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Upcoming 2017 Google Pixel XL May Feature 'Squeezable' Frame for Activating Google Assistant

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Google's second-generation Pixel XL could feature a squeezable body, a 6-inch AMOLED display, and thinner bezels, according to information and rendered images leaked today by Android Police.

LG is said to be manufacturing the Google Pixel XL 2, which features a design that's curved like the original Google Pixel. It continues to offer a rear fingerprint sensor (now located in the aluminum portion of the device) and a large single-lens camera, eschewing the dual-lens camera trend.

googlepixeldesign.jpg
Rendering created by Android Police​

The XL version, which is the only version covered in the leak, offers a 6-inch LG-made display with a 2:1 aspect ratio, rounded corners, and a "minimal bezel." Design wise, it could look a little like Apple's rumored iPhone 8, which is also expected to have a longer design with much thinner side and top/bottom bezels. Current iPhone 8 leaks suggest Apple's device will have little to no bottom bezel and a smaller top bezel, however.

Most notably, the 2017 Pixel XL is rumored to include a "squeezable" frame like the recently launched HTC U11. The technology will let Pixel users squeeze their handsets to activate Google Assistant "in various ways."

In the HTC U11, the "Edge Sense" feature lets people use a squeeze gesture to activate pressure sensors that can turn on the flashlight, launch the camera, take a photo, or launch Google Assistant.

It's not clear when Google's second-generation Pixel XL device will be released, but the original version was unveiled in October of 2016, so a fall release date could be planned. If that's the case, the Pixel XL will launch during the same time frame as the iPhone 8 and could be one of the device's main competitors along with the already-available Samsung Galaxy S8 and the yet-to-be announced rumored Galaxy Note 8.

Article Link: Upcoming 2017 Google Pixel XL May Feature 'Squeezable' Frame for Activating Google Assistant
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2017/07/11/google-pixel-xl-2017-squeezable-frame/
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Reactions: KeanosMagicHat
I was excited when the first Pixel was announced, but this...booooring!
 
CerebralX said:
If I were Google I'd focus on trying to put that finger print sensor underneath the glass as opposed to the back, like Apple are trying to do instead of adding gimmicks like this to their device...
Click to expand...

Back mounted finger print scanners are the best IMO, my phone is always turned on and unlocked as I pull it out of my pocket. I definitely can't say that with the awkward placement of the iPhone's scanner.

I like the way the new Pixel is looking so far, but I don't understand the point of the squeeze sensor...
 
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CerebralX said:
If I were Google I'd focus on trying to put that finger print sensor underneath the glass as opposed to the back, like Apple are trying to do instead of adding gimmicks like this to their device...
Click to expand...
Who said they can't do both? I don't see why this pressure launcher would be gimmicky, sounds very useful.
 
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Reactions: samden
I can see this being useful in ways. Hopefully you'd be able to customize it such as bringing up the multitasking screen and stuff like that.
 
mlody said:
What's next? Bending, spitting or pissing on a phone to activate a feature? A stupid gimmick is a stupid gimmick.
Click to expand...
Eh, people said many things were a stupid gimmick that were new features and turned successful. At least it's not a feature that every phone has on the market. People said Retina screens were stupid, now look.
 
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Swift said:
They sold a million phones last year! Wow! this is cool enough, they might hit a million two.
[doublepost=1499814697][/doublepost]But they always have unpaid interns writing rosy reviews.

https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/google-pixel-pixel-xl-sales/

He predicted up to three million!
Click to expand...

Don't judge it based on the sales. Of course they were never going to compete with Samsung or Apple. But it is a great phone, if you've ever used one. Very snappy, great camera.
 
This and the next iPhone are going to be my biggest contenders. I cannot say whther this squeezable thing is exciting, but more screen and smaller footprint are up there. Stock Android (if I go android) is also a must.
 
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Reactions: CarpalMac and 44267547
Anyone remember when phones would stop a video if you looked away, or when you could take 3D video of ping pong games?

I guess I don't see how this is different than a point-based pressure actuator... you know, a button.
 
lordofthereef said:
This and the next iPhone are going to be my biggest contenders. I cannot say whther this squeezable thing is exciting, but more screen and smaller footprint are up there. Stock Android (if I go android) is also a must.
Click to expand...

Honestly, I think the Google Pixel is the phone to watch out for. The first one is built well and has some really nice features. And ultimately, I think Google is going to be a contender in the long run, it's not going to just about Apple and Samsung anymore.
 
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