What to expect from second "Made by Google" event today
Tech giant Google is set to unveil the next-generation Pixel smartphones - Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL- at the second "Made by Google" event today. Apart from the handsets, the California-based company is expected to launch many other devices at the hardware event, including new Google Home smart speakers. Take a look at the list of devices likely to be unveiled today!
Pixel 2: Successor of the last year's Pixel device
Google Pixel 2, reportedly manufactured by HTC, would sport a Full-HD display surrounded by regular-sized bezels on the top and bottom, similar to its predecessor. It may have the feature where apps could be triggered by squeezing the side bezels like in the HTC U11. It would have a Snapdragon-835 processor and 4GB RAM; it is expected to be available in 64GB/128GB storage options.
A follow up to the Pixel XL device
The Google Pixel 2 XL, the larger and more premium version of the Pixel 2, is said to be manufactured by LG. The design of the device is expected to be similar to that of LG G6 or LG V30 with minimal bezels on the top and bottom and a QHD display. The handset's specs would be identical to Pixel 2 but more powerful.
Smartphones expected to be a little pricey
Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL devices would run Android 8.0 Oreo out-of-the-box. The handsets may come with dual front-facing speakers, but the 3.5mm headphone jack would be absent, favoring Bluetooth and USB-C headphones. The 64GB variant of Pixel 2 is expected to be priced at $649 (around Rs. 42,400), while Pixel 2 XL would start at $849 (nearly Rs. 55,500).
Google DayDream View headset
Google would also be launching a new DayDream View VR headset. Based on the leaks and rumors, the refreshed headset would come in various colors like Charcoal, Fog, and Coral. It is expected to be priced at $99 (around Rs. 6,500).
A new high-end tablet/laptop hybrid
Google is expected to launch a new PixelBook, which would be a successor to Pixel C tablet. The hybrid tablet, running on Chrome OS, would have a 360-degree hinge. It could be available in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB options priced at $1,199 (roughly Rs. 77,200), $1,399 (Rs. 90,000), and $1,749 (Rs. 1.12L), respectively. A Pixel Pen at $99 (Rs. 6,500) may also be unveiled.
Two new smart speakers to be unveiled
The Google Home Mini, the smaller version of Google Home smart speaker, is expected to be unveiled at the hardware event today. Google Home Mini, expected to be priced at $49 (roughly Rs. 3,200), aims to take on the Amazon Echo Dot. Meanwhile, reports also suggest a larger version of the intelligent home speaker, Google Home Max, would also be launched alongside the Mini.