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Business News/ Technology / News/  What to expect from Google’s Pixel event tomorrow
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What to expect from Google’s Pixel event tomorrow

Given Google’s prowess in camera software, it would be interesting to see how the added hardware support affects its camera
  • The Pixel 4 will feature 90Hz refresh rate display, Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 855 or 855+ chipsets and support for 5G
  • Google’s Pixel sales have been a fraction of Apple’s, but another phone maker designing more of its own components is a bad sign for suppliers. Photo: APPremium
    Google’s Pixel sales have been a fraction of Apple’s, but another phone maker designing more of its own components is a bad sign for suppliers. Photo: AP

    New Delhi: After Samsung and Apple, Google’s yearly hardware event is next. Scheduled for 15 October, the company is expected to announce a plethora of devices in its Pixel line. On the cards are new smartphones, an improved artificial intelligence (AI) assistant and more. Here’s what to expect from Google tomorrow.

    All new Pixel smartphones

    Frankly, with all the rumours and leaks around the 2019 Pixel phones, there’s little we don’t know. While the company has so far outperformed competitors by using a single camera, this year will finally see two cameras on a Pixel smartphone.

    Given Google’s prowess in camera software, it would be interesting to see how the added hardware support affects its camera. The company has so far leveraged machine learning (ML) and AI technologies to provide best-in-class cameras.

    But while the camera has always been Google’s strong point, the 2019 Pixels are also expected to have improved displays. Apparently, the company will have 90Hz refresh rates on the displays and a new face unlock feature that makes it similar to the iPhone FaceID feature.

    Of course, the company will use Qualcomm’s flagship Snapdragon 855 or 855+ chipsets inside and perhaps include 5G support on the Pixel 4 series as well.

    A smarter Google Assistant

    Earlier this year, Google showcased a new version of its voice assistant as the Google I/O developer event. According to the demo Google showed and XDA Developers’ footage (embedded below), the Google Assistant will be faster and smarter this time.

    It’s unclear what new feature it will get, but Google showed chain commands and said the AI will be coming to the new Pixel phones. We expect to learn more tomorrow.

    The Pixel Buds get an update

    Google may have done well with its phones, smart speakers and displays, but the Pixel Buds remain an outlier. While the idea of integrating a voice assistant into headphones is indeed interesting, many have found the audio quality and even voice recognition on the Pixel Buds to be below par.

    Unlike the Pixel phones, there have been almost no reports about what the new Pixel Buds will bring, but a new version is indeed expected.

    More Nest devices

    The Nest-branded smart devices from Google usually don’t interest India. However, the company has brought both smart displays and speakers to the country already, making it invested in developing that ecosystem here. So, it’s possible that new smart devices launched this year will make it to India faster. A new Nest Mini is expected this year, which will be an update to the smallest smart speaker that Google sells.

    Things that will likely not make it to India

    Also on the roster are a new laptop from Google and an update to its WiFi routers. The Pixelbook Go is expected to be an update to Google’s premium Chromebook, the Pixelbook, taking on devices like the Macbook Air or Microsoft’s Surface laptops. However, the company hasn’t been big on promoting Chromebooks in India, so we don’t expect those to make an appearance here.

    The same goes for Google’s mesh WiFi router systems. The devices are expected to be put under the Nest brand too this time.

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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Prasid Banerjee
    An engineering dropout, Prasid Banerjee has reported on technology in India for various publications. He reports on technology through text and audio, focusing on its core aspects, like consumer impact, policy and the future.
    Catch all the Technology News and Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates & Live Business News.
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    Published: 14 Oct 2019, 04:27 PM IST
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