Google's big hardware show: Pixel 3, Pixel Slate, Home Hub and more

Philipp Rüegg

9.10.2018

Translation: machine translated

New smartphones, new tablet, new Google Home: Google unveiled a whole host of new hardware at the launch event in New York on Tuesday. But because all the devices were leaked from practically every conceivable angle in advance, there were almost no surprises - almost.

I can't remember a device ever being leaked as often as the Google Pixel 3 XL. The first images of the smartphone appeared back in June, a whole four months before the official launch. New images followed at regular intervals thereafter. At the beginning of August, a Ukrainian mobile phone seller even published a complete unboxing video. After that, it wasn't long before the first detailed reviews appeared.

Despite this, rumours persisted that it was all just marketing. The fat notch in particular annoyed the Pixel fan community and was perfect fodder for conspiracy theorists. In truth, it was all just a ruse to come up with a huge surprise at the launch. Bezel-less Pixel 3 Ultra or even a mini Pixel? Opinions differed widely as to what the mysterious device would look like. As we all know, hope dies last.

Unfortunately, Google's Marketing department wasn't that creative after all. Most of what was shown on Tuesday evening (Swiss time) was already known. But it was still exciting.

Pixel 3 XL and Pixel 3

Google's new smartphones are certainly among the highlights. In terms of price and features, they are once again among the top devices this year. Apart from the size, resolution and notch, the two smartphones are identical.

Two 8 MP cameras are emblazoned on the front. One for normal selfies and a wide-angle lens for group photos - so hopefully you can leave the selfie stick at home in future. When it comes to the main camera, Google is relying on its old strengths and still only installing one camera. This should take even better pictures thanks to new AI functions and HDR+. The Top Shot function, for example, automatically picks out the best picture, even if you have pressed the shutter at the wrong moment, as it records more than just one image. Night Sight, on the other hand, is designed to take better night shots without the need for a flash. The camera is increasingly becoming a stand-out feature of the Pixel.

The not quite bezel-less design means that there is once again room for two stereo speakers on the front, which are said to be 40 per cent louder. The fingerprint scanner is again located in the same place on the back. A 3.5 mm headphone connection is still missing. Instead, Google is to supply wired USB-C earbuds, as early unboxings have shown. Their design is similar to last year's Pixelbuds, which were not entirely convincing at the time. The packaging should also include a USB-C to 3.5 mm and a USB-C to USB-A adapter. That would be commendable, considering that other manufacturers like to cash in on this. However, the Pixel phones are not cheap.

The two-colour design has been retained. In addition to black (Just Black) and white (Clearly White), there is now also pink (Not Pink).

Specifications

• Processor: Snapdragon 845
• RAM: 4GB
• Memory: 64 GB or 128 GB
• Display: Gorilla Glass 5, OLED, 6.3 inch, 2960 x 1440 pixels (XL) and 5.5 inch, 2160 x 1080 pixels
• Battery: 3430 mAH (XL) and 2915 mAH
• Camera: front 2x 8 MP, back 12.2 MP
• Connections: USB-C

Available in the USA from 18 October for 799 dollars (64 GB Pixel 3). It will come to Germany on 1 November.
Update: You can now pre-order the devices here

Accessories: Pixel Stand
Google offers the Pixel Stand, a docking station for both Pixel smartphones. This utilises the Pixel's wireless charging function, which is guaranteed by the glass back. When you dock the Pixel 3, it acts like a smart display. This means you can control it with your voice and the display shows various information such as messages, appointments or pictures.

The display can slowly light up automatically in the morning to wake you up gently, similar to the Philips light alarm clock, for example.

Price: 79 dollars.

Google Home Hub

Another smart display comes in the form of the Home Hub. In principle, it is nothing more than a Google Home with a display. This means that the Google Assistant is no longer only available in audio form, but can also help out with images and video. Just like the Pixel Stand, the Home Hub can display various information and be controlled by voice. It can be used in the kitchen as a cookbook, in the living room as a digital picture frame or generally as a multifunctional information centre. However, due to the fabric design, I personally wouldn't put it in the kitchen - it's too susceptible to stains.

Thanks to a function called Ambient EQ, the colour and brightness should automatically adapt to the time of day or the room to always offer the best experience. At night, it switches off automatically.

Smart home: compatible lamps, thermostats and cameras can also be controlled with the Home Hub and monitored via the Home View dashboard. There is no integrated camera for this, so video telephony is not possible. In the USA, six months of YouTube Premium is included.

Price: 149 dollars in the USA, UK and Australia. To be released on 22 October

Pixel Slate

The Pixel Slate emulates the Surface Pro. It is a 12-inch tablet with ChromeOS that can be connected to a backlit keyboard. Instead of relying on a fold-out stand like the Surface, the magnetic keyboard dock on the back of the tablet can be moved. This allows you to freely adjust the angle of the display. Alternatively, you can also fold the keyboard down completely if you want to watch videos. A fingerprint scanner is integrated into the power button.

The Pixel Slate is the first tablet with ChromeOS, a new version that brings together the best of mobile and desktop. As with the Pixelbook, it comes with a stylus that can be used in various applications. As ChromeOS has supported Android apps for some time now, software support is also theoretically guaranteed. Theoretically, because it remains to be seen how well they run on the Slate, as the vast majority of apps are still primarily developed for smartphones. After all, the desktop version of Chrome runs on it.

Two stereo front speakers should provide decent sound, but there is no headphone jack. At least Google has installed two USB-C ports.

The Pixel Slate starts at $599 and comes in various configurations. It starts with an 8th generation Intel Celeron and ends with a Core i7 with 256 GB SSD and 16 GB RAM. The keyboard costs 199 dollars and the pen 99. It will be released this year in the USA.

Delivery deadline in Switzerland

As Google still does not officially sell most of its hardware in Switzerland, we are unable to provide exact prices or delivery dates. However, we are endeavouring to make the devices available as quickly as possible.

Philipp Rüegg

Senior Editor

Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.ch

Being the game and gadget geek that I am, working at digitec and Galaxus makes me feel like a kid in a candy shop – but it does take its toll on my wallet. I enjoy tinkering with my PC in Tim Taylor fashion and talking about games on my podcast http://www.onemorelevel.ch. To satisfy my need for speed, I get on my full suspension mountain bike and set out to find some nice trails. My thirst for culture is quenched by deep conversations over a couple of cold ones at the mostly frustrating games of FC Winterthur. more

Follow

---

Smartphone

Follow topics and stay updated on your areas of interest

Follow topic