Google is the company synonymous with online search and software technology in general, in recent years, however they've been gradually establishing themselves in the realm of consumer electronics and at their Pixel event this year they've firmly asserted their position by announcing a plethora of new devices and updated iterations to their existing ones.
Their presentation included the new version of their flagship device, the Pixel handset, and a new Daydream VR headset to go with it. They announced new versions of Google Home, expanding the product's line with multiple pricing structures and features including, a miniaturized version as well as an enlarged one with a more voluminous punch. Last on the list of updates, is the resurrection of their premier Pixel device, the Pixelbook, largely mimicking Microsoft's Surface Book and Lenovo's YogaPad.
In addition to these, they announced new, companion type gadgets, such as the Pixelbook Pen for the Pixelbook, the Pixel Bud wireless earbuds (mainly for their Pixel phone) and lastly an AI powered body camera, dubbed Google Clips. The following table is the full list of all announced products and their suggested retail price:
| Device | Cost |
|---|---|
| Home Assistant | $129 |
| Home Mini | $49 |
| Home Max | $399 |
| Pixelbook | $999 |
| Pixel 2 | $649 |
| Pixelbook Pen | $99 |
| Daydream View | $99 |
| Clips | $249 |
| Pixel Bud | $159 |
Overall I thought the event was a pretty good presentation, despite having some reserved thoughts. For instance, the Pixelbook looks like a beautiful, hybrid laptop / tablet, but it's still running ChromeOS, a primarily web based operating system that still seems limiting for anyone who considers themselves a power user. Then there's the Home smart speaker products, that haven't introduced any notable new innovations. But the most controversial issue of them all is the fact that Google followed Apple's lead, removed the 3.5mm headphone jack in favor of the USB-C outlet, and introduced a dongle of their own, insultingly priced at $20.
On a positive note, the new Pixel 2, while still expensive is far more affordable and competitively priced when compared to the upcoming iPhone X by about $350. If it can maintain the same smooth performance as its predecessor, it may be enough to sway the lesser-jaded consumers away from Apple's handset.
What are your thoughts, are you impressed and eager to get anything in particular? Or would you be patiently awaiting to see what's in 2018. Leave a comment below.
Hello, my name is Jack Sparrow. I'm a 50 year old self-employed Pirate from the Caribbean.
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