What to expect from Google's launch event apart from Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

It's that time of the year again. Google is all set to launch its new Pixel smartphones to take on the might of the iPhones. Much like the first Pixel devices which were launched last year, the new smartphones too are expected to be launched at an event held to showcase the best hardware that Google has to offer. 

Along with the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, Google is also expected to launch a slew of other devices – including a new laptop, smart speakers, and an all-new VR headset – at the event. Here's all that the Mountain View-based tech giant is planning to announce at the launch event. 

Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

The Google Pixel and the Pixel XL were one of the best phones to have been launched in 2016, but they failed to make a major impact in the market in terms of sales. With the second generation Pixel devices, Google will look to make a much greater impact than it managed to last year. 

The Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL are reported to be very similar devices – at least in terms of internals – and will slightly differ from each other in size, display specs, and battery.  If reports are to be believed, the Pixel 2 XL is expected to flaunt an almost bezeless front and provide a more edge-to-edge experience with its bigger 6-inch Quad HD display as compared to the Pixel 2's Full HD 4.97 inch display. 

Under the hood, the two phones will come with similar internals, with the top-of-the-line Qualcomm 835 Snapdragon and not a tweaked Snapdragon 836, firing up both the Pixel 2 and the Pixel 2 XL. The SoC is expected to be paired with 4GB RAM, though this number could even be bumped up to 6GB.

Google is also increasing the internal storage on the new Pixels, with the entry-level models now getting 64GB of storage instead of 32GB on the original Pixel phones from last year. The other memory option, sadly, gets no boost, and the top variant again comes at 128GB.

The Pixel 2 XL will have a 3520 mAh battery (100 mAh) — larger than the Pixel XL — while the Pixel 2 will stick to the 2700 mAh capacity-battery of the original.

Daydream VR

A highly anticipated gadget that is expected to be launched at the event is a new VR headset. The successor to the Daydream View headset is expected to come with a motion controller and other interesting features. Not much is known about the specifications of the VR headset for now, but it is expected to come in three colours: Charcoal, Fog, and Coral.

In terms of price, the new Google Daydream View sets you back by $99 (approx Rs 6,500) – a slight bump over the original VR headset from 2016. 

PixelBook

Another premium product that Google is set to unveil at today's event is Google's Pixel Chromebook. This laptop is expected to be called the Pixelbook and will be a direct rival to the entry-level MacBooks from Apple. Reports suggest the Pixelbook could come with a stylus to differentiate it from the competition. However, there is no clarity on whether the accessory will be bundled with the laptop, or be sold separately.  

Leaked images show the Pixelbook will come with a flip around screen display for full tablet conversion. 

ChromeOS-based laptops have not been able to capture the imagination of customers yet, however, Google will attempt to change that for good with this new offering.  

Leaks suggest the Pixelbook will sport a sleek silver finish and a 2400 x 1600 high-resolution 3:2 display on the outside, while running the show here could be an Intel 7th Generation Kaby Lake processor paired with 16GB of RAM. 

This premium laptop is expected to start retailing at $1,119 (approx Rs 78,000) for the 128GB storage variant, while the top-of-the-line 512GB model is expected to set you back by $1749 (approximately Rs 1,15,000).

Google Home Max

In a bid to expand the Google Assistant's reach through dedicated hardware, reports claim the tech giant is developing a bigger, higher-quality, and presumably higher-priced Google Home that would take on the likes of the Sonos Play:3. 

According to a report in 9to5Google, "Max" is Google's internal code name for this system which will include stereo speakers and will look and feel more expensive than the original Google Home.

The product is still believed to be in the development stage and it could be some time before it's made available to the public. Even if it is launched at the event, expect it to only start shipping to customers closer to the end of the year in the US. 

Google Home Mini

Apart from the Google Max, Google is also expected to announce another smart speaker – the Google Home Mini. This smaller version of the Home will take on the Amazon Echo Dot. This device is also expected to come in at least three colours — pink, silver, and dark gray.

The new smart speaker is expected to be powered by Google Assistant, the company's smart agent. Priced at $49 (Rs 3,199) the Home Mini could start shipping by October 19.

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