Pixel 4
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The Pixel 4 XL is the worst-kept secret of 2019
In what's become a seemingly annual tradition for Google's Pixel smartphones, the Pixel 4 has appeared in its first pre-release hands-on. And not just one, but two. The first comes courtesy of Vietnamese YouTube channel AnhEm TV, and it corroborates a lot of the information that's been floating about the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL in recent months.
Leaked Google video reveals Pixel 4 astrophotography mode
The Pixel 4 may allow photography enthusiasts to do something they've never been able to do before with a smartphone camera: astrophotography. A seemingly official marketing video uploaded by Pro Android shows Google's newest smartphone will feature a dedicated mode for taking photos of the night sky. Unfortunately, the ad provides few details about how the new functionality will work other than to promise you'll be able to capture "even the stars." Based on the "hold still" prompt shown in the video, the one detail we can glean is that you won't need a tripod to use to take advantage of the feature.
Google Assistant on Pixel 4 may handle calls while you're on hold
Google Assistant's ability to handle phone calls may extend beyond booking appointments. A 9to5Google source claims Assistant on the upcoming Pixel 4 will have the option of taking over when you're on hold, bringing you back when another human answers. You'd only have to tap a button to ignore the hold music and get things done. It's not clear if this will also skip the canned "your call is very important to us" messages, but that's certainly the dream -- you wouldn't be jolted back into the call until an actual service rep was there to help.
Google's Pixel 4 could have an extra-fast OLED screen
Google may lean on considerably more than touch-free gestures to reel in would-be Pixel 4 buyers. Sources for 9to5Google claim that both the base Pixel 4 and the larger Pixel 4 XL will include fast 90Hz OLED displays marketed under a "Smooth Display" name. Much like the OnePlus 7 Pro and a few other devices, you'd get a silkier, more responsive screen that could be ideal for playing games and watching high frame rate videos.
Google paid passers-by for face scans to improve the Pixel 4
Reports have swirled for days of Google paying people $5 in gift certificates to scan their faces, and now it's clear just why: it's for the Pixel 4. Google has confirmed to The Verge that the paid scans were meant to improve the accuracy of the Pixel 4's face unlock feature by collecting more face data and improving algorithms. Facial recognition has a history of bias in gender and skin color, Google said, and it was important to offer both "inclusiveness" as well as "robust security and performance."
Google confirms Pixel 4 will support face unlock, touch-free gestures
Google is once again validating rumors about the Pixel 4, this time for its touch-free control. The company has confirmed that its next flagship phones will include motion-sensing Soli radar that lets you skip tracks, silence phone calls and otherwise control key phone tasks by waving your hand. Consider it a potentially more sophisticated take on the LG G8's gestures. Moreover, Soli will play a key role in one of the Pixel 4's other signature features: secure face unlock.
Google Pixel 4 leak fuels rumors of hand gesture control
Those rumors of the Pixel 4 sporting hand gesture control just became more tangible. Ice Universe has obtained photos that reportedly show the detached bezels for the Pixel 4 and Pixel 4XL, including a rather conspicuous ovoid hole on the right side. Given that this hole hasn't been visibly occupied by cameras or other visual sensors in previous leaks, this appears to be a cutout for the Project Soli radar that would let you perform gestures without poking at the screen.
Google Pixel 4 XL renders suggest the notch is going away
We already know what the rear of Google's upcoming Pixel 4 looks like, and renders of the other side of the XL version suggest the smartphone will ditch the widely-derided notch of the Pixel 3 XL. Tipster Steve Hemmerstoffer, aka OnLeaks, has a solid track record with leaks, and he and Pricebaba teamed up for more renders of the Pixel 4 XL based on leaked specs.
Google just revealed the Pixel 4 on Twitter
Well, this is a new one. Google has decided to beat smartphone leakers at their own game by showing off the Pixel 4's back and camera on its own @madebygoogle Twitter account. The image shows a square-ish camera module, presumably one that will hold multiple lenses -- that'll be a first for a Pixel phone. This comes right on the heels of a leak showing a similar design.
Google's Pixel 4 could track hand gestures
Project Soli is one of Google's many hardware experiments, one in which a tiny radar is used to track hand gestures. The rumor mill is churning, suggesting that Soli may find itself a home inside the search giant's next phone.
