do away with the headphone jack, something Apple did with the iPhone 7 last year. After subtly mocking Apple for the move, Google has now followed suit.
Google has improved the already highly rated camera on the Pixel, boasting that it will take even better photos than the iPhone.
In Australia, the Pixel 2 will cost $1079 for a model with 64GB of storage, and $1229 for 128GB or storage. The XL will cost $1399 (64GB) and $1549 (128GB).
LANGUAGE TRANSLATING PIXEL BUDS
Google is taking aim at Apple’s highly popular Airpods – recently voted by customers as it best product – with its own version of wireless headphones, which boast the capability to translate 40 different languages in real time.
The earbuds use Google Assistant so you can converse with the AI-powered helper without taking out your phone. There is a touch pad on the right headphone bud to access Google Assistant which also allows you to toggle with your music.
Unlike the AirPods, they aren’t completely wireless as a cable connects each side of the headphone set.
The truly impressive feature of the earbuds appears to be the real time language translation.
During a demo at the launch event, two Google employees had a chat on stage with one speaking in Swedish and the other responding in English as the headphones translated over the loudspeaker.
The feature will work on any Android-powered phone with the latest Google Assistant and will retail in the US for $US159.
SMART SPEAKERS
Google’s home speaker was released in Australia just a few months ago and the company has now unveiled a mini version. The small disc-shaped speaker is covered in fabric and includes the same features rolled out in the cylindrical speaker that Google released in response to the Amazon Echo.
The company also unveiled a larger version for music lovers called the Google Home Max – a rectangular speaker with superior acoustics for playing music, mimicking Apple’s HomePod.
Google also annouced Pixelbook, a two-in-one notebook that can be used as a tablet and has a 12.3-inch (31.2cm) touchscreen display. Pricing and availability for Australia has not been announced.