Here's everything Google is expected to announce on October 9
In just days from now, Google will unveil its 2018 flagship smartphones - Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL - along with a host of new hardware including Pixel Stand wireless charger, two new Pixelbooks, and other accessories. The launch event is scheduled for October 9 and will be live streamed on Made By Google's YouTube channel starting 8:30pm IST. Here are finer details.
About Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL
The highlight of the event will be the latest Pixel phones, which unlike previous years, will feature identical specs while having different designs. The Pixel 3 will have a conventional screen while Pixel 3 XL will have a notched display. Further, both the phones are expected to pack same internals and come with two front cameras, single rear-camera, wireless charging, and dual-front firing speakers.
Pixel Stand - A wireless charger
With Pixel 3 phones getting wireless charging support, Google has decided to make a wireless charger for them too. A recent teardown of the latest Google app highlighted the Pixel Stand while showing animations of its possible features. The wireless charger will hold the new Pixel phones in a vertical position and will display information like calendar events, or photos while charging.
Two new Pixelbooks
Firstly, Google is expected to take on Apple's iPad Pro and Microsoft's Surface Pro with a new Chrome OS tablet. Dubbed as Pixel Slate, the device will come with a detachable keyboard and in configurations with up to 16GB RAM and 7th-generation or 8th-generation Intel i7 processors. Secondly, we expect to see the next-generation Pixelbook with up to 4K display resolution and upgraded internals.
New Pixel Buds
Google will introduce new wired Pixel Buds with USB-C Type connectivity, according to some leaks. Moreover, if these leaks are true, we might see them come bundled with the new Pixel 3 devices. Also, Google may update its last year's wireless Pixel Buds. However, with the barrage of Pixel 3-related leaks, we haven't really heard about the second-generation Pixel Buds.
A new Google Home hub and an updated Chromecast
Reports suggest Google is working to launch a new Home speaker with a smart display - just like the Amazon's recently-launched Echo Show. Currently being named as Home Hub, this Google smart speaker will have support for Assistant and YouTube. Further, Google's Chromecast is expected to get a small design and connectivity update with a matte-finished top, improved Wi-Fi support and Bluetooth connectivity.
Alongside new hardware, expect some software surprises
Google will launch a slew of new hardware at its upcoming Made by Google event on October 9. And while we may know a lot about these products (courtesy several leaks), the software side of things will come as a surprise (hopefully and thankfully).
