Look forward to improved camera capabilities and motion-sensing technology with the help of artificial intelligence
Google has stepped up its smartphone ambitions with updated Pixel handsets, touting a move towards computing with a simple hand wave or spoken command.
The updated Pixel 4 models boast features that include gesture and face recognition and were debuted at a "Made by Google" event showcasing new hardware infused with artificial intelligence to respond to motion and voice.
The Pixel 4 handset with a 5.7-inch display will be available globally starting October 24, including in Singapore. StarHub will be the only telco in Singapore to carry the phones when they launch, with pre-orders available on the Google Store, Challenger and Courts.
The starting price of a Pixel 4 is $1,119 in a storage capacity of 64GB while the XL starts at $1,319 in 64GB too. The phones will come in three colours: Just Black, Clearly White and a limited edition Oh So Orange. These new devices aim to ramp up Google's challenge in the premium smartphone segment dominated by Samsung and Apple, which recently unveiled an iPhone 11 starting at $1,149.
Google also updated its Nest smart home cameras and speakers and announced its streaming game service Stadia would launch November 19.
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While Pixel smartphones have struggled for traction in the smartphone market, they provide an opportunity to showcase the Android operating system's capabilities and the Google Assistant digital aide.
Pixel 4 features improved camera capabilities, using artificial intelligence to boost optical zoom and take better photos taken after dark, with a feature devoted to capturing images of the heavens at night.
Motion-sensing technology that Google has been working on for some time is built into Pixel 4 and will allow for some basic controls, such as silencing alarms or skipping to the next song, by holding up or waving hands. The handsets also include a "face unlock" feature similar to those on iPhones and other devices.
Amid antitrust reviews on both sides of the Atlantic over its online dominance, Google is seeking to diversify its business by adding more devices and services.
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