Google’s Pixel Event Recap

This morning, Google unveiled what were some of the most leaked phones in history, the Pixel 4 handsets. That said, here are some of the main features of the new top line Google phones. The Pixel 4 and 4 XL both sport 90 Hz displays, and have a new rear 16 MP telephoto lens. Google showed off its facial recognition tech, their answer to Apple’s Face ID. The two phones have 5.7 and 6.3 inch OLED screens, respectively.

The 90 Hz display gives them a smoothness edge to the iPhone 11 models, which still have a 60 Hz display (as do most other major smart phones.) Google announced that you can fine tune toe brightness and amount of detail in shadows, making for better shots. The Night Sight has been upgraded…it will produce nicer pics of the night sky, the stars, and even the Milky Way.

Both Pixel phones are notch free, but do have a bigger top bezel for the front cam, ear speaker, and sensors for their version of Face ID….which Google claims works more quickly than Apple’s actual Face ID. The Google system is helped by their new Motion Sense feature which uses a miniature radar sensor that detects movement around the phone. It also facilitates utilizing hand gesture for snoozing alarms, dismissing timers, and silencing incoming calls…without having to pick up the phone.

The Pixel 4 sports a 2800 man battery, with the 4 XL getting a 3700 man battery. Both run on a Snapdragon 855 system. How much? $799 and $899. Preorders start today, with an October 24th release date. They will be available at all major US carriers. You can pick from the previously leaked colors: Clearly White, Just Black, and Oh So Orange.

Also premiering today were the Pixel Buds 2. The wireless earbuds fit flush in the ear, and Google says they scanned thousands of ears to make for a design that is comfortable for as many people as possible. They come with interchangeable ear tips. Google Assistant is built in, of course. The Buds won’t be out until next spring, and will be $179. They will have Clearly White, Oh So Orange, Almost Black, and Quite Mint color choices.

The latest Chromebook got its moment in the spotlight today. It’s the Pixelbook Go, a slim notebook (13mm) that weighs barely over 2 lbs! Specs and features include a 13-inch touchscreen, 8th-generation Intel Core processors, up to 16GB RAM, up to 256GB flash storage, up to 12 hours of battery life, a backlight keyboard with soft typing, two USB-C ports, and a headphone jack. Like other Chromebooks, the Pixelbook Go runs Chrome OS. It starts at $879, with preorders today in the US and Canada.