The Google Pixel 2 event might have technically been about the flagship smartphone, but the search giant also found the time to reveal a range of other devices-- the Pixelbook Chromebook, the Home Max and Mini smart speakers, and the Clip camera.
Tying all the recently announced Google devices together is Assistant, the Google virtual assistant. The search giant says the launch builds on its current "AI-first philosophy," making a combination of hardware and software able to learn and adapt to the user.
But on to the devices themselves. The Pixelbook is a continuation of Google's Chromebook efforts, being a 12.3-inch notebook powered by the browser-based OS, with built-in Google Assistant and Play Store support. It is 10mm thick, weighs 1kg and carries 7th generation Intel i5/i7 CPU, 16GB RAM, up to 512GB SSD storage and a battery promising 10 hours of use on a single charge.
The display is a quad-HD LCD touchscreen with a two-tone glass inlay compatible with a Google-made stylus, the Pixelbook Pen. One can use the Pixelbook in 4 different modes, Lenovo Yoga Book-style-- laptop, table stand, tablet or tent mode.
Connectivity comes through USB-C, and an Instant Tethering feature allows it to automatically share the data connection of a Pixel smartphone whenever wifi not available.
The Google Home smart speaker also gets an update in the shape of two models, the Mini and Max. As the name suggests, the Home Mini is a smaller, puck-shaped option. It is covered in a custom fabric able to allow sound and lights in and out, and described as ideal for listening to news or podcasts.
On the other hand the Home Max is aimed at customers more serious on audio quality, since it carries a stereo speaker with two 4.5-inch woofers. It also boasts Smart Sound, an auto-tuning capability able to adapt audio according to the music and space it is in, and includes a 3.5mm jack for use with other audio systems or mobile devices.
The final Google device announced is a bit of a curious-- the Clip is a camera able to automatically take photos of whenever something interesting is happening. To do so it uses machine learning, together with a 12MP sensor and 130-degree lens, and takes photos at 15fps. To allay privacy concerns, the Clip records no audio and flashes an LED light whenever it is on.
Go Google
