Google unveils phones, watch
Alphabet Inc.’s Google on Thursday said its new Pixel phones will deliver improved voice and camera features while bringing back facial recognition for unlocking the device as it seeks to better compete with Apple Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co.
The company’s Pixel 7 and 7 Pro devices offer more affordable prices than the dominant duo of the mobile market, coming in at $799 and $1,179, respectively, and introduce the second generation of Google’s in-house Tensor chip. The 6.7inch Pro version has an additional zoom camera, better display and more memory than the 6.3-inch Pixel 7.
Google’s Pixel phones every year serve as the showcase for the company’s latest Android software and artificial intelligence-based services, such as the Google Assistant. They demonstrate how Google hopes device-making partners will best use its operating system. Google continues developing hardware, which has only ever sold in small numbers, in part as insurance against missteps by Samsung, the only credible Apple rival in the U.S.
“Google cannot afford to bet its future on Samsung not just for the U.S. market, but for the higher-end market across the board,” said Atlanta-based mobile industry analyst Carolina Milanesi. “It also needs a clean experience to show off its AI.”
Google AI shows up in the upgraded language-processing capabilities of its latest software. The Recorder app for voice memos can now automatically label different speakers in transcriptions, and transcriptions are also being added to audio messages in the new Pixels’ messaging app.
Also introduced at the event was the $449.99 Pixel Watch. It’s the first smartwatch from the company to bear the Pixel name. Google will equip its smartwatch with an onboard app store, Google Wallet for mobile payments and Fitbit health sensors and workout services, the company said.
There’ll be models with and without cellular connectivity and Google promises up to 24 hours of battery life for the round-faced device. It will be available Oct. 13, alongside the new phones.
Questions about the long-term viability of the Pixel line have circulated for years and may intensify now that all tech companies, Google included, are looking at ways to control costs and streamline operations.
Success in the smartphone business requires significant upfront and marketing investment.
“If Google does not become serious about the hardware business, I’m afraid this product will be another lost opportunity to expand its phone business in critical markets, such as North America and Europe,” IDC’s Francisco Jeronimo said ahead of the launch event.