I know what you’re thinking, I’ve never posted anything about Android well you’re right, but from that changes today.
I am an Apple fanboy, I’ve always used an iPhone, and I’ve never owned an android. My mother did way back when, but it was full of bloatware and hard to use.
All that said, I think that the pixel phones are some great phones. If the iPhone wasn’t out, I’d probably be rocking the Pixel Phone.
Well today, Google had an event to debut all of their new stuff and man did they (even though most of it was leaked before this). So let get into it.
Pixel 3 Phones
The Pixel 3 will come in 2 sizes and 3 colors. The smaller size is 5.5 inches in a body that’s actually smaller than last years model. The larger 6.3 inches diagonally, but much like the iPhone, there’s a larger notch at the top of the screen.
As far as design goes, both size phones have much more bezel covering the screen than most other phones these days. As well as more plastic covering. I really liked the two tone color of last years model and enjoyed the side button that was also a different color, but I feel like the design us falling behind now.
One of the biggest issues of last years phones were the displays. Last year’s phones were prone to burn-in and image retention as well as color calibration that was sometimes off.
Google spent a lot of time and resources this year to make sure that these issues didn’t come back. The screens, from all accounts, are great this year. But you might wait until they ship and are in the hands of reviewers for a while before you jump in just to be sure.
Its all about the Pictures
The camera in the pixel 2 didn’t get a significant upgrade in regards to specs. It’s still the same amount of megapixels as before, but the sensor has changed to let more light in when snapping a shot.
The lack of megapixels and other features isn’t a big blow to the system at all though. The Pixel had one of the best cameras systems in it last year. This year is no different. The ability for the lens to let more light in makes pictures look even cleaner.
This year, like the iPhone, most of the improvements in the camera are coming from software. The Pixel doesn’t have the two camera system of most of the other modern phones, but it makes due with what it has, and I don’t think that anyone would be none the wiser here. Google has worked out the portrait picture so that it can use software to make the blur effect (they had this last year, and Apple is doing the same thing on the iPhone XR).
This year though, Google has added a few new tricks. One is the ability to snag better looking zoomed in photos even though it doesn’t have the second camera that most phones use for that. The Pixel will also look at the photos that you are taking like a burst, and pick out the best shots for you. It will also use AI to help you take better photos at night.
On the other side of the phone, Google has included 2 front facing cameras inside the notch on the XL. These cameras aren’t for facial recognition, but for focused selfies or wide angle ones so that you can fit more people in. I’m not sure this is the best use for a notch, but I also don’t take too many selfies with very many people.
Spam the Spammer
One of the more intriguing (and kind of creep) features the phone has is a screen call function. This function is the first public use of Duplex, the AI system that will talk to real humans that they showed off last year and got everyone upset over. The big issue was that the machine could mimic a human so well, the people on the phone didn’t know that they were talking to a machine.
Now though, when you get a call from a number you don’t recognize, you will get the option to screen the call. You push the button, and your phone will answer and talk to the people on the other end for you. While this happens, you will get a transcript of the entire thing and you will have some options to control the AI.
If a telemarketer calls, you can have your phone ask them to remove you from the list.
The system also identifies itself as a machine when it answers.
This is some pretty crazy stuff right here. I’m not really sure how I feel about it yet. I do like that you can get it to handle the spammers, but its crazy that a machine is doing all that for you.
I have always wanted a system where the machine could make my appointments for me, and I think this gets us a little closer.
Other stuff
Google is also releasing USB-C earbuds and a wireless charging stand that will allow your Pixel to act as a Google Home speaker while docked. I like that feature, and hope that it invades other phone companies as well.
I think that these phones are great phones (I haven’t held one in my hand yet), so if you’re in the market and you like Andriod, these are the best you could probably get.
Pixel Slate
Google also introduced a new ChromeOS tablet called the Pixel Slate. It’s a larger size screen, which is supposed to be very beautiful. The tablet is designed to come work with the paired keyboard which will fold up and protect the screen as well.
The keyboard looks pretty interesting since it has backlit keys, but I’m not sure I’d like the circular shape of the keys.
There’s also a pen if you’re so interested in that.
The internals
If you want a Google Tablet, this one looks pretty good. I’m not sure that I’d stray away from an iPad and if I did, I’m not sure I’d go with a ChromeOS tablet though.
Assistant in a screen
Much like my rant from Monday about Facebook releasing a home assistant with a screen, Google did the same thing.
The Google Home Hub is now a thing.
If you wanted that.
You can now have a Google Assistant with a screen that’s not your phone or watch. Google left out the camera on this one though. You can’t video chat with anyone as far as I can tell.
It does a have a home view which puts all your smart home controls at your fingertips. When not in use, it will tap into your Google Photos account and bring in your photos as a screen saver.
I’m still not sure why anyone would want one of these things.
Wrap up
Google gave us some pretty interesting things at the event. The phones, while looking a little dated, pack some punch especially if you really value the camera. The tablet looks like a pretty good step in the right direction. And the machines are starting to handle the calling and talking for us. There won’t be much left for us to do in regards to interactions soon.
Oh, and there was an assistant with a screen.
Are you planning on upgrading to the new Pixel? What was your favorite part of the event? Leave a comment!
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