Google's new NYC pop-up is like a Google-ized Apple Store
Google's got a hands-on way to check out its new phones, VR and Home hub in New York City. Here's a peek at the space that's open for the holidays.
Google, NYC
Google is launching a New York pop-up for the holidays to show off its "Made by Google" products, including the Pixel phones, Google Home, 4K Chromecast Ultra, Google Wi-Fi routers and Daydream View VR. We got a chance to check out the Soho space on 96 Prince Street before its public opening later this week.
Google in NYC
It's a compact space, but laid out like an art gallery of tech.
Nothing will be sold here; it's a showcase of Google tech, not a store. But there are plenty of demo stations.
It's easy to get hypnotized by the sphere of tablets.
Google's Wi-Fi routers on the table to the left of the sphere.
The sphere is meant to represent Google Photos, but I mostly saw color patterns.
A simulacrum of a NYC kitchen, where Google Home is demoed in everyday family uses.
We didn't cook anything.
A demo of the Chromecast, Google Wi-Fi and Google Home in a tiny living room.
Behind a door, a mysterious room filled with mirrors and glowing LED ropes, where we were encouraged to take low-light photos with the Pixel phones.
Things got weird in the glowing mirror room as we all went into selfie mode.
Some specialized Pixel phone cases on display.
Google's offering a variety of phone case designs, and some you can make yourself. But they can't be ordered here at the pop-up.
Four Google Pixel phone cases, which pair with custom wallpapers.
The entrance to the Daydream View VR lounge, complete with polygonal trees.
You can try the Daydream View here. A close-up peek of the cozy-soft VR headset and its lenses.
The Daydream View comes with its own motion-sensitive remote for games and apps, which works like a tiny Wii remote wand.
If you show up at Google's NYC pop-up, you can spend some time peeking at games and YouTube videos here in this forest. Maybe we'll go back and join you.