Review: Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

Updated on Friday, October 27, 2017 at 9:53AM by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Google has stepped up its hardware game in 2017. Aside from a S, M and L version of the Google Home smart speaker, it is also fielding an all new premium Pixelbook 2-in-1, an intriguing smart assistant-powered Pixel Buds headset (with real-time translation), and a new Clips A.I. powered camera.

The showstoppers, however, are the updated Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones which epitomize Google's renewed focus on A.I., machine learning and premium smartphone experiences. Let's dive in.

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See the Stranger Things AR stickers on the Pixel 2 in action

One of the more engaging demos of the new Google Pixel 2 devices were the AR (Augmented Reality) Stickers that they can project onto a scene. Here we see Eleven and the Demogorgon from Netflix' Stranger Things show populating a set piece. Not only are the stickers animated, they are interacting with the real and virtual objects and people around them. This is a simple yet truly engaging implementation of AR. Google is working on more partnerships for this exclusive Pixel initiative. 

Pixel 2 expected to get 'Active Edge' and improved Google Assistant

Fast becoming one of the more anticipated smartphone releases this year, the successor to last year's Google Pixel tandem are still shrouded in mystery even as some marquee features are anticipated come October 4 as per FCC documents. The new Pixel, which we're calling Pixel 2, will be made by HTC and will feature an 'Active Edge' which makes it possible to squeeze the sides of the device to invoke an app or feature (i.e. bring up the camera or, more likely, conjuer up Google Assistant.

Google Assistant, which was one of the key features of last year's Pixel line is also expected to be able to handle more trigger words and, if reports are correct, should have a range of voices to choose from. The Pixel and larger Pixel XL (made by HTC and LG, respectively) are going to ship with Android 8 'Oreo' and should also bring water resistance while omitting the headphone jack. Stay tuned for our coverage of the launch and hands on of the products come October 4.

Source:BGR

Google confirms October 4 launch of Pixel 2 with a billboard ad

It's the time of year where all the major companies launch their flagship phones and Google is expected to respond on October 4 with the successor to its Pixel phone. A billboard in Boston was shot by a reader of Droid Life. The billboard states 'Ask more of your phone' followed by the Google 'G' Logo and the date Oct. 4. 

This is certainly exciting news since the original Pixel and Pixel XL were the sleeper hits of 2016 with their excellent camera performance as well as the introduction of Google Assistant (as well as Google Home, Google WiFi, Daydream VR and the new 4K Chromecasts). All of these products are doing well in the market and we should expect various features to be unlocked by software updates. 

As for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, it seems we're getting hardware from HTC and LG respectively, with LG making the larger Pixel 2 XL and rehashing some of the design cues from its LG V30 flagship phablet. Stay tuned for more news.

Source: Phandroid

Update on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 11:19AM by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Google has confirmed the event with a press invitation. We'll be covering the event, which is also going to be streamed live on October 4 at noon EST.