Google presents Pixel smartphones

Let's start with smartphones, because they interest us the most. Actually, the specification of both models prepared by HTC for several days has not been a secret. Google Pixel and Pixel XL received identical-looking housings with metal and glass.

The phones are slim, and their distinguishing feature is a glass plate, which was covered partially the rear of the housing. The housing will be available in three colour options with funny names: Quite Black, Very Silver and Really Blue.

Both new smartphones combines many features in common - not just styling. Both are equipped with a Snapdragon 821 processor, supported by 4 GB of RAM and 32 or 128 GB of internal memory. Pixel phone users have also access to unlimited space Google Photos for storing images.

In both models, there are the same cameras: an 8-megapixel front and a 12.3-megapixel lens with a brightness of f/2.0 at the back. The camera has won a very high rating in the ranking of DxO Mark - 89 points. A common feature for both models are also fingerprint readers, USB-C and screens made in AMOLED technology and protected by Gorilla Glass 4. In the role of the system we have, of course, Android 7.1 Nougat. For the first time with a built-in native application Google Assistant - a competitor to Siri.

The phones have different screen diagonals, and thus - also dimensions. Google Pixel has a 5-inch display with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels and a battery with a capacity of 2770 mAh, while Pixel XL has a display with a diagonal of 5.5 inches and a resolution of 2560x1440 pixels and a battery with a capacity of 3450 mAh. The prices of Pixel smartphones start at $ 649. Pixel with 32GB costs so much. For the 128 GB model we will pay $ 749, while in the case of the model Pixel XL prices amount to respectively 769 and $ 869. Pixels will go first to the USA markets, Canada, UK, Germany and Australia, and on October 13 they can be ordered in India.

Besides smartphones, at the conference there were also presented the VR goggles, but with a much more advanced design than Google Cardboard. The new goggles support Daydream VR technology, have a separate wireless controller which facilitates interaction with the software, but in the role of the screen and the control unit still exists the smartphone.

The goggles housing was covered with a fabric, and the device is to be very user-friendly. We simply insert the phone - and the rest of the software will be used - and the user via the controller. The touch controller has only two buttons and a touchpad, but the majority of the functions is controlled with gestures - the device is equipped with motion, position and acceleration sensors. At rest, the controller can be hidden inside the goggles - where we usually insert the smartphone. Goggles are valued at $ 79.

Google also showed a new home router - called simply Google Wi-Fi. The device can operate independently, but you can also create a wireless home network using several such routers.

They will automatically connect and will set the parameters so as to provide optimal coverage throughout the home. The router is equipped with a simple configuration tool in the form of Network Assist. A single router costs $ 129, but you can buy it in a three-pack for $ 299.

In the Google devices offer for the home there is also the new player Chromecast Ultra, which is the successor to the device sold over 30 million copies. The new Chromecast provides an image with a resolution of 4K, with HDR and Dolby Vision. The corresponding content will appear in the Play Movies app in November. Then the stores will hit the new Chromecast – at the price of $ 69.

Google also showed the device Google Home, announced in spring at the Google I/O. It is a domestic assistant, operated by voice control. The device has built-in speakers, a few microphones, a panel signaling with LED flashes and a touchpad on the top side. The device will not only respond to commands OK Google, but it can also serve as a home speaker. The device will also act as the control center of the intelligent home, working with the internet of things (IoT) and Google Assistant. The equipment will be available for $ 129.