The event which saw the unveiling of the Google Pixel also expanded upon virtual reality, WiFi and more.
Yesterday saw Google finally unveil its latest flagship smartphone, the Google Pixel and the Google Pixel XL. But for anyone keeping up with the company, the smartphones were the least of the revelations, considering that nearly every facet about the devices were already known. Google also took the event to expand upon other aspects of their consumer business. They revealed the Daydream View VR headset, the Chromecast Ultra, Google Wifi and Google Home.
The Google Pixel and Pixel XL are mostly similar, differentiating mainly on the size of their screens, whilst nearly every other feature is identical, including the design. As was hinted, both devices were developed by HTC, are powered by Snapdragon 821 processors, feature 4GB worth of RAM and come with either 32 or 128 GB of RAM (yes that’s quite the void in between). As was rumoured, the Pixel smartphones will feature a specialised version of Android Nougat. Find out more about the Google Pixel Smartphones here.
The Daydream View headset is what excited me most. It’s quite the upgrade when compared to Google’s previous foray into the VR headset area, Google Cardboard. However, in many ways, it’s also similar. For instance, slotting a smartphone in is dead simple, even one with a case on. Like Cardboard, it also works with any smartphone, so long as it can run Daydream. Google highlighted on its comfort; it’s lightweight and is made primarily out of plastic and soft fabric, you can even wash it. There’s also a handy remote that slots out of the headset.
The streaming business has never been more widespread. Folks are currently binge watching Luke Cage and salivating over the latest Iron Fist teaser. You’ll be able to stream those Netflix shows directly to your TV with Chromecast Ultra, an upgrade version of the popular Chromecast device that now supports 4K content from YouTube Netflix, and Vudu, with films from Google Play Movies gaining support in November. HDR content, both HDR10 and Dolby Vision formats, will also be supported by the Ultra.
Google’s excursions into routers have finally resulted in a tangible product, Google WiFi. The multi-point network manages your connection as you move through the house, optimising which router you’re connected to. This ensure’s you won’t be seeing a singular bar of WiFi while on the crapper. You can also actively manage the network through the app.
The last big announcement from Google was Google Home, the smart home assistant revealed back at its I/O event in May. The product will go on sale in November and looks to reclaim some market share from Amazon’s Echo device. Home is designed to work with multiple units in a single house and features Google Assistant as an integrated asset, letting you call an Uber with the device or change up your Spotify playlist. In the future, Google says that Home will work as a command and control hub for lots of smart devices. For now, it can be used with Hue lightbulbs, SmartThings, and Nest devices.
