Thursday, October 5, 2017

Google launches "Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL" here's everything you need to know.


Google unveiled second generation of its Pixel smartphone - Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL – priced at 649$ & 849$ respectively.
 
First the vital stats. The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL both run Qualcomm's Snapdragon 835 processors, 4 GB of RAM and either 64 or 128 GB of storage, and unlike last year's phone, are water and dust resistant. The Pixel 2's 5-inch screen measures 1920x1080 pixels, and the 6-incher on the XL gives you a whopping 2880x1440. Both are OLED screens, which offer deeper blacks and a more dynamic picture. They charge via USB-C, but don't have wireless charging—Google felt the tech doesn't charge fast enough yet. In general, they're top-notch, high-end, bleeding-edge, super-good smartphones. They'd better be, for the price: the Pixel 2 starts at $649 and you'll spend at least $849 for the XL.

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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