Google will launch the new Pixel 2 handsets (the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2), on October 5, according to Evan Blass, a blogger with a reputation of providing credible information. This date is in line with the announcement of the original Pixel handsets on October 4, 2016.
New Pixel 2 handsets vs. Galaxy Note 8
Along with the launch date, Blass shared one more information on the upcoming phones, and if it holds true, the new Pixel 2 handsets will be one-step ahead of its rivals, including the Galaxy Note 8. According to the trusted tipster, the Pixel 2 will run on the Qualcomm Snapdragon 836 processor.
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Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 836 could help the Pixel phones to “be marginally faster and offer better battery life than phones running the current 835 chip,” notes Express. Many expected the upgraded chip to be inside the Samsung Galaxy Note 8, but that didn’t happen. So, if Pixel handsets indeed come on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 836 SoCs, it will also be the first phones to sport the chip.
Recently, the Pixel 2 was spotted on the FCC’s website, suggesting it will be manufactured by HTC. Further, the document suggested that the Pixel 2 will have a squeezable frame akin to the HTC U11. The next-gen Pixel is expected to run on Android 8.0.1 Oreo, and it could be the first Android phone to get that update. The handset will likely come with 64 GB and 128 GB built-in storage options, Bluetooth, 802.11 ac Wi-Fi and NFC support.
The phone’s other specifications include 4GB of RAM, and the handsets are expected to be in the “Always On” display mode. The Pixel 2 will likely sport a 4.95-inch full-HD display, whereas the Pixel XL 2 is expected to have a 5.99-inch QHD display manufactured by LG. Neither of the two new Pixel handsets is expected to come with a 3.5 mm headphone jack or even a dual-lens camera set-up, which nearly every flagship smartphone in the pipeline is expected to come with.
Are these the new headphones?
In an APK breakdown, 9to5Google found code strings with reference to the new headphones Google is believed to be working on. The code suggested that the user will be able to hear and respond to notifications by tapping buttons on the headset. A dedicated button would be convenient for users to play music. However, there is no clarity on the power buttons or volume control buttons.
The latest beta version of the Google app hinted about a new piece of hardware referred to as Bisto, which came into the limelight when version 7.0 was released in April. Although there is no clarity about the functionality of this device yet, it seems to be referring to headphones that will run on Google Assistant. The APK code refers to an “oem_partner_app” that provides “Additional settings for your headphones.” The code strings also talk about an over-the-air firmware update for the new set of headphones.
Android Wear could be used to power the hardware. The accessory will no doubt be launched with the Google Pixel 2 generation, but that will probably not limit their functionality to the newest devices. Moreover, as of now, it is not clear if the headphones will come packed with the Pixel 2 handsets or whether they can be purchased separately.
