Google unveiled several new tech products, including Google Pixel, its latest smartphone, at yesterday’s #MadeByGoogle event.
In the SEO industry, we’re used to paying attention to whatever Google has to say. But as these new devices prove, it’s worth noting their more tangible technology offerings too.
Tech junkies take note—Google has some good stuff coming up. We’ve summarized it all here for your reading pleasure.
Google Pixel—Google’s New Smartphone
Goodbye, Nexus—here comes Google Pixel.
Kicking off the features of Google Pixel, the new smartphone has what Google calls “the highest rated smartphone camera. Ever.” This is based on tests by DxO Labs, which gave an 89—their highest score to date—to the Pixel. The Pixel also boasts unlimited photo and video storage, as long as they’re taken with your Pixel. And yes, before you ask, it comes with a headphone jack.
Google’s introduction video to the Pixel flashes many other features by too quickly to read. We slowed them down and have listed them here:
- A metal unibody
- 5D Corning Gorilla Glass 4
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 821
- 64Bit Quad-Core Processor
- 4GB LPDDR4 RAM
- AMOLED Display
- 5” QHD w/ 534 ppi
- 5” FHD w/ 441ppi
- True blacks
- 10000:1, super contrast ratio
- 77 million colors
- 3MP camera
- No bump
- 55um large pixels
- Optimized for low light photography
- f/2.0 aperture
- Smart burst
- Fingerprint sensor
- Rear glass shade
- Blue
- Quite black
- Very silver
- Quick switch adapter
- Android Nougat
“Phew,” as is stated at the end of the video, is right.
The pixel will also join Google’s other new products together. It comes with Google Assistant built in, and if you preorder Pixel, you’ll receive the Daydream View, Google’s VR headset, for free. Not a bad deal when you consider many other VR headsets go for one or a couple hundred dollars.
Google is releasing two versions, the Pixel, and Pixel XL.
Google Home—Google’s Hands-Free Assistant
Google’s answer to Amazon Echo is called Google Home. Powered by its Google Assistant software, it features far-field voice recognition as well as touchpad control. It also has a high excursion speaker and a “mute mic” button for privacy. And if you’re worried about the aesthetic issue of having some new device taking up space in your room, you can customize the base by choosing from seven different colors.
At the sound of “Ok Google,” Google Assistant can handle all the typical search-related questions you have—weather, traffic, sports, local restaurants, etc. You can also allow it to “learn about you and get personal” to prep you for your day, providing you with alarm times, retrieving flight info, or telling you about the traffic. It can also integrate with your smart devices to regulate temperature or control your home’s lighting.
Google wants Home and Assistant to make your everyday life a bit easier.
Daydream View—Google’s VR Headset
Virtual Reality is already among us, and now Google is looking to join in on the fun. The Daydream View works with Google’s Pixel smartphone to bring you all your viewing content (shows, movies, YouTube videos) right before your eyes. Concerts, sports, even 360-degree panoramic videos—these will all be available for your viewing pleasure in eye-popping VR.
Google’s site didn’t have many other details, other than the Daydream View comes in three different colors.
Other Google Hardware—Google WiFi and Chromecast Ultra
Google is releasing a WiFi system that is designed to “replace your router.” Google WiFi features intelligent software that keeps you on the fastest connection while optimizing your performance. A simple app manages your WiFi, letting you share passwords, see what devices are online, as well as “pause the signal” to specific devices (like the signals to your kids’ devices when it’s past their bedtime).
One Google WiFi device is sufficient for a 500-1500 ft. Home. Multiple devices may be used to cover larger homes.
Google’s new Chromecast Ultra will allow for 4K streaming, as well as HDR. It connects over your WiFi and plugs into your HDMI, while your phone acts as a remote. The Ultra will optimize your video content to get the best picture quality and resolution.
Google’s continuing devotion to the everyday user is just as impactful in the physical realm as the digital one. Google Pixel, Google Assistant, and their other new hardware seem more than just neat, but convenient. We’ll have to see whether these devices catch on and what kind of impact they have on the tech world at large.
