Google Unveils Pixel 2 Smartphone, Pixelbook, and Two New Google Home Speakers

[Rum_Becker]

The translation feature in the headphones is amazing, but I feel Google made a huge mistake to make that particular feature exclusive to the Pixel. By doing so, they are undermining their other hardware partners.

I think they will open it up in a few months, Google did the same with other exclusive features in the past.

Actually, the bigger problem here is that they're giving Samsung, Huawei, LG, and everyone else in their Android ecosystem a run for their money. I don't get the strategy here.

I think the problem is that these companies are fragmenting android too much, just look at Bixby. I don't think Google would be doing this is its partners were not trying to undermine Google. Microsoft had to do the same thing when they introduced the surface, someone has to provide the leadership and vision or else the competition will destroy them. The status quo has changed and Google is providing much-needed leadership to the Android ecosystem.

 

[falainber]

I guess I'll need to take a closer look at the specs and features of the various products, but nothing really jumped out at me. I feel the same way about Apple's recent announcements.

The translation feature of the headphones is an amazing glimpse into the future, but I'm skeptical that it works as well as their on-stage demo. Does it do a dumb word-for-word Babelfish-style translation where the overall translation doesn't really make sense, or does it parse the entire sentence so that the overall translation makes sense?

I was also disappointed by the lack of anything related to Android Wear (watch). I really dislike Apple's square watches and much prefer the round edge-to-edge displays on Android Wear watches, but I'm getting the feeling that they're already abandoning them.

Check their new smart camera (this article does not have info on it). It automatically selects interesting subjects and takes pictures.

 

[DNichter]

A joke. I'm saying apple needs to mass produce x units so everyone gets one on time.

Ah yea, it's a bit tougher when you have to make more than a few hundred for launch.

 

[lordofthereef]

The cable is to keep them in place... lots of people made fun of the AirPods because they looked like they could fall out. Regardless of whether or not its true, a cable definitely makes it more secure

I mean the cable attaching the two not the little loop cable that effectively acts as a pressure spring loop.

 

[Crosscreek]

Such a fun event to watch. Really impressive showing today by Google.

I already see a couple of people complaining about the lack of a dual camera? Guys, the camera has a DxOmark rating of 98. Come on now.

The Google Assistant features showed today are insane.

Really tempting. Camera rating and image stabilization on the small phone plus Google Assistant and P-OLED screen for that price is very tempting.

 

[jmgregory1]

The slightly off-set camera position on the Pixel 2 just looks like they didn't want to appear to be copying either Apple or any of the other Android makers - it looks wrong where they put it. And the face of the standard size Pixel 2 is clearly missing out on the push to go bezel-free. I get that Apple has their iPhone 8 as a carryover too, but it seems strange that Google wouldn't be trying to move ahead in this regard on both the models they're offering.

I do think the top and bottom bezels on the XL look more normal than Apple's X cut-out. Kind of surprised Google didn't go for wireless charging, as Apple's implementation [finally] will undoubtably create demand for Qi charging.

 

[CB1234]

I don’t know. I learned that putting “The End” or “Fin” at the end of your movie means your ending sucks.

If you worried that people thought your ending sucks because you put “The End” at the end, because your entire posts sucks.

We get it you loved the new Pixel, but dissing everything Apple, was truly cringeworthy and sucked big time....

 

[catportal]

Let me guess, Mickey Mouse ears are cutting edge?

I'm not a fan of the notch, but this two tone back that looks like plastic is no bueno.

 

[lordofthereef]

Real friggin time translation are you kidding me!!!!

That's a killer feature.

I agree. Though I’m reserving excitement until people use it. We were just in japan and used the google translate app and it was really hit or miss.

 

[pat500000]

Pixel 2 looks great, comes in at $150 less than iPhone x (if comparing to pixel 2 xl) and T-Mobile will pay me $350 to buy it (though you need to add a line, can’t confirm if we can just shut down a line and add one, will have to ask as that is my plan).

That makes this thing cost me half of an iPhone X out the door. This was already the direction I was considering heading but I think I may just go ahead with it.

Now the earbuds in the other hand.... dig the way the buds look but that cable that you’re forced to use? They almost had my perfect earbud, but alas, I don’t see myself picking these up. Intrigued by the on demand translation feature but not enough to drop $159.

Maybe next translation model?

 

[pika2000]

The Pixelbook is gorgeous but I don't know if it is worth nearly double the price of the Samsung Chromebook Plus and Pro. I'll need some hands-on time before I can consider it as possible replacement for my Macbook Air 11" and 12.9 iPad Pro.

Not sure why the Pixelbook (a laptop running a web browser) is a big deal, when LG already makes a laptop that is actually lighter than the pixelbook and runs full Windows.

 

[lordofthereef]

I'm not a fan of the notch, but this two tone back that looks like plastic is no bueno.

I could take it or leave it. I felt with it with a 5 and 5s (and my son’s SE).

 

[jonnysods]

Apple could learn a thing or two about pricing today.

 

[xitongzou]

iPhone removes headphone jack
"AHAHAHH WTF ARE YOU KIDDING ME?"
Pixel 2 removes headphone jack
"Makes sense"

Airpods 2 $159
"$159?! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAA"
Google Pixel Buds $159
"Cool!"

iPhone Rose Gold
"Ugly AF"
Pixel 2 Kinda Blue
"Ohhhh nice!"

I don't know anyone that is happy about Google removing the headphone jack. Literally the only reason is to sell their Pixel Buds thats it. Apple's excuse was for battery life + force touch. Google doesn't have the same excuse. Part of the Pixel 1's marketing was that they had a headphone jack. Now they take it away. I think a lot of people are dumbfounded at this move. And no its not for waterproofing either - the Xperia / Galaxy are IP68 while having a headphone jack.

 

[shk718]

I watched the keynote...it's considered innovation in my book. This is very hard for me because this is very enticing.
The earphone translator!! Dude...this is the game changer for me.

how is it a game changer? - the iphone can do that now. the earphones aren't doing the translating - the phone is. and its using the phones speaker to voice it. i see no difference.

 

[pika2000]

Next, maybe Google will sell a few of these and Apple will start to feel some pressure.

That will happen only when Google starts selling their products in as many markets as Apple.
Oh, and there’s China.

 

[pat500000]

how is it a game changer? - the iphone can do that now. the earphones aren't doing the translating - the phone is. and its using the phones speaker to voice it. i see no difference.

Show me how iphone does it.

 

[xitongzou]

how is it a game changer? - the iphone can do that now. the earphones aren't doing the translating - the phone is. and its using the phones speaker to voice it. i see no difference.

Can the iPhone do real time translation through the AirPods right now?

 

[lordofthereef]

Not sure why the Pixelbook (a laptop running a web browser) is a big deal, when LG already makes a laptop that is actually lighter than the pixelbook and runs full Windows.

My guess is battery life is the bulletin point, though I feel $1000 is expensive for that. But who knows. People still justify an iPad with a non desktop OS for desktop OS prices, in just not one of them.

 

[sracer]

Not sure why the Pixelbook (a laptop running a web browser) is a big deal, when LG already makes a laptop that is actually lighter than the pixelbook and runs full Windows.

If chromeOS is not a platform for you then I can understand why it would not be a big deal to you.

 

[jimbo1mcm]

Had the original Pixel and it was a very good phone. Wished I had gotten the Really Blue at the time. But the new Kinda Blue looks horrible. You won't be able to give them away soon.

 

[lordofthereef]

how is it a game changer? - the iphone can do that now. the earphones aren't doing the translating - the phone is. and its using the phones speaker to voice it. i see no difference.

The difference is that it seems to be seemless. Regardless of what is actually doing the legwork a simple gesture is what activates it. If you’re abroad, not having to take your phone out every time you want to translate something could be quite a boon. I’d have loved to try these out in japan last month rather than pulling the phone and app out every time.
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Had the original Pixel and it was a very good phone. Wished I had gotten the Really Blue at the time. But the new Kinda Blue looks horrible. You won't be able to give them away soon.

The color looks a lot like some of the galaxy models we’ve seen. Idk how well those sold but I’m guessing google paid attention and decided it was a good enough color to produce en mass. FWIW I don’t care for it either but it’s not bad enough that I’d actively avoid it.

 

[shk718]

The difference is that it seems to be seemless. Regardless of what is actually doing the legwork a simple gesture is what activates it. If you’re abroad, not having to take your phone out every time you want to translate something could be quite a boon. I’d have loved to try these out in japan last month rather than pulling the phone and app out every time.

if you don't pull the phone out of your pocket how will the person you're trying to communicate with hear the interpretation?

 

[8281]

Are you talking about eco-system? If so, that wouldn't be a bad thing. Isn't that how Apple been doing as well? Updates for ios and osx?

Yes, exactly. Google can keep everyone in their own little "walled garden." Apple's business model clearly works. Why wouldn't Google want to emulate it a little?

 

[FelixDerKater]

Cloth. Leather is next.