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The Pixel 2 XL, Home Mini, translating Pixel Buds and more: All Google just announced
Google deluged us with new products at today's announcement, including new phones, earbuds that translate on the fly, smart speakers and a lot more.
Lori GruninSenior Editor / Advice
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
ExpertisePhotography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories
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Google
packed a ton into its event, seemingly updating all of its products (or close) --
phones
,
laptops
,
VR
-- as well as announcing a host of new ones. The phones also incorporate the latest version of Google's mobile operating system, Android Oreo, which was unveiled at Google I/O in May.
Watch this: Pixel 2 and 2 XL: Better camera but no headphone jack
Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL
The HTC-built Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are identical save screen size, resolution and battery -- 5 vs. 6 inches; 1,920x1,080 vs. 2,560x1,440; 18:9 curved and polarized OLED, respectively. Highlights include:
Pure Android Oreo, natch
All aluminum
An updated (but still single) camera with better image stabilization for both photos and videos, portrait mode with background defocus, on-chip phase-detection autofocus and Motion Photos. Plus more computational smarts.
Support ARCore, Google's AR programming interface for Android. Camera designed to support AR, Daydream-ready and compatible with headset. Also AR Stickers, animated characters that can interact with each other.
Pixel
phones only.
Squeezeable sides -- Active Edge -- initiates Assistant
Comes in black, white and blue (the latter is available on the Pixel 2 only)
Always-on display for notifications,
music
playing and more, plus home screen "at-a-glance" and search field at the bottom
Front-facing stereo speakers
Water- and dust resistance
Better integration with Google Play and Google Assistant
Pixels incorporate the first Google Lens implementations (a preview) for getting information about real-world objects via the camera, exclusive to the Pixels for now
The company's first foray into
Bluetooth
headphones, the Google Pixel Buds are notable for their ability to translate languages (via Google Translate) when you tap them. Babel Fish!
Other notable features:
Five-hour battery life; with portable charging case up to 24 hours
Joined by neck cord
Works with Google Assistant on Pixels
On-bud microphone, tap or hold right bud for controls
Come in black, white and blue
Priced at $159 or £159, preorders today, available in November
Watch this: Pixel Buds first hands-on
Google Pixel Buds wireless headphones take on Apple Airpods
Nest showed off better integration with Google Home as well, such as being able to tell your thermostat to "make it warmer." A new feature, Broadcast, allows you to have every Home speaker to send a message simultaneously. There are an expanded number of kid-focused experiences -- learning, games and storytelling -- in Family Link as well as more actions.
Google takes its next Home smart speaker to the Max
The follow up to the Chromebook Pixel from 2015, the Pixelbook updates for 2017 with all the capabilities that have become popular in the interim. Such as: