October is normally the month where Google announces its latest products, including the new Pixel phone and more. For this year’s Made by Google 2018 event, Google has announced three products — Pixel 3 series, Pixel Slate, and Google Home Hub.
Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL
For the third year in a row, Google has announced two sizes of Pixel device. The Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL pack quite identical specs with some minor differences. Both devices are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor with 4GB RAM and 64GB/128GB non-expandable storage.
In terms of display, the Pixel 3 has a 5.5-inch 18:9 Full HD+ OLED display, while the Pixel 3 XL has a larger 6.3-inch 18.5:9 QHD+ OLED display. Yeap, the Pixel 3 XL has a big notch, which looks kind of weird.
Both devices still come with front-firing stereo speakers, which you don’t normally see in smartphones nowadays. The 3.5mm audio jack remains absent on both devices.
Camera wise, both devices have a 12.2MP f/1.8 camera with OIS, no multiple cameras like most flagships. The new camera now features Top Shot, which uses AI to help you capture the perfect photo every time. Despite not having a telephoto camera, the camera also features Super Res Zoom, a computational photography technique, traditionally used for astronomy and scientific imaging, that produces sharp details when you zoom. Selfie wise, there are two cameras — 8MP f/1.8 AF 75° lens + 8MP f/2.2 FF 90° lens.
The Pixel 3 has a 2,915mAh battery, while the Pixel 3 XL has a 3,430mAh battery. Both devices support 18W fast wired charging and 10W wireless charging. Yes, both devices now support wireless charging. Google even announced a new accessory — Pixel Stand, which charges the phone wirelessly and also allows your Pixel 3 phone to work as a Google Home, a photo frame, and even a sunrise alarm.
Both Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL are available in three colors: Just Black, Clearly White, and Not Pink. Sadly, it seems that Malaysia won’t be getting both devices as both phones will be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, India, Ireland, Italy, Singapore, Spain, Taiwan, United Kingdom, and United States.
Pixel Slate
The Pixel Slate is the latest Chrome OS tablet by the company. It has the all-new 12.3-inch 3:2 Molecular Display with 6 million pixels. The device is powered by up to an Intel Core i7 processor with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage.
The tablet also comes with accessories like the Pixelbook Pen and the keyboard, which costs $100 and $200, respectively. This means that the Pixel Slate can potentially replace your laptop. Additionally, it also comes with Titan security chip, which also has a built-in virus protection too.
The Pixel Slate comes with 8MP cameras on both front and rear. Surprisingly, there’s also Portrait mode, which means you can use it to take pictures.
Like the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, it seems that the Pixel Slate will not enter Malaysia as well. The starting price of this tablet is $599.
Google Home Hub
Lastly, Google announced the Home Hub. It is basically a smart speaker with a display attached to it. Unlike Google Home, it actually has a screen to show you results from Google Assistant. Additionally, you get to use Google Services like Photos, Maps, Calendar, and YouTube. Music streaming apps like Spotify, Pandora, and iHeartRadio are supported as well.
The Home Hub doesn’t have a camera, but it has an ambient light sensor that will adapt the brightness on the screen to the conditions around it. Google called it Ambient EQ, the 7-inch screen will turn off entirely when you go to sleep.
The Google Home Hub is available in four fabric finishes — Chalk, Aqua, Sand, and Charcoal.
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