Google is stepping its game up with a brand new toy for electronic lovers to get their hands on, literally! The Pixel and Pixel XL are the latest obsessions, and a new alternative for Apple’s iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 plus. The new phone is said to have the highest rated smartphone camera, ever. It may look similar to Apple’s most recent iPhone, but it has some features that will blow your mind! Check out 5 key things to know about the new phone below!
1. The Pixel name will replace Google’s Nexus phone brand.
Sadly, if you were a Nexus lover, this is a sad day for you. The Pixel will take over the Nexus name that they used since 2010. Nexus was a series phones aimed at Android users. The Pixel is the first phone made by Google, “inside and out.” It brings Google’s hardware and software together.
2. The Pixel and Pixel XL, are the FIRST phones with the Google Assistant built in.
In case you didn’t know, Google Assistant is the arch rival to Apple’s Siri. It is a two-way conversation Pixel users can have with the assistant. Google says it allows users to have a “natural conversation” to access answers or to easily get tasks done while on the go. You can look up traffic on your commute home, check on when a store closes, or you can access apps, like your photos — All with the command of your voice. Google gives an example, that if a friend texts you to meet them at your favorite restaurant, you can simply call on your Google Assistant to “navigate there.” SO cool!
Your Google Assistant will even recognize what's on your #Pixel screen, so you can get help in context. #madebygoogle pic.twitter.com/8rZPjUBF68
— Google (@Google) October 4, 2016
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3. The Pixel features a 12.3 megapixel camera that is designed for an overall better camera experience.
Google credits their new and improved camera as the “best” smartphone camera they’ve ever made. They put the latest computational photography into their Pixel phones to create an exceptional camera experience. The high-tech camera is said to be lightening fast and easy-to-use. Users will be able to take action shots in real time with “Smartburst”, which takes a “rapid-fire sequence of shots and automatically selects the best one.” The camera also features “Lens Blur” which allows users to reach “shallow depth of field and bokeh effects,” to make the center of your photo stand out. There are new exposure controls that allow users to capture “dramatic landscapes or make faces glow.”
#Pixel's camera is packed with cool features like Smartburst and Lens Blur. #madebygoogle pic.twitter.com/QQtZqcz3qz
— Google (@Google) October 4, 2016
4. Let’s crunch the numbers; Here are some features you will LOVE…
Colors: The Pixel will come in 3 cool colors — “Very Silver,” “Quite Black,” and “Really Blue”. But, the limited edition “Really Blue” is for the U.S. only. Guys, there’s matching cases too!
Battery Life: Google says the Pixel has 7 hours of battery life, and you can get a full charge in just 15 minutes!
Storage: One word — UNLIMITED. Google is allowing free, unlimited storage for full resolution images and videos!
Size: The Pixel and XL comes in two sizes — 5″ and 5.5″
Headphones: Google opted to keep the traditional headphone jack in its new Pixel phone.
Hardware: The Pixel has rounded edges, Gorilla Glass on the front display and back glass and an aluminum body. It also has a fingerprint sensor, “Pixel Imprint” on its back that allows users to swipe and access their notifications.
Let's get to the good stuff. Here's #Pixel by the numbers. #madebygoogle pic.twitter.com/eetVpX0eSu
— Google (@Google) October 4, 2016
5. When can I get the Pixel, and how much will it cost me?
Google revealed that pre-orders will begin Oct. 4 in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Germany and Canada. Pre-orders to India will begin Oct. 13. The phone will ship to customers Oct. 20, and that is also the day it will hit Verizon stores. Google has teamed up with the phone retailer to launch the Pixel and XL nationwide, including Best Buy stores. The Pixel will run customers $649 for the smaller, 5″ base model for 32 GB and $749 for 128 GB. The XL starts at $769 with 32 GB and $869 for 128 GB.
HollywoodLifers, what do you think of the new Google Pixel? Will you try it out? Tell us in the comments below!