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Pixel 4, Pixel Buds, Pixelbook Go and more highlights from the Google event
15.10.2019
Translation: machine translated
Smartphone, Chromebook, router-smart speaker combo and more: there were plenty of new gadgets on show at Google's hardware event in New York - most of which were already known, but not all.
Despite countless leaks, Google did not miss the opportunity to unveil its huge range of new products. In the end, there were a few surprises at the Made-by-Google event in New York. Here are all the devices presented with the most important new functions.
Pixel 4: Astrophotography, Face Unlock, gestures and 90 Hz display
Undoubtedly the most leaked smartphone of all time. Whether it was a targeted marketing campaign or just a complete failure of secrecy, we will probably never know. The fact is that the information leaked in advance was correct. However, that doesn't make the Pixel 4 any less interesting.
Optically, as with previous models, it has a two-colour design. However, the most striking feature is probably the rounded camera square on the back. The Pixel 4 will be no different to the iPhone, which was already a talking point. In return, you will probably get another, if not the best smartphone camera on the market. Google is also jumping on the multi-lens bandwagon. The two cameras have a resolution of 16 megapixels (telephoto lens) and 12.2 megapixels respectively and can record UHD videos at 30 fps. With the improved Night Sight mode, you can now even take photos of the stars. On the front, you can take selfies with an 8 MP wide-angle camera.
As with its predecessors, the Pixel 4 will be available in two versions: the Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XL. The only difference is the display and the battery. The smaller Pixel 4 has a 5.7-inch display with Full HD+ and the XL has a 6.3-inch Quad HD+ display. There is no notch this year, but it is also not borderless like Samsung and co. Instead, the display switches dynamically between 90 Hz and the 60 Hz that is standard on most smartphones. This should make the user experience much smoother. On the other hand, it is likely to put more strain on the battery. This is again available in 2800 mAh and 3700 mAh sizes.
The rest of the equipment is identical. The processor is the Snapdragon 855 and not the latest model, the Snapdragon 855 Plus, which is installed in the OnePlus 7T or the Asus ROG Phone II. Our test will show whether this is to the detriment of the Pixel 4.
On the other hand, Google has given the Pixel more RAM than last year, namely 6 GB. The Pixel 3 only had 4 GB, which subsequently turned out to be a bottleneck. There is a choice of 64 and 128 GB of internal memory.
The Pixel devices will have a recorder app pre-installed. This transcribes live voice recordings directly on the smartphone. An internet connection is not required.
It was also already known from leaks that Google relies on gestures called Motion Sense. You can control certain apps by swiping your hand in the air. This is made possible by a radar chip called Soli. For example, you can skip a song in music apps if you have sticky hands from cooking. It can also be used to lock the device or answer a call. Let's see if this is more than just a gimmick.
You will look in vain for the fingerprint sensor. This has given way to Face Unlock. In future, you will no longer unlock your smartphone with your finger, but with your face. The feature was and is also available on other Android devices. However, Apple has ultimately implemented it most successfully with Face ID. Google's version should work even faster and more reliably. However, I will miss the option to open the notification centre by swiping my finger over the sensor. That was incredibly practical.
And something else is missing: headphones and a USB-C to 3.5 mm adapter. These things were still included with the Pixel 3. With the Pixel 4, you have to buy them separately.
The Pixel 4 starts at 899 francs or 749 euros and the Pixel 4 XL at 1079 francs or 899 euros. It will be officially available in Germany from 24 October and in Switzerland from November.
Here you can find all Pixel phones for pre-order
Pixelbook Go
Most things were also already known about the new 13.3-inch Chromebook from Google. In addition to the standard hardware refresh with Intel Core m3, i5 or i7 processor, 8 GB or 16 GB RAM and 64 to 256 GB storage, the unusual underside stands out. It is rubberised and corrugated. Certainly an eye-catcher.
You also get two USB-C ports and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. Unlike the Pixel Slate, Google has once again opted for the classic notebook design instead of a 2-in-1 with the Pixelbook Go, meaning you can't remove the display.
The Pixelbook will not be released in Europe for the time being. It will go on sale in the USA on 28 October. The entry-level model with Intel Core m3 costs 649 dollars and the top model with Intel Core i7, 16 GB RAM and 256 GB storage costs 1399 dollars.
Google Pixel Buds
The first version of the Pixel Buds met with a moderate response. I also realised during my review that Google still has a lot of work to do. They have obviously taken the criticism to heart. The new models are now completely wireless. They come in a small white box that also serves as a charging station. Just like their predecessors or as we know it from the competition.
The Pixel Buds are in-ear headphones and not ear buds as the name suggests. This means they are likely to exclude the outside world to a greater extent. The battery life is five hours and up to 24 with the charging box. The design was deliberately chosen to be very small so that they don't stick out strangely.
However, they will not be released until next spring for 179 US dollars. In terms of price, they are therefore a little cheaper than Apple's Airpods.
Google Nest Mini
Formerly known as the Google Home Mini, the successor to Google's smallest smart speaker offers better sound quality and a new colour - at least in the USA. Like all new Nest devices, Google uses plastic from recycled plastic bottles in its production process.
You can now also mount the Nest Mini on the wall. The device has the necessary cut-out on the back for this purpose.
Nest Mini will be available in Germany and Switzerland from 22 October and costs 69 francs and 59 euros respectively.
Google Nest Wifi
Nest Wifi is Google's improved mesh system. It consists of a wifi router and optional wifi access points. The latter are a mixture of Nest Mini and Nest Wifi. They not only distribute the Wi-Fi in the home but are also a speaker with Google Assistant. This means you can operate a mesh network and listen to music, control your smart devices and ask Google questions at the same time.
Nest Wifi will be available in Germany from the beginning of December. It is not yet known when the devices will be available in Switzerland. Price point Wifi router 159 euros, access point 139 euros and the bundle 259 euros.
Availability
Google does not offer any of the new products in Switzerland apart from the Nest Mini and the Nest Hub. At the moment, we can also only offer you the Pixel devices for pre-order. As soon as we know more about the availability of the other devices, we will let you know.
Header image: Image: Jan Johannsen
Philipp Rüegg
Senior Editor
Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.chBeing 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.
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