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Last week Google held its annual autumn event when it announced its new products for the coming year.
Google’s announcements included an upgrade to its flagship phone, the Pixel, which was introduced in its third iteration. But new tech was also introduced, including Google Pixel Slate, Google Home Hub, and Pixel Stand.
Pixel 3
The third version of Google’s Pixel phone, appropriately called the Pixel 3, has new features including better cameras, better battery life and wireless charging. Pixel 3 runs Android Pie, version 9, and Google has promised Android updates will be available to the Pixel 3 for two years.
The Pixel 3 comes in two sizes. The smaller Pixel 3 has a screen size of 5.5 in (14 cm) and the larger Pixel 3 XL has a screen size of 6.3″ (16 cm). Both come with either 64 or 128 GB of storage space.
This video from Google introduces the Pixel 3:
https://youtu.be/vKSA_idPZkc
Both the front and back cameras on the Pixel 3 have been improved. Those who enjoy taking selfies will appreciate the advancements made to the front camera, which include a dual lenses for a wide-angle shot, in case you want to take a group selfie.
The camera has a feature called Top Shot, which uses artificial intelligence to choose the best shot when you take a series of photos and recommend which one is the best.
As Google has offered with photos on past Pixel phones, an unlimited number of Pixel 3 photos can be saved to Google Photos in full resolution for free.
Google Lens is embedded in the Pixel 3 camera so you can identify the subject of your photo instantly. Check out => Google Lens Identifies What’s in Photos — Now for Android and iPhone
The advanced rear camera of the Pixel 3 also has augmented reality capabilities, allowing you to create or enhance the environment in your shots. This feature, called Playground, lets you insert reactive animated objects into your photos and videos.
Pixel 3’s battery is fast-charging and can be charged wirelessly. The battery can last for up to 28 hours of use and up to 12 days of stand-by time. Google also introduced a wireless charging stand for the Pixel 3 called the Pixel Stand. More on the Pixel Stand below.
Google made the Pixel 3 battery smart, with a feature called Adaptive Battery. With this feature turned on, the Pixel 3 won’t use battery life on apps you rarely use, reserving more power for the apps you use most.
Google Assistant on the Pixel 3 can help screen phone calls. Google Assistant on the Pixel 3 can ask unknown callers to state their name and their reason for calling, so you know who is calling you and why.
Don’t miss => Apps to Block Annoying Robocalls
You can keep track of how you spend time on the phone with Pixel 3’s Digital Wellbeing feature. Similar to ScreenTime in iOS 12 on the iPhone, Digital Wellbeing shows you how much time you’ve been wasting spending on your phone and what you’ve been spending your time doing.
By placing the Pixel 3 face down, you can silence your notifications and reduce distractions.
Pixel 3 is available now for pre-order from the Google Store and Verizon Wireless in three colors, Just Black, Clearly White and Not Pink. Prices starting at $799 for the Pixel 3 and $899 for the Pixel 3 XL and shipping will begin on October 18.
Pixel Slate
Pixel Slate is Google’s first tablet using the Pixel name. Like Microsoft’s Surface tablet, the Pixel Slate has an available physical keyboard which attaches to the tablet. This keyboard, called the Pixel Keyboard, has a dedicated key to summon Google Assistant.
This video from Google gives a sneak preview of Pixel Slate.
https://youtu.be/FF1yy67BSp0
Like the Pixel 3 phone, the front-facing camera of the Pixel Slate has two lenses for wide-angle selfies and video chats.
The battery of the Pixel Slate lasts for up to 10 hours and has fast-charging capabilities. With 15 minutes of charging, the Pixel Slate battery can last for two hours.
The Pixel Slate’s 12.3 in (31.24 cm) screen has room for two apps to be open side-by-side so you can multi-task, or multi-play.
The Pixel Slate comes with 4, 8 or 16 GB of storage with prices beginning at $599. Pre-orders are not yet available but you can join the Pixel Slate waitlist at the Google Store.
Google Home Hub
Like Amazon’s Echo Show, Google Home Hub is a smart speaker with a screen. But unlike Echo Show, Google Home Hub can show you YouTube videos, Google Maps and photos from Google Photos.
This video introduces Google Home Hub:
https://youtu.be/LxuHbgz1UtI
Google Home Hub comes with a 7 in (17.78 cm) touch screen display that adjusts its brightness to the light in your room. You can connect your phone with Google Home Hub via Bluetooth to stream podcasts, audiobooks and more.
But Google Home Hub doesn’t have a camera so you can’t use it to video chat, as a baby video monitor, or as a video security monitor.
Google Home Hub also works with Google Assistant to control your smart home devices and answer search questions. Swipe down from the top of the screen to see Home View, which shows the status of your smart home devices connected to your Google Home Hub.
Google Home Hub is available for pre-order now in four colors: Sand, Aqua, Chalk and Charcoal. Shipping will begin on October 22 and the price is $149.
Pixel Stand
Pixel Stand may just be the world’s first smart wireless charger. You can use Pixel Stand to charge your Pixel 3 phone in portrait or landscape mode and it supports fast-charging.
This video shows how the Pixel Stand works:
https://youtu.be/Mek1EfLFOHQ
When the Pixel 3 is in the Pixel Stand, the phone can automatically go into Do Not Disturb mode at night. The Pixel 3 in the Pixel Stand can also gradually wake you in the morning by brightening the screen to mimic the sunrise just before your alarm is set to sound.
When nestled on the Pixel Stand in portrait mode, the Pixel 3 can turn into a digital photo frame, displaying photos from your Google Photos account. It can also act as a video monitor, showing you who is at your door from the camera on your Nest doorbell.
The Pixel Stand is available for pre-order from the Google Store at $79. Shipping begins on October 18.
Your Thoughts
Are you excited by the new products announced by Google last week? Which one (if any) excites you most? Would you like a camera with dual lenses for wide-angle selfies? Would you like a camera with augmented reality built into it?
Share your thoughts in the Comments section below!
Hi Carolyn,
Good to know that Google is coming up with different products. Google Pixel 3 looks good. The fast charging feature is one which is highly required. I think 15 minutes of charging giving you 2 hours battery life is good enough.
Thanks for sharing, have a good day. 🙂
Hi Sajid, Yes, autumn is always an exciting time in tech to see what new products and services are introduced. Google has made improvements to both the hardware and the software of the Pixel phone. The other products they introduced are also intriguing.