Google could also announce a Pixel charging stand, Chromecast 3, a new Pixel Book 2 and a new Google Home Hub at the event.
We are hours away from the “Made by Google” event where the company will unveil its new Pixel 3 series of smartphones, along with some more devices. The company that started out as a search engine on the web has branched out into numerous categories, which are not limited to software. Google makes smartphones, smart speakers, streaming dongles and at the upcoming event, it is expected to foray into the smart display segment as well. The Made By Google event will be streamed at 8:10 PM IST on October 9 and one can watch the event right here from the video embedded below. Here’s what devices one can expect at the Made By Google event:
Google Pixel 3 XL, Pixel 3 smartphones
We have already come across numerous leaks and reports of the Pixel 3 and the Pixel 3 XL smartphones, which reveal almost everything there is to know about the handsets. While the Pixel 3 is rumoured to feature a larger 18:9 display, the larger Pixel 3 XL is tipped to feature a 6.7-inch AMOLED notched display. The notch is said to house a dual-camera setup and proximity sensors. The phone’s images have also been spotted in White, Black and a new Google Pixel 3 devices may launch in a new light Pink colour light shade of Pink. Both the smartphones are most likely to run on Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC with 4GB RAM. The Pixel 3 might sport a 5.4-inch AMOLED display with 2160×1080 resolution.
In terms of optics, the Pixel 3 XL might feature a 12MP rear camera with a variable aperture that can be adjusted between f/1.8 and f/2.2. On the front, the two cameras could feature dual 8MP sensors with a static f/1.8 aperture lens. The Pixel 3 XL, being a larger device of the two, might be backed by a 3430 mAh battery, while the smaller Pixel 3 could feature a 2,915mAh battery. The two phones should run on Android 9.0 Pie out-of-the-box and as per a recent report, the 64GB Pixel 3 model could be priced at CAD$999 (approx Rs 57,000), while its 128GB model could cost CAD$1129 (approx Rs 64,000). The 64GB Pixel 3 XL will reportedly be priced at CAD$1129 (approx Rs 64,000) and the Pixel 3 XL 128GB is said to cost CAD$1259 (approx Rs 71,600). However, all of the aforementioned specs are rumoured and should be taken with a pinch of salt.
Google Pixel Stand, Chromecast 3 and the Pixel Book 2
It is reported that Google will offer a wireless charging dock called the Pixel Stand with both the smartphones. The device's existence was first tipped by the Google app APK where a short animation shows it working with the phones and the dock. The stand might only allow for vertically charging the Pixel phones and when plugged in, the handsets could start displaying a slideshow viewer and a different Google Assistant interface.
There was no indication or rumours of Google working on a new Chromecast but out-of-the-blue, a user was sold one at Best Buy. It is seen featuring a thicker build and the Chrome logo that was seen on its predecessor has been replaced by Google’s ‘G’ logo. The finish is now matte instead of glossy and the magnetic HDMI connectors have also been removed.
The Pixel Book 2 was spotted in a Google ad, suggesting that the device could be a convertible. Google is rumoured to be working on two models of the Pixel Book 2. The device could feature slimmer bezels in comparison to the existing Pixel Book and the ad shows it accompanied by a touch pen. A video of the other Pixel Book 2, which might not be a convertible, was removed from the Chromium Bug Tracker. The short video revealed a device with thin bezels, rounded keys and a hamburger icon key.
Google Home Hub
The Google Home Hub was leaked in images as a smart speaker with a 7-inch display slapped on top. The device will reportedly offer the display in tandem with all the functionalities of the Google Home series of smart speakers. It might be priced at $149 (Rs 10,900 approx) and is said to go up against the likes of the Amazon Echo Show, the Lenovo Smart Display and the recently launched Facebook Portal displays.
Leaked images of the Google Home Hub suggest that it might not feature a camera on the front. Surprisingly, the device is tipped to not run on Android or support any Android-based apps. It could only feature the Google Assistant and some pre-loaded apps. The device can also be seen featuring a full-range speaker unit on the back, along with a dedicated mute button.
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