What to Expect from Google's New Pixel Phone in Six Water Cooler Bullet Points
Google releases its first phone today — this is what it's all about.
It feels like every second week some huge piece of hardware is unveiled to the world by wireless headset-wearing marketing execs with click-through presentations — indeed, Apple launched their new iPhone 7 in September — and today it's Google's turn. After 18 years in the biz, they're releasing their own phone: the Google Pixel.
Now, before you Google what a Google Pixel is (and it comes up as the first result, naturally), you should know that this isn't just another Android phone. Unlike Samsung or Sony phones, which use the Google-developed operating system, the Pixel is the first phone that is fully Google — that is, they've designed it from start to finish, so both the hardware and the software is by them. What does this mean? Well it means everything's a a lot smoother and more integrated because Google has been able to develop both technologies to work closely together. Sort of like how Apple build the iPhone and then develop iOS to go with it.
But aside from being the ultimate phone to run Gmail on, the Pixel has a heap of features to give the iPhone a run for its money. These include a camera which apparently wins out against all other smartphones, a super advanced Siri-like Google assistant and unlimited storage.
Unfortunately the worldwide launch does not extend to New Zealand, so the phones — while they'll be released in Australia today — won't be available here for some time. But, regardless, here's six details about the Google Pixel in dot point form that you can use for prime water cooler convo at work today (if not just to annoy your pro-Apple colleagues).
THE CAMERA IS GOOD — LIKE, REALLY GOOD
So good, that it's been given a rating of 89 by DxOMark Mobile, a body that tests and ranks smartphone features and camera. By contrast, the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge scored an 88 and the iPhone 7 an 86. So it's just a little bit better, supposedly. It boast 12 megapixels an f/2.0 aperture and a video stabilisation feature that'll really up the ante on your Snapchats.
THEY'VE CREATED AN AUSSIE SIRI-LIKE ASSISTANT
Just like how Google Maps recruited a local to help give you directions, Google Assistant (which is already being used with other apps like Google Home) will too be an Aussie. That doesn't just extend to its voice though — it will also recognise words that tend to blow tiny robot brains. Google Assistant will hear your "arvo" and "brekkie" and know exactly how to respond to it — with a list of places that do brekkie in the arvo. Assistant makes use of Google's insane web search algorithm, which makes it extremely intelligent.
IT'S GOING TO MAKE VR AN ACCESSIBLE THING
Come November, you'll also be able to buy a virtual reality headset to go with your Pixel — the Daydream View. The Daydream is like a way more advanced (and ergonomic) version of Google Cardboard. It works in the same way that you stick your Pixel (so far the only Daydream-compatible device) into the front and navigate using a wireless remote. It's also made of fabric and is a lot comfier that other clunky VR headsets — we tried it, and it was one of the better ones we've worn. It's clear Google think mobile VR can be the next big thing, so it'll be interesting to see what they do with it.
THE FINGERPRINT UNLOCK 'BUTTON' IS ON THE BACK
Pretty much the only thing that distinguishes the Pixel from the iPhone at a glance (while the Pixel is a bit bigger, it's very much the same shape and width as the iPhone) is its lack of home button at bottom centre. That's because Google has put it on the back. Like the iPhone you can choose to use fingerprint encryption (and/or a pattern) — you just use your pointer finger instead.
THERE'S NO LIMITS ON STORAGE
Because it's Google, it's kind of a given that this phone will be strongly tied to Google Drive and Google Photos. So the good folks at Google (perhaps to make you feel okay about backing up all your data ever with them) are throwing in unlimited cloud storage with your device — which means, unlike a regular free account, you have no limits on the size of the files you're storing.
IT COMES IN TWO SIZES AND COLOURS
They're very well-named as well. There's the five-inch and the five-and-a-half-inch (the Pixel and the Pixel XL, respectively) and they come in Quite Black and Very Silver. Self-explanatory.
The Google Pixel launches globally today, Thursday, October 20, but is not yet available to buy in New Zealand. For more info and hopefully a NZ release date, keep your eyes on madeby.google.com/phone.
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