Google Unveils the Pixel 3 and 3XL with New AI Camera Features

Google’s also boasting an integrated Titan Security system – the same security that Google uses internally – and automatic system updates in the background. There have been a couple of big announcements, so in case you missed them, here’s a quick recap of everything released today.

I honestly thought the Google Home Hub was going to be bigger. When a call comes in, three buttons come up – answer, reject, or screen call. Like other Google Home devices, you can shout “Hey Google” to wake it up. As a telemarketer talks to the phone, a live transcript pops up that you can follow along and answer if you want to. The company on Tuesday introduced the Google Home Hub, a smart speaker with a display.

As to whether this gives Google an edge over Amazon in the battle for the smart home ecosystem: right now, it probably does, but just a little. Alternatively, you could set the Home Hub to turn on your alarm, switch off the lights, and dim its screen when you say “Hey Google, good night”. On the back of the phones is a 12.2MP 28mm f/1.8 (35mm equiv.) dual-pixel camera.

The company’s Android software has gone from being an also-ran to the brains of most of the world’s smartphones, and Google topped Amazon.com Inc in smart speaker sales in recent quarters. The third in its line of high-end smartphones, the Google Pixel has previously impressed reviewers with its camera quality. Available later this year, comes only in Midnight Blue.

The detachable keyboard accessory features circular keys and a touchpad.

The search giant said Monday its new tablet is part of the company’s lineup of Pixel-branded hardware, including the Pixel smartphone and Pixelbook laptop. The $599 iteration of the Pixel Slate will have an Intel Celeron processor with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of onboard storage.

Google is pushing the AI elements of its new phones.

However, it wasn’t clear if these refer to different sizes, designs, or if there will be a version with 4G and one with just Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. There are black areas on both the sides of the device, and it could hint towards cellular connectivity, but we’re not sure about it. By comparison, Apple sold about 217 million iPhones a year ago.

In terms of the concept of a smart home, the philosophical difference is apparent, especially when you put the Google Home Hub up against the competition.

The new Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will go head-to-head with Apple’s iPhone Xs as an Android alternative and boast improved camera specs as the headline feature.

The fronts of the phones now have two separate cameras: an 8MP 28mm f/1.8 (35mm equiv.) standard one and an 8MP 19mm f/2.2 (35mm equiv.) wide-angle one.

The Pixel 3 and 3 XL will be available officially in 13 countries, including several new ones.

Both the Pixel 3 variants come with high-quality Pixel USB-C earbuds and a USB-C Digital to 3.5 mm headphone adapter in the box.

This isn’t just a wireless charger. The phones also offer wireless charging.

You can pre-order the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL direct from the Google Store right now; the Pixel 3 starts at $799, the Pixel 3 XL at $899.

So, at the entry level, you’re looking at an $800 purchase for the (almost – we’re not counting the stylus) complete Google Pixel Slate experience at the ground level, whereas the iPad Pro gets you there at a whopping $970.