Google has finally launched its much-awaited artificial intelligence (AI)-powered Pixel—the first smartphone with Google Assistant. The phone was unveiled during a special launch event in San Francisco in the US.
Google Assistant is a built-in AI program that enables users to have a natural conversation with Google to find answers of their queries or get things done. With Google Assistant, users will get an intelligent personal assistant and a knowledge navigator.
“Ask it for a brief update on your day or to play a video on YouTube, look up traffic on the way home from work, find photos or when the nearest pharmacy closes. The Assistant can also offer help with what’s on-screen in any app. So if your friend texts you to meet up at a new restaurant, you can just say ‘navigate there’,” the company said in a statement.
Google Pixel, with curved sculpted edges, will be available in two sizes — 5 and 5.5-inch with 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protected super AMOLED display. The two variants will feature Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 821 Quad core (2×2.15 Ghz and 2×1.6 Ghz) processors and 4 GB LPDDR4 RAM. The device runs on newest Android operating system, Android 7.1 Nougat, and also boasts a 12.3 mega pixel rear camera with f/2.0 which is able to click stunning photos in any light condition. The new device will be available in blue, black, and silver colors.
According to Google, the phone will get software and security updates as soon as they are available.
“The update process too has been made easier. When a new update is available, it can download and install in the background, so users no longer have to wait for the phone to update,” the company said.
Google has also announced to offer free, unlimited online storage for videos and pictures—in original quality. The Pixel will also have pre-installed Google Duo video calling app and messaging app Allo. The smartphone also features Pixel Imprint—the fingerprint scanner for quick access to all apps, emails and texts.
Pixel’s 2,770 or 3,450 mAh battery charges fast and gives up to seven hours of charge in just 15 minutes. The device also comes with Type-C charging port, 3.5-mm headphone jack, and Bluetooth 4.2.
In the US, the phone will cost $649. Google is working exclusively with Verizon Communications in the US to sell the phone.
In India, pre-order for the phone starts on October 13 on Flipkart, and it will be available at over 1,000 multi-brand retail stores including Reliance Digital, Croma and Vijay, among others. The phone will cost Rs, 57,000 and will be available in two color variants —black and silver.
During the event at San Francisco, the Google also launched a new Wi-Fi router (to offer modular and customizable home networking), the Daydream Virtual-Reality (VR) headset Daydream View, new Google Chromecast—named Chromecast Ultra (offering 4K and HDR streaming support), and AI-powered voice-activated digital assistant Google Home for the living room. Google Wi-fi will cost $129 for one and $299 for three devices. The Daydream VR device and Chromecast Ultra cost $79 and $69 respectively. Google Home is priced at $129 and is available in seven colors.
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