Back with the highest-rated smartphone camera ever, meet the new Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL → https://t.co/jdr9S9hBzb #madebygoogle pic.twitter.com/OtU78fLTJB
— Google (@Google) October 4, 2017
Google unveiled two brand new phones today: the Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL, showing that they're ready to take on Apple's current reign over mobile hardware hype.
BuzzFeed highlighted some of the more notable features in this edition, which include: water and dust resistance; a new "squeeze" feature that activates Google Assistant, their version of voice control/Siri; and a 12.2 megapixel rear camera. The Pixel 2 XL improves on the old Pixel XL in terms of size, as well, clocking in at 6 inches, as opposed to the old version's 5.5 inches.
Disappointingly, Google also decided to forego installing 3.5mm headphone jacks, echoing Apple's "courageous" decision to do away with them when they introduced the iPhone 7. To that end, Google's taking another page from Apple's playbook, introducing their own branded Bluetooth headphone accessory called "Pixel Buds". But where they edge out Apple's hardware is that the buds also feature gesture control, allowing users to control their media players, answer their phone, or adjust the volume through the buds.
The Verge points out that the most notable feature of the "Pixel Buds" is that if they're paired with a Pixel phone, they can also perform real-time translation. By talking into the earbuds, users can have their phone translate and speak for them live. Again, this only works if they're paired with a Pixel phone, so if your 'Buds are paired with any other Bluetooth-enabled phone, you miss out on this neat feature.
These new phones mark a pretty big step for Google, as the company has only just recently leaned heavily into mobile hardware development. Previously, Google's full hardware lineup included their Chromebook line of laptops, the Chromebox home computer, their Pixel C/Nexus tablets, the Chromecast streaming adapter, Google Home, and their ill-fated Google Glass wearable. They officially entered the mobile phone market on this day last year when they unveiled the first generation Pixel phones. Going back further, their Android and Chrome mobile operating systems have been around for quite some time, but it was previously left up to third-party manufacturers like Samsung, LG, or HTC to develop hardware for that system. In fact, according to The Verge, Google doubled down on their commitment, hiring over 2,000 engineers from HTC (plus hardware and intellectual property) for $1.1 billion just last month.
If you're looking to snag your own Pixel 2 or Pixel 2 XL, you'll be unsurprised to know that their price points are comparable to Apple's. A 64 GB Pixel 2 will run you $649, with the Pixel 2 XL at $849. If you want to double your storage capacity, you're looking at ponying up another $100, putting them at $749 and $949, respectively. Oh, and get this: they come in three colors. "Kind of blue,” “just black,” and “clearly white," according to Mario Queiroz, Google's product chief.
Related: Google Patents Camera Hat, Triggers Painful Google Glass Flashbacks