Google Pixel, Pixel XL and Co

On 4th of October 2016 Google has unveiled their long awaited Google Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, aka Google Phones. Both are quite impressive indeed, Snapdragon 821 CPU, 4G RAM, 1080p display etc.

The new functions of Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL

  • USB-C plug (never heard of it? check here)
  • 12.3 Megapixel camera, claimed to be the best on the market, rated 89 by dxomark.com (iPhone 7 is rated 86)
  • Google is taking on Apple’s Siri and Microsoft’s Cortana with its own smart service called Google Assistant.
  • And yes folks,  3,5 jack for the headphones is still there, no worries.

The two phones were “designed and built by Google” and are manufactured by HTC (A hardware partner of Google).

More hardware by Google

Apart from Pixel smartphones Google announced several other new devices.

 

VR headset Daydream View

Daydream VR platform is not new, but now we can see the real, full-featured VR headset from Google. Very distinctive feature is microfiber case, so possibly no sweaty face and red face markings after 2 hours of immersion in virtual reality. Headset will work with any Android Nougat phone, including Pixel & Pixel XL.

 

Chromecast Ultra

After selling enough Chromecast 1&2 to take 35% of the 42 million unit global Digital Media Streamer market Google releases Chromecast Ultra. Now with 4K option, and priced at 69 USD.

 

Google Home

The device looks like a sound machine, but indeed is a WiFi router with some extra intelligence. It has integrated Google Assistant to recognize voice command so one can control his TV, order pizza etc.

 

Google WiFi

Round looking WiFi routers which one can put around the house (or office) and create a WiFi Mesh network. WiFi network is configured and monitored over a smartphone. Those of you who are familiar with Meraki will have little troubles doing the right setup.

Google Pixel in Switzerland

Pre-orders for the Google Pixel and Pixel XL begin on October 4, for the US, Australia, Canada, Germany and the UK. You will be able to place your pre-order directly through the Google Store.

Sorry no Switzerland for now, but if you do have German Google Store account plus a virtual post box with europaketshop.ch in Waldshut-Tiengen or Laufenburg, do not wait and order now!