If you’re tuning in to try and watch Google’s Pixel 4 Made by Google event in full, well, you’re too late. The event has come and gone in a momentary blink of an eye, with Google introducing us to the Pixel 4, Pixelbook Go, Pixel Buds 2, new Nest Home Mini, Google Stadia’s release date, and more, all within a single hour. It was an impressive feat, and one we’re not likely to forget for some time — though we didn’t see the Pixel Watch we were looking for.
Don’t worry if you missed all of the news unfolding live, because we’ve covered it all in detail. Here’s where you’ll find all of the big new devices Google announced at the Pixel 4 Made by Google event, as well as links to articles where you can learn more about all of Google’s latest and greatest.
The Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL
Google’s teased us with sneaky renders and leaks abound, and when time came to finally reveal the new Pixel 4 range, it didn’t disappoint.
It’s fair to say the new design is likely to garner a lot of attention. Dominated by a square camera module on the back, the new look is unlike any other Pixel we’ve ever seen. Gone is the two-tone design that has defined the Pixel range since its inception, replaced with the “Pixel square” — the square camera module on the back.
There’s no fingerprint sensor around the back, and it’s not in the display either — that’s because Google has followed Apple’s example and added advanced facial recognition to the Pixel 4. Google boasts its facial recognition is the fastest method around right now, and that’s because it’s powered by Google’s Project Soli chip. It’s essentially radar, and it can also be used to control your Pixel 4 with hand gestures — so you’ll be able to wave a hand to skip songs or decline a call.
The Pixel 4’s display is pretty special. It’s been awarded a top A+ rating by DisplayMate, while also packing a 90Hz refresh rate. Display size and resolution are some of the few things that separate the two phones, with the Pixel 4 XL’s 6.2-inch feeling substantially larger than the Pixel 4’s 5.7-inch screen. It’s the same display tech though, so you’ll benefit from the stunningly smooth 90Hz refresh rate and sumptuous vibrancy of an OLED panel on both.
The camera has been given a huge upgrade, too. Google has added another lens to the Pixel 4, bringing a 2-times telephoto lens to accompany its standard 12-megapixel lens. That telephoto lens works with Google’s Super Res Zoom to create a zoom function that’s particularly impressive. Google’s HDR+ is getting an upgrade, and the Pixel 4 will use machine learning to ensure what you see in the viewfinder is what you’ll get from HDR+ — something that’s never been possible before. Portrait mode will also now be able to be used on larger objects, and subjects that are farther away.
There’s also a new astrophotography mode that uses multiple exposures to take long exposures of the sky for some truly stunning shots. Machine learning will be used to ensure each shot looks amazing — and Google has promised further updates to the mode to tackle extreme lighting differences. However, the phone will not come equipped with free full-resolution Google Photo storage.
The Google Pixel 4 is available for pre-order today, and will release on October 24. The 64GB version of the Pixel 4 will start from $799, with a 128GB option available for $899. The 64GB Pixel 4 XL will start from $899, with the option for 128GB for $999.
New Google Assistant and Recorder app
Complementing the new Pixel 4 is the new Google Assistant. Everyone’s favorite A.I. isn’t just about telling you the temperature any more — it can control your phone too. We watched as the Google Assistant was used to open a specific Twitter page, look up concert dates, and share that information with a friend. Interestingly, it didn’t even need a wake word for continued conversation, and it’s clear Google has been improving the way the Assistant recognizes when its being spoken to.
There’s also a new Recorder app, which wouldn’t normally be newsworthy information. But it’s not just any recording app — it automatically transcribes speech while recording, and adds all of that data to a searchable database, allowing you to dive into a recording from a specific point. Best of all, all of that happens without sending data to the cloud.
Read more about Google Assistant 2.0
The Nest Home range
Say hello to the new Nest Mini. It looks — er — just like the old Google Home Mini.
But it would be cheeky to pretend nothing has changed. There’s now a wall mount so you can attach it to vertical surfaces. The speaker system has been tweaked, adding a third microphone and bass that is two times stronger. There’s also a dedicated processor, so the Nest Mini will no longer need to send data to the cloud for processing — speeding up response time significantly. But the biggest change has to be what it’s made of. It’s still made of plastic, but that plastic now comes exclusively from recycled bottles.
That wasn’t all though, and Google also unveiled a new Nest Wi-Fi system. The new system is a departure from the older one, and now comprises a Nest Wi-Fi home station and a series of signal-bouncing “points” — which also function as smart speakers. With a sleek design, it’s intended to be kept out in the open, not cooped up inside a cupboard.
Google also updated Nest Aware with a subscription service for $6 per month. This new service allows you to keep a close eye on your home, and will alert you if a speaker hears something out of the ordinary — like a smoke alarm — or if a camera spots something odd.
The new Nest Mini is available for pre-order from today in 23 countries, will launch on October 22, and will cost just $49. Nest Wi-Fi goes on sale on November 4. A two-pack sells for $269, while the three-pack sells for $349.
Read more about the Nest Mini and Nest WiFi
Pixelbook Go
Google’s premium Chromebook, the Pixelbook, was the elite way to access Chrome OS. Now, it’s finally got a successor in the $649 Pixelbook Go.
There are differences between the Pixelbook Go and its predecessor. The Go has a more traditional clamshell form factor, whereas the original Pixelbook was a 2-in-1 — but it’s clear the same spirit rules here. The Go is just 13mm thick and weighs barely 2 pounds — and to make sure it doesn’t float away, the super-light magnesium shell has a rugged, rippled rubber on the bottom. The keys are Google’s new “hush keys,” and the device sports a USB-C charging port and — mercy be — a headphone jack.
The basic version of the Pixelbook Go starts with a dual-core Intel Core m3 processor, but can be upgraded to a Core i5 or Core i7. It also has 8GB of RAM as standard (upgradable to 16GB), and 64GB of storage (upgradable to 256GB). Battery life is a particular focus for Google, and it claims the Go will last for up to 12 hours on a single charge, and two hours of battery life after just 20 minutes of charging.
The Pixelbook Go will be available from just $649, and is currently available for pre-order. It’s available in Just Black and Not Pink.
Pixel Buds 2
It’s about time — Google is taking Apple AirPods on with a pair of truly wireless earphones, the Pixel Buds 2.
The new design takes away the old wire connecting the two buds, and shrinks the entire package down to the point where the Pixel Buds 2 sit flush with your ear. Directional microphones make sure you can be heard both on the phone and while using the Google Assistant — which no longer needs to be tapped to be used.
The new Pixel Buds boast boosted signal strength, with a Bluetooth connection that can be used from across a football field — though we’re not sure you should be listening to your “Best of Disney” playlist while on the pitch. The battery life has been improved, too. The Pixel Buds have a 5-hour battery life, with up to 24 hours available when paired with the charging case.
The Pixel Buds will be available in early 2020 for $179. See how they compare to the older model.
Read more about the Pixel Buds 2
Google Stadia Cloud Gaming
Google kicked off the event by talking about ambient computing — but the big news was the reveal of a release date for Google Stadia. Starting November 19, you’ll be able to try out Google’s vision of cloud gaming from a number of Google devices. These include the Google Pixel, which was confirmed to be the first phone to support Google Stadia. It was unclear whether this reference was to just the Google Pixel 4, or included previous Pixels as well.
The Google Stadia controller also got some screen time. Google went back to basics when designing the controller, searching far and wide to find inspiration for it. Finally, it found what it was looking for — the humble round handle you’ll find on a professional kitchen knife. We’ll have to see how it feels when we try it out.
Read more about Google Stadia
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