Google has just announced the launch of its second generation of Pixel smartphones, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, both of which lack a dedicated headphone jack, like last year’s iPhone 7 and 7 Plus (#courage). The new Pixel phones feature OLED displays, front-facing stereo speakers, Snapdragon 835 processors, 4GB of RAM, Android 8.1 Oreo and an option for 64GB or 128GB of storage.
The Pixel 2 sports a 5-inch, 1080p display with a 16:9 aspect ratio, whereas the larger Pixel 2 XL packs a 6-inch, QHD+ display with an 18:9 aspect ratio. Other highlights include an 8-megapixel front-facing camera, a 12-megapixel rear camera, a fingerprint scanner on the back, and a USB-C port at the bottom. Regarding the lack of a headphone jack, Google says “Use your existing analog headphones with the included adapter”.
“The Pixel 2s have a music recognition feature that is always on, Google’s director of product management Sabrina Ellis revealed. Whenever music is playing nearby and the second-generation Pixel recognizes the song, it will automatically show the artist and title on your lock screen.
Like all smartphone makers, Google puts a big emphasis on its camera. Google promised greater high dynamic range, optical image stabilization, and lots of image processing crammed in.”
Pricing and Availability:
The HTC-manufactured Pixel 2 will be available in Just Black, Clearly White, and Kinda Blue on October 19, while the LG-manufactured Pixel 2 XL will ship in Just Black and Black & White on November 15.
Both phones are available for pre-order today, starting at $899 CAD on the Google Store, Bell, Best Buy Canada, Fido, Freedom Mobile, Koodo, Rogers, The Source, TELUS, Tbooth wireless, Walmart, WIRELESSWAVE, Videotron, and Virgin.
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What did they say about the headphone jack last year?
I’m guessing there is no FM radio which they can “Flip the Switch,” either.
“3.5mm headphone jack satisfyingly not new” ….
sadly a purchase decision for myself, no jack, no buy. i know, i’m old… and cranky that way.
Personally I don’t care. I have wireless headphones and the dongle is completely blown out of proportion as it is in no way a burden. This is entitlement at its finest. My wife has a 7 Plus and lost her headphones. She uses my 5s headphones with the dongle and has never once complained.
My comment was in reference to so many manufacturers poking fun at a hot button topics to better sell themselves only to follow that same route when they seem fit.
i get that its not a big deal for some (most?).. people. =)
absolutely understand. i only get to vote with my wallet on what i think is a stupid decision. luckily, i still have options out there. also, my 6s is still fine.
I think it’s not a big deal for those who are both tone deaf and have wasteful spending habits.
Very courageous of them!
Price is very similar to the iPhone X. Still has a bezel, and the fingerprint scanner on the back (as we all agreed when the iPhone rumours started hinting at that) is sheer blasphemy. In conclusion: it looks good… for an Android phone.
I disagree. It’s ugly AF. Let’s see how many months after Robelus get it they’ll discontinue it for a lack of interest which they did with the previous generation.
It’s a travesty how Google made decent budget phones at a reasonable price. Despite the OS fragmentation, I’d get an LG, HTC, Motorola or even evil Samsung before I’d buy this ridiculously priced phone.
Nice to know Google will always listen to what you are saying by hiding it under the « music recognition » feature ????
I winced when I read that as well.
It might be a perfectly innocent feature, but my doubts about Google’s (and other Android phone makers) integrity when it comes to what it does with collected personal information is what keeps me from checking out their platform. If it weren’t for that, I’d actually like to try a Pixel just to see what lies beyond the Apple universe.
I don’t think they use YOUR personnal infos, but clearly we must be a number and they can make a portrait of us with all of our interests… not my cup of tea
And no FM radio.
No headphone jack? Where is the outrage?