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Google Lens is rolling out to first-generation Pixel phones
Google is working on some impressive artificial intelligence tricks. And, many of them are finding their way to the public. We can already interact with the company's digital assistant on our phones and through Google Home. Now, Google Lens is arriving on the original Pixel and Pixel XL. As Android Police notes, a number of users have spotted the feature in the Photos app on the first-gen handsets. We knew Lens was coming, but we didn't know when. In case you missed its unveiling in May, Lens uses computer vision to understand what's in your photos, videos, and the world around you. In the words of Engadget's Devindra Hardawar: "It's basically Google search for everything outside of screens."
Google cuts up to $200 off its Pixel phones
Google's Pixel phone has been on the market for a while now, but it's still one of the best handsets money can buy. If it's something you'd like to own, but are put off by the price-tag, today is your lucky day. As 9to5Google reports, the search giant has given the phone a heavy discount in the Google Store. The base-level model with a 5-inch screen and 32GB of storage will now set you back $524, rather than $649. The larger XL handset starts at $569, which is $200 cheaper than its launch price of $769. Oh, and you also get a free Google Daydream headset, which normally costs $79, with every order. So you're potentially saving close to $300.
Verizon now says the Pixel will get Android updates immediately
Since it was announced that Verizon was the only US carrier selling Google's new Pixel smartphone directly, there's been some confusion about what that'll mean for Android updates. Originally, it sounded like the Verizon version of the Pixel wouldn't get Android updates at the same time as the unlocked versions, which meant Verizon customers could end up waiting for the carrier to approve the updates -- something that has historically slowed things down significantly. (To refresh your memory, just look at how badly things with when Verizon sold the Galaxy Nexus way back in 2011 and 2012.)
Here's what you missed at the 'Made by Google' event
It may be time to bid a sad adieu (sadieu?) to the beloved Nexus line and hello to Google's new Pixel phones, but we've still got a whole slew of fresh hardware to look forward to. In addition to the higher-end handsets, Google also unveiled the Daydream View VR headset, the Chromecast Ultra, a WiFi router, as well as the official price and availability of its Home smart speaker. Tying all of the gadgets together is the company's AI Assistant, which you can use on the Pixels and Home, and Google promises to make it available on more platforms in future. Our senior editors Nicole Lee and Chris Velazco break down what all this new stuff means for you, and share their impressions of the new products. Click here to catch all the latest news from Google's fall event.
ICYMI: The selfie-obsessed can verify online ID with photos
try{document.getElementById("aol-cms-player-1").style.display="none";}catch(e){}Today on In Case You Missed It: Mastercard is introducing a way to verify online purchases, by sending a link to the user's cell phone, which then walks them through taking a selfie and blinking on command to show they're a real human. Meanwhile Google unleashed a slew of new products at its Developer's Conference in San Francisco, here's the full scoop on the new phone. Toyota's cute little robot is available only in Japan but sure is darling, the video is here. As always, please share any interesting tech or science videos you find by using the #ICYMI hashtag on Twitter for @mskerryd.
The Pixel XL vs. the competition: The bigger flagships face off
Once more, Google is giving us two flagship phone sizes to choose from. But this time, the company's releasing them under its own brand, Pixel. There are great features like Google Assistant and a new camera to check out, but how does the new XL's hardware compare to its competition? We've sized up the specs of the larger Pixel versus premiere handsets like the iPhone 7 Plus, Moto Z and even the recalled Galaxy Note 7 (we hope you've exchanged yours by now) for a better look.
The Google Pixel vs. the competition: Ready to rumble
We may be saying goodbye to the Nexus name, but we're not saying goodbye to the things we've come to expect from Google's premiere phones. The new Pixel still offers everything you'd expect in a flagship, including a highly-rated camera, a fingerprint sensor and the traditional 3.5mm headphone jack. But, with so many current phones offering similar chipsets, features like Google Assistant could make all the difference. We'll take a closer look at some of the bells and whistles in our eventual review, but for now there are specs to chew over. Check out the table below to see how the Pixel measures up on paper to some of its leading competition.
UK retailer leaks Google's Pixel phones in detail
Here are Google's Pixel phones. Again! In some unfortunate error, UK phone seller Carphone Warehouse has full listings for two phones, cementing what we've already heard or seen, as well as demonstrating how Google hopes to pitch the two devices to smartphone shoppers.
What to expect from Google's October 4th event
It's that time of the year when tech companies trot out their newest wares hoping to cash in on the holiday season buying spree and Google is no different. On October 4th the search giant is holding an event to show off, well something, but most likely some new phones. The company is mum on the details but of course that hasn't stopped the rumor and leak machines from spinning up and pumping out what we can expect from the Android maker's celebration of consumerism.
