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Google shows its first own Pixel smartphones, VR glasses, Chromecast and much more

4.10.2016

Translation: machine translated

The Nexus phones are history. Google presented the first Pixel phones, which are "Made by Google", at an event in San Francisco on Tuesday. There was also a new version of Android, a new Chromecast, Google Home and its own VR glasses.

Update: We are working at full speed to procure the devices as quickly as possible. The distribution strategy has changed compared to the Nexus smartphones, so we cannot yet say when and at what price we will be able to offer the Pixel phones. As soon as we know more, we will let you know.

Google presented its new hardware as it does every autumn. But this year was a little different. For the first time, the search engine giant presented hardware "Made by Google". The Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones are the successors to the Nexus series - Google's flagship mobile phones. They were supposedly produced by HTC, but there is no sign of this on the devices. However, the two new smartphones were by no means the only highlight that Google had in store on Tuesday in San Francisco.

Pixel and Pixel XL

There were few surprises here. Both devices have already been illuminated from every conceivable angle in advance. The two-coloured and partially glass back is emblazoned with the Google G. Both devices are technically identical, with the exception of the battery and the display resolution. The Pixel has a 5-inch display with a resolution of 1080p and a battery with a capacity of 2770 mAh. Its bigger brother, the Pixel XL, has a 5.5-inch display with 2560x1440 pixels and a 3450 mAh battery. Both have a fingerprint scanner on the back and are made of a classy aluminium casing. The remaining specifications:

Processor: Snapdragon 821
RAM: 4GB
Memory: 32 or 128 GB
Camera: 12.3 megapixels (rear) and 8 megapixels (front)
Connection: USB-C and 3.5 mm headphone connection
Display: Gorilla Glass 4
Colours: silver, black, blue (limited)

As a bonus, you get unlimited photo and video storage in the cloud for original-size images. Since Google Drive manages the storage space of all Google applications (Gmail, Photos, etc.) together, many people should get plenty more space in Drive as a result.

The unlimited photo and video storage space will also come in handy, as the built-in camera is currently said to be the best smartphone camera on the market. Google refers to the rating of the camera comparison portal DxOMark.

The new messenger app Allo and the video chat app Duo are pre-installed. Both can also be downloaded on other Android phones.

The Pixel phones differ from their Nexus predecessors with the new Pixel Launcher. You can now access the app overview by dragging it upwards from the bottom edge of the display with your finger. In addition, the Google search window has been slightly customised, app icons are now mostly round and grouped together they are displayed more clearly.

As usual, Google's flagship smartphones are delivered with the latest Android software. Android 7.0 is already available, you might say. Correct. That's why the Pixel phones are already running Android 7.1.

While the Nexus devices have always been known for their excellent value for money, you now have to dig deeper into your pockets for the Pixel phones. The Pixel XL costs 769 dollars and 869 dollars and the smaller Pixel 649 dollars and 749 dollars, depending on the memory version. The devices are currently only available to buy in a few countries such as the USA and Germany.

Google Assistant

The new Google Assistant is a particularly exciting feature. Anyone who has tried the messenger app Allo will already be familiar with it. It replaces the previous Google voice search. The Google Assistant can handle complex questions and also allows follow-up questions. So if you ask: Where is "Finding Dory" showing in the cinema, the first thing you get is a list of cinemas nearby that are showing the film. You can then ask: Is it any good? And Google presents various ratings.

As with the previous search, the English version is the most advanced and offers a wider range of functions. Swiss German is not yet possible anyway. That may soon change. Google CEO Sundar Pichai has explicitly pointed out that the Assistant will probably soon be able to distinguish between German and Swiss German.

Google Home

Google Home is the answer to Amazon's Echo. A small cylindrical device that is controlled by voice and acts as an intelligent assistant at home. It can be used to hold conversations in a similar way to the Google Assistant on Pixel phones. Complex searches, weather information, ordering a pizza or making appointments are no problem. Google Home also controls compatible devices. So when you get home, you can tell Google Home to start Spotify, dim the Philips Hue lights and lower the blinds.

Can be pre-ordered now in the USA for 129 dollars.

Chromecast Ultra

The name sounds a little too grand, but is probably due to the fact that the new Chromecast supports UHD (Ultra High Definition) as well as HDR and Dolby Vision. Google Play Movies also upgrades the offering to UHD. At 69 dollars, the price is unfortunately also somewhat ultra, but anyone who wants to stream in UHD via Chromecast will not be able to avoid it.

Google Wifi

Google already has a router on sale with the OnHub. The difference is that, like the Pixel series, Google Wifi is an in-house product. The router looks like a double hockey puck and promises easy setup and operation thanks to the accompanying app. You can combine several Google Wifi to guarantee reception throughout the house. As with the OnHub, the design has been chosen so that the device blends discreetly into the interior. The attractive price of 129 dollars (299 dollars in a pack of three) does the rest. Fun feature: you can pause the internet if you want to eat with the family undisturbed.

Google Daydream

As promised at the Google I/O developer conference in May, the company has presented its own VR glasses together with the Daydream VR platform. The Daydream View works on the same principle as Samsung's Gear VR. In technical terms, it is therefore much more advanced than the Google Cardboard economy solution. They are partly made of fabric, which should make them particularly comfortable to wear and breathable. Glasses wearers will be pleased that special attention has been paid to the necessary space.

Compatible smartphones (initially exclusively the Pixel phones) are inserted and you have your own VR glasses. There is also a small controller. In the exclusive "Harry Potter" adventure "Fantastic Beasts and where to find them", it serves as a magic wand. The space shooter "Eve: Gunjack" comes from the makers of "Eve Online". Here, the remote control is used for aiming. The Daydream View can also be used to watch films. Practical if you want to isolate yourself on the plane.

Google will be offering the set for an attractive price of 79 dollars from November. Daydream headsets from other manufacturers are set to follow.

Header image: Picture: The Verge

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Philipp Rüegg

Senior Editor

Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.ch

As a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles.

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