Google unveiled second generation of its Pixel smartphone
- Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL – priced at 649$ & 849$ respectively.
The Pixels each come in a couple of colors: Clearly
White, Just Black, and Kinda Blue for the smaller model, and Just Black and
Black & White for the larger. The Black & White might be the
best-looking model of all, with a black glass stripe at the top, an all-white
aluminum body, and a loud orange power button. Both are cleaner and slimmer
than last year's devices, with a small camera hump on the back and a slightly
concave fingerprint reader.
Both phones are identical in theory, but the XL
looks much more impressive. The smaller Pixel 2 has big black spaces above and
below the screen, to accommodate Google's design ethos and the two stereo
speakers on the front. Next to the Note 8, iPhone X, or Galaxy S8, the huge
bezels just look old. The XL's bezels are smaller, rounded, and better
integrated with the rest of the device. It's a much better look. The larger
phone feels better, too, with a slimmer edge and a rounded P-OLED screen that
bends toward the side of the phone.
The devices,
which will compete in the premium segment with devices like Apple's iPhone 8
and X as well as Samsung's Note 8, will be available in five other markets
including the US, the UK and Australia. Google said that with Pixel, it has
"created the world's best smartphone camera".
"Pixel 2
is loaded with a better camera that not only lets you take great pictures but
helps you understand the world around you; a battery that lasts all day; and an
Assistant that helps you get more done," it said in a statement.
During the launch event, Google also demonstrated
Google Lens a new set of visual features that builds on Google's advancements
in computer vision and machine learning.
Google has
applied its search know-how in intriguing ways. Snap a picture of an album
cover, and it will offer various useful links, including to YouTube in case you
want to hear a track. Taking a picture of a book cover can link you to reviews.
That's arguably more useful than the shopping links or place identifications at
which Bixby Vision excels.
Google has also made “Motion Photos,” which seem
like an answer to Apple's moving “Live Photos.” In fact, they seem almost
identical, but it's a nice feature to have for Android.
Google has added “Active Edge” to the Pixel 2, which
lets you squeeze your phone to activate Google's voice assistant. It's not a
horrible idea, it works, at least in demos but I am curious as to how often
Assistant triggers while sliding into tight pockets on skinny jeans or other
tight spots. There is a setting on the phone that lets you set how firm a grip
you want to use to trigger Assistant, so that may help prevent AI mishaps.
Squeezing is also supposed to work through cases, which is another point that
will require further testing.
Also, just a year after making fun of Apple for
ditching the headphone jack, Google has ditched the headphone jack for the
Pixel 2. I overheard a Google demonstrator actually apologize to a member of
the media for that the explanation for getting rid of it is that it gives you
more space in the phone for other components.
Both phones have all-metal bodies with the exception
of a glass “visor” at the back. The back of the phone also houses the
fingerprint reader.
To sum it up, both are an impressive set of phones,
even in the absence of anything completely spectacular. The features Google has
added aren't groundbreaking, but they are thoughtful and at least in the demos work
as intended. It may not rock your world, but it seems it will make it easier to
get through the day.
Pixel 2 has set a new
standard for Android phones. You can preorder it in the link.
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