What to Know About Google's New Pixel Phones
As part of its product announcements on Tuesday, Google introduced the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones.
The new phones have useful features for travelers, including unlimited photo storage and high camera quality.
Here’s what you can expect with the Pixel and Pixel XL.
Google Assistant
Pixel will be the first phone with Google Assistant built in. Hold the home button and Google’s Assistant jumps into action, allowing users to ask it for information or help with tasks that range from seeing upcoming events in a location to playing music for you or looking up real-time traffic updates.
Google Assistant is able to scan restaurant names from your messages, and pull up relevant info on the restaurant should you need it. It can also work across a variety of communication systems, from WhatsApp and Viber to calling or using SMS.
A Great Camera
Pixel includes a 12.3-megapixel rear-facing camera with the capability to capture more light, as well as a new feature that allows you to hold down the shutter button and capture multiple images in quick-time, with Google Images selecting the sharpest photos.
An integrated video stabilization feature can automatically straighten out shaky videos, with the phones hosting free unlimited storage for photos and videos at original quality.
Finally, a new feature allows you to see a live video stream of callers before picking up.
Virtual Reality
Pixel comes ready with Google’s Daydream virtual reality platform to allow for high-quality mobile VR experiences.
The company announced that it already has over 50 partners bringing in a variety of apps and games to Daydream by the end of the year.
The platform pairs with the company’s new VR headsets, which are made out of fabric and will cost $79, and a wireless control that with built-in sensors.
VR experiences will range from being able to take curated tours using Google's Street View to watching content from companies like Netflix and HBO.
Quick-charging Battery and Integrated Support
Pixel will get up to seven hours of power on a 15-minute charge, according to the company, and comes with Google’s new Nougat operating system. System and security updates automatically download in the background.
Users will also have access to built-in and live 24/7 customer care to reach a Google Support agent over the phone.
Design
The Pixel and Pixel XL come in 5-inch and 5.5-inch models in black, silver, and blue tones, with a subtle wedge from top to bottom to keep the phone thin where your hand most naturally grips it to make it easy to hold.
The smartphones are available starting at $649, or $27.04 per month. Pre-orders start Tuesday on the Google Store in the United States, Australia, Canada, Germany, and the United Kingdom.
