Google will unveil a new Pixel Chromebook as well as a miniature version of Google Home at its upcoming hardware event, according to a source.
If true, that would make the new laptop the fist Pixel-branded computer since 2015 and would mean the new Pixel 2 phone wouldn’t be the only big release of the event.
The firm is also reportedly getting ready to launch smart headphones with direct access to Google Assistant, although it is not clear if it will be revealed alongside the other new devices.
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It is believed Google is also getting ready to announce smart headphones that will give users direct access to Google Assistant, similar to the futuristic technology in the film Her. The Google product is codenamed Bistro.
No specs or additional details of the rumored Pixel Chromebook are known, but Android Police – which spoke to the anonymous source ‘familiar with the company’s plans’ – says the device was likely born out of Google’s mysterious Project Bison.
However, while the Bison laptop (the internal code name for the device) was originally intended to run a highly-modified version of Android known internally as Andromeda, the source is confident the device he is speaking of will be a Pixel.
There is no way to confirm this is the same laptop, although it seems likely as both were slated to be launched in Q3 2017.
The Bison Chromebook was intended to be a serious competitor to Apple’s MacBook and Microsoft’s Surface Pro.
Sources speaking of Bison said it’d have similar specs with, with a 12.3-inch screen, 32 or 128GB of storage, 8 or 16GB of RAM, and an optional stylus.
It was also said to be under 10mm thick, feature a ‘tablet’ mode and be priced inexpensively at $799.
But in order for this to be the same computer, that means Google would’ve had to change gears to switch the operating system.
It also means the company would’ve gone against its claim that the Pixel Chromebook is dead.
The 2015 Pixel Chromebook (pictured). Google was said to be killing off the Pixel Chromebook, but a source says the firm will unveil a new one at the upcoming hardware event where it plans to release the new Pixel 2 headset
At MWC 2017, Google’s Senior VP for Hardware Rick Osterloh said the Pixel Chromebook has hit its end of the line and that there won’t be any more premium Pixel chromebooks for the foreseeable future.
While Android Police says it’s ‘exceptionally confident that the information and sources we’re working from are legitimate and trustworthy,’ it warns it couldn’t verify the information with primary source materials such as hardware renderings.
‘We also believe Bison’s specifications, while we will provide them, are very much subject to change, the site reads.
‘Given it’s a year or more from its planned release, Bison could evolve substantially or even be cancelled.’
The latest beta of the Google app rolled out yesterday, with information in the code pointing to the headphones. It’s unclear when these headphones could be released and if it will be at the same time as the other upcoming products
In separate rumors, it’s believed Google is also getting ready to announce smart headphones that will give users direct access to Google Assistant, similar to the futuristic technology in the film Her.
The latest beta of the Google app rolled out yesterday, with information in the code pointing to the headphones, as spotted by 9to5Google.
The relevant code reads:
‘<strine name=”bistro_magic_pairing_assistant_prop_text”>Your headphones have the Google Assistant. Ask it questions. Tell it to do things. It’s your own personal Google, always ready to help.”</string>”‘
References to ‘bistro’ first emerged in the version 7.0 released in April and only appeared again this month.
The aforementioned code indicated ‘bistro’ refers to headphones with Google Assistant, with other lines pointing to features including: several hardware buttons, the ability to hear and reply to notifications audibly, a setup process, and the ability for the headphones to receive over-the-air firmware updates.
It’s unclear when these headphones could be released and if it will be at the same time as the other upcoming products.
The nearing hardware event is said to be scheduled for October 4th and will act as the launch for Google Wifi, the Daydream View, the new Chromecast Ultra and the new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL headsets. The rumored mini Google Home may launch at the event too
The nearing hardware event is said to be scheduled for October 4th and will act as the launch for Google Wifi, the Daydream View, the new Chromecast Ultra and the new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL headsets.
The rumored mini Google Home – which is likely a cheaper alternative meant to rival the Amazon Echo dot – may launch at the event too.
The event date is soon after Apple and Samsung’s fall hardware releases, which would put the new Pixel phone in direct competition with the iPhone 8 and the Galaxy Note 8.
Recently leaked images claiming to show Google’s Pixel 2 handset have revealed some of the device’s rumored features.
According to the photos, it appears the upcoming device will, as previously predicted, have a curved screen and a glass back.
Leaked images allegedly of the Google Pixel 2 reveal some of the device’s rumored features. According to the photos, it appears the upcoming device will indeed have a curved screen. It also seems Google is ditching the headphone jack for the new device
However, one thing is missing – Google is planning to follow Apple and dump the headphone jack for the new device.
Also shown in the leaked images is the presence of two LEDs in the flash and a glass panel on the back, which is smaller this time around.
While previous leaks have suggested the phone will also be equipped with a Laser autofocus feature, that can’t be seen here – although it may just be too difficult to spot.
The photos, sent to Gsmarena by an unnamed tipster, show the front and back of what is clearly an early developer unit of the phone, as is indicated by the stickers on the back.
While the lack of headphone jack isn’t seen in the photo, the source told Gsmarena the device doesn’t include one.
The source also reported a better in-hand feel than the original Pixel phone, saying it is ‘sleek’ and ‘elegant.’
Reports suggest the Google Pixel 2 phone, which is launching later this year, could have a curved screen display like the Samsung Galaxy S8 (pictured)
As the company prepares for the release of the Pixel 2, it’s dropping price on the original Pixel phone.
As part of a back to school promotion, the Pixel’s starting price is currently down to $524 instead of $649, while the Pixel XL is now priced at $569 rather than $769 – the company is also throwing in free Daydream View headsets for consumers who take advantage of the promotion, which runs from August 6 while supplies last.
Insiders have long been suggesting the Google Pixel 2 could have a curved screen display like the Samsung Galaxy S8.
Reports suggest Google is investing $880 million (£709 million) in LG’s flexible organic light emitting diode (OLED) screens.
The photos released today give truth to those rumors.
Increasingly curved screen are being adopted by smartphones and it seems Google want to move in this direction too, according to South Korea’s Electronic Times.
The report suggests that LG is yet to sign the massive investment offer proposed by Google.
In March, the head of hardware at Google first confirmed that the firm is developing a second-generation Pixel for the ‘premium smartphone market’.
The confirmation came from Rick Osterloh during an interview with AndroidPT.
‘There is an annual rhythm in the industry,’ Osterloh said in the interview.
‘So, you can count on us to follow it’
‘You can count on a successor this year, even if you don’t hear a date from me now.’
Reports suggest Google is investing $880 million (£709 million) in LG’s flexible organic light emitting diode (OLED) screens for their Pixel 2 handset (pictured is first-generation Pixel handsets)
Google debuted the first smartphones in its Pixel line during a conference in October 2016, a Pixel and the 5.5-inch Pixel XL.
Although the Pixel 2 release would fall around the same time as the iPhone 8, Google is focusing on the upper price segment of the market.
This may be tougher than imagined, if as speculated, the iPhone 8 turns out to cost over $1,000.
Osterloh stated that ‘Pixel stays premium’ and the firm will ‘leave lower price segments to other manufacturers’.
The original Google Pixel phone (pictured) was launched in October 2016, and the Pixel 2 is due to be launched this autumn which would be in direct competition with Apple’s iPhone 8
The firm launched the Pixel line around the same time as the iPhone 7 was revealed.
‘We believe the next big thing will be at the intersection of hardware and software,’ Osterloh said in October.
He also took aim at Apple, saying the phone has ‘no unsightly phone bump’.
Brian Rakowski of Google said the phone was ‘designed inside and out to be smart’.
He said the Pixel’s new camera was better than the iPhone 7.
‘It’s the best smartphone camera anyone has made,’ he said.
GOOGLE PIXEL SPECS
The Pixel runs on a Snapdragon 821 2.15GHz processor.
The handsets come in 32GB or 128GB models, with microSD card slots enabling an additional 256GB of storage.
The first-generation Pixel is be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 chip
They have 12.3 and 8-megapixel cameras and a full HD AMOLED screen with Gorilla Glass protection.
Fast charging gives 7 hours of use in 15 minutes
Included is Google’s AI assistant, Allo for messaging and Duo for video calls.
Free online storage for pictures and video
Is be available in US on Verizon and in an unlocked version from $649.
The first-generation handset range includes two new phones, a Pixel and the 5.5-inch Pixel XL