Google has released the latest beta edition of Google app 7.12. A teardown of the app has revealed new features that will be coming to Google Assistant. It also contains some information on the arrival of Active Edge for Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2.

The HTC-made Google Pixel 2 was certified by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S. in the previous month. It showed that the Google Pixel 2 will be coming with a new feature called Active Edge that will allow users to carry out certain functions by squeezing the frame of the phone. The function is already present on the HTC U11 flagship smartphone that was unveiled earlier in this year.

The Google 7.12 app teardown has revealed a line of code that reads “To change settings for the squeeze gesture, go to your phone’s Active Edge settings.” This is an indication that Active Edge can be used to summon Google Assistant. Recent reports also claim that the LG-made Google Pixel XL 2 would be also coming with squeezable frame.

The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 smartphones are slated to get announced on Oct. 4. A recent report has revealed that Google Lens will be one of the exciting features of the Pixel 2 duo. The feature will allow users to point the camera of the Pixel 2 / Pixel XL 2 to any object to get relevant information on it.

Read More: Google Pixel 2 XL Gets FCC Certified; October 4 Launch Seem Imminent

The Google 7.12 app teardown has also revealed that the Google Bar would allow users to customize its color and shape. However, it is not known whether Google Bar is a widget or quick search bar that will be available in the notifications area. Routines seems to be a new feature for Google Assistant that will allow it carry out multiple tasks simultaneously by saying a phrase to it.

By saying “Ok Google,” users can launch Google Assistant. However, the code found Google app 7.12 states users will be able to launch the personal assistant by saying a desired word. It has been also found that users will be able to choose desired voice for the Google Assistant.

In May, plenty of relaxation sounds were added to the Google Home smart speaker. It seems that Google will be adding “sleep sounds” like meditation, nature, ocean and so on that can automatically turn off the Google Home as the user falls asleep. The Google app 7.12 code also shows that Google Assistant will be also gaining enhanced podcast playback controls.

The full information on the Google app 7.12 teardown is available at the source link.

(source)

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Google has officially confirmed that the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones would be debuting on Oct. 4. Compared to last year’s Google Pixel phones, their successor models are expected to come with some exciting new features such as full screen display (only for Pixel XL 2), Always-On Display, Active Edge, USB-C port for connectivity for connecting earphones. One new feature that will be arriving on the Google Pixel 2 duo is Google Lens.

In the past week, Google had released a new edition of Google Photos. On performing the APK teardown of the app, developers were able to find that it is integrated with completely functional Google Lens. However, it seems that Google has now blocked the access it to Google Lens as it is no longer working. Even though it is not accessible now, the killer feature may become available with the launch of Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2.

Google Lens is a feature that can enable Google Pixel 2 phone users to   take advantage of the machine learning technology to show relevant and contextual information by recognizing the various objects that can be seen through the viewfinder. For example, by pointing the smartphone’s camera at a restaurant, users can view relevant information like description, timing, reviews and so on.

If Google Lens is unable to find information, it will be able to find relevant information through Google’s search engine. During the Google I/O 2017, the company had showcased the prowess of Google Lens.

Read More: Google May Have Leaked The Pixel 2 & Pixel XL 2 Camera Sample Via Latest Teaser

Here is an official list of things the Google Lens can identify:

• Artwork
• Barcodes
• Books
• Buildings
• Landmarks
• Media covers
• Movies
• Music albums
• Paintings
• Places
• Points of Interest
• Statues
• Video games

The following things can be performed by Google Lens:

• Save, call, share or copy contact details from a business card
• Translate different languages
• Provide information on product
• Launch URLs in the browser
• Identify plants and animals.
• Save dates from an image to the calendar

(source)

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Google has started teasing the launch event date for the upcoming Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 smartphones. It was reported yesterday that a huge billboard has hinted that the search engine giant would be holding a launch event on Oct. 4. According to The Verge, the company has sent out press invitations for the Oct. 4 launch event that will be held at San Francisco starting at 9 AM PT and 12 PM ET.

A new teaser video has appeared on Google’s official YouTube channel as well as on its Twitter account to hint the arrival of new Pixel phones on Oct. 4. By watching the video, it can be understood that Google is trying to suggest that the next-generation Pixel phones would be offering a longer battery life, abundant storage space, impressive cameras, smarter Google Assistant, faster updates, and snappy performance without getting.

After asking a couple of questions, the video shows the “Funny you should ask” text which is followed by Oct. 4 date. Google seems to have timed the launch teasers with the pre-orders of iPhone 8 and 8 Plus that’s scheduled to begin today. Google has also created a landing page that says, “Stay tuned for more on October 4.” The landing page requires users to enter their email address and country name to get the latest update and tips from Google.

Read More: Alleged Google Pixel 2 Image Leaked; Several Features Like IP68 Chassis, Always On Display Revealed

In 2016, the Google Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones that were made by HTC were unveiled on Oct. 4. It appears that the search engine is prepping to announce the successor phones on the very same date this year.

Google’s upcoming Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 smartphones have already been approved by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S. This is indication that these smartphones are almost ready for launch. Rumors have revealed that the Pixel 2 is being assembled by HTC whereas the Pixel XL 2 is being manufactured by LG. Like the predecessor phones, Google will be selling them as “madebyGoogle” devices.

Recent reports have revealed that the upcoming Google Pixel phones will have the best features from flagship phones like HTC U11 and LG V30. The squeezable frame present on HTC U11 is expected to be available on Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL as Active Edge. The LG V30’s FullVision OLED panel is pegged to be present on the Pixel XL 2.

(source)

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The Google Pixel 2 has received certification from Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S. The rumor mill has been claiming that even though the Google Pixel 2 will be assembled by HTC, it will be sold as a Google product. The FCC documents contain various references for HTC. The FCC filing has revealed some key features of the Google Pixel 2 flagship smartphone.

A previous report on upcoming Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 phones had revealed that they will come equipped with pressure-sensitive frame. This feature is already available as Edge Sense on HTC U11. The Edge Sense feature allows users to launch apps and perform certain functions by squeezing the pressure-sensitive frame of the smartphone. The FCC filing has revealed that the Google Pixel 2 will be also enabled with this feature and it will be called Active Edge.

Some screenshots of the Google Pixel 2 that have surfaced through FCC filing has revealed that it would be arriving preinstalled with Android 8.0.1 Google is yet to officially debut the Android 8.0 operating system. Speculations are rife that Aug. 21 will be the day when Google will be declaring the official name of Android 8.0. The Google Pixel 2 duo will be the first smartphones to come preloaded with Android 8.0. FCC will be making use of Electronic version of the labeling system for the Pixel 2.

Read More: Google Pixel XL 2017 Renders in Very Silver, Really Blue Surface to Reveal What to Expect for Pixel XL 2’s Design

In the above screenshot, the description for “Languages, input & gestures” in System settings is “Active Edge on, squeeze for your assistant.” This shows that Active Edge can be used on Google Pixel 2 to activate Google Assistant by squeezing the frame of the phone. Also, the navigation buttons appear to be exclusively designed for the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 smartphones.

It appears that the Google Pixel 2 duo may come with an internal storage of 64 GB instead of 32 GB available on the original Pixel phones. This can be understood through the above snapshot that shows that 21 percent space on the internal storage has been used and 50.66 GB is remaining which indicates that the Pixel 2 has 64 GB of internal storage.

The mentioning of mw8998 under Baseband version indicates that the Snapdragon 835 chipset will be powering the Google Pixel 2. The FCC documents contains several references to GO11A model number. The same model number was also spotted when a new HTC handset had appeared at Wi-Fi Alliance certification.

(source 1, 2|via)

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Thinner bezels, infinity displays, full-vision displays, and dual cameras are the key features you will find in flagships this year. However, Google is not boarding any of those trains.  A leaked image of the Google Pixel 2 shared by Evan Blass doesn’t have any of those features. Instead, it shows just subtle changes from last year’s model.

The Pixel 2 will be manufactured by HTC while the Pixel XL 2 will be made by LG. While HTC doesn’t make its own displays, Google can simply have LG supply them with a full vision display similar to that of the LG G6 for the Pixel 2, but it seems Google simply doesn’t think it is ready to adopt that design.

Rather the device is shown sporting equally large bezels at the top and bottom just like last year’s model. The same is said for the larger Pixel XL 2.

So, no thinner bezels. But do we at least get dual rear cameras? Google is saying no once again with this year’s flagships.

While there were really no complaints about the Pixel and Pixel XL not having dual cameras, we weren’t expecting to see Google ditch it again this year. The Pixels’ have one of the best cameras you will find on a smartphone till date, so this might be a case of “don’t fix what isn’t broken”.

Google won’t be the only manufacturer without dual camera flagships this year, the Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ have the same single sensors as last year’s Galaxy S7, HTC’s U Ultra and U 11 also have single sensors. But while Samsung will be launching its first phone with dual cameras this month, Google won’t have another go until next year.

The image above shows a larger sensor which may mean better low-light images, so that counts as an improvement. The camera’s software will definitely also get an upgrade.

So what has changed in the Pixel 2? A front facing speaker. The Pixel had its speaker at the bottom which can easily be covered with your fingers when you’re watching a video either in portrait or landscape mode. The leaked image shows the earpiece speaker is larger now, meaning it will do more than just pump out audio during calls. We can’t see another speaker at the bottom since this isn’t the sharpest of images but we will keep our fingers crossed for dual front facing speakers.

Since we already mentioned that the rear camera has a larger sensor, the other major change is the glass half of the back. It is smaller and doesn’t cover the fingerprint scanner anymore. It also appears to wrap around the sides this time.

READ MORE: Head of UX At Essential Joins Google Home

Evan has also confirmed that the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 won’t have an audio jack and that may be the greatest change coming to the second generation Pixels.

Both devices should launch in October just like last year, so there is still a good two months of waiting time.

(Source: 1, 2)

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Android 8.0 is the upcoming version of the Android OS that will succeed Android 7.0 Nougat. The official name of the Android O is still under the wraps. Currently, the Android 8.0 version is being referred as Android O by various tech sites. Last year, Android 7.0 Nougat was officially released on Aug. 22. According to Android Police’s managing editor, David Ruddock, Google may release Android 8.0 in the coming week.

The first developer preview of the Android 8.0 was released in March followed by the second, third and fourth developer previews in respective months of May, June and July. The official Android Program Overview page states that the final version of Android will be releasing in the third quarter of this year.

At the start of June, Ruddock had claimed that Android O would be releasing in the first or second week of August citing an unnamed reliable source. He had claimed that the Android O would be releasing a bit earlier than Android Nougat in 2016.

https://twitter.com/RDR0b11/status/872150867784478720

https://twitter.com/RDR0b11/status/892805211395284992

Through a new tweet, Ruddock claims that the Android O update would be officially hitting Google Pixel devices in about a week. There is a possibility that its arrival may get delayed at the last moment. Hence, the search engine giant does not always make announcement on the arrival of updates.

Some rumor have claimed that the Android O will be officially introduced as Android Oatmeal Cookie. The references of Oatmeal Cookie were found in the Google I/O 2017 slides. Earlier rumors have claimed that it may arrive as Android Oreo. Apart from Google Pixel and Pixel XL phones, the Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, Google Pixel C and Nexus Player are also expected to get Android O update. The upcoming Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 flagship phones are likely to come preloaded with it.

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Google is expected to debut the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 that are respectively codenamed as Walleye and Taimen in Q4 this year. A couple of renders of the 2017 Google Pixel XL  have surfaced this week. In the previous, several details on the hardware configuration of both the upcoming Pixel phones had surfaced. Today, XDA Developers has revealed some more interesting features of the upcoming Pixel XL 2.

So far, it is known that the Pixel XL 2 will be arriving with a 5.99-inch OLED screen by LG that will support a resolution of 1440p. The display will be similar to LG G6 that has a tall screen flanked with slim bezels. The Snapdragon 835 SoC will be present under its hood. Rumors are rife that LG would be manufacturing the Pixel XL 2. Here are the new features that will be arriving on Google Pixel XL 2:

Always-On Display

The Google Pixel 2’s OLED panel will make it possible to support “Always On” function. This feature will allow users to see desired notifications on the screen even when then the phone is locked or idle.

Read More: Google Pixel XL 2 Specs Features 5.6” Screen, 2.35 GHz Snapdragon 835, 4 GB RAM, Reveals GFXBench Listing

Pressure-Sensitive Frames

Earlier this week, AndroidPolice claimed that the Pixel XL 2 would be coming with squeezable frame that will function like the Edge Sense pressure-sensitive frame on the HTC U11. However, it will be able to function even when the screen is off. It will let users to launch the Google Assistant not only when the display on, but also when it is off. Users will be able to configure the squeezing intensity threshold that will make it possible for the users to determine the most suitable level of pressure for launching shortcuts. The search engine is also rumored to new functions to the squeezable frames such as putting the phone on silent

Multiple Display Profiles

The upcoming Pixel 2 duo will provide users with multiple display profiles that will be accessible through the Display Settings. sRGB display profile that is found buried in Developer Menu will be present here along with Vivid Colors option.

Other Improvements

There are several other improvements that are going to arrive on the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 phones. The color palette of the system UI would be reverted to darker theme as default. The light them that arrive with Android O DP3 was introduced only for testing. While starting the Pixel XL 2 for the first time, it will take the user to g.co/pixelphonetour (presently not accessible). Google is also expected to introduce a new font on the upcoming Pixel phones. An undocumented feature that will have no major function on the phone is an octopus in the ocean.

(source)

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Yesterday, AndroidPolice had revealed a render of the upcoming 2017 Google Pixel XL phone from an unnamed source. The render had showed the alleged Pixel XL 2 in Quite Black. A reputed designer and tipster, Benjanim Geskin, has created a render of Google Pixel XL 2 in two other colors like Very Silver and Really Blue based on the render published by AndroidPolice.

According to the publication, the Google Pixel XL 2 will be more or less based on the render it has released. The Pixel XL 2 can be seen with full-screen display. Rumors have it that the Pixel XL that is codenamed as Google Taimen would be equipped with a 6-inch screen.

LG would be building the Pixel XL 2. However, it will be sold in the market as “made by Google.” Speculations have it LG would be adding its Full Vision display on the Pixel XL 2 that offers an aspect ratio of 18:9 on LG G6. The renders reveal that the side bezels are quite thin. The upper and lower bezels are slightly thick but thinner than conventional flagships.

Read More: Google Pixel XL 2 Muskie Cancelled? Reportedly Replaced by Larger Google Taimen

The renders show Very Silver and Really Blue editions of the Pixel XL 2 in two-tone color design that is also available on the original Google Pixel. On the rear side, the upper part that houses a single LED flash and the camera is made of up glass. The remaining part is made from metal and it houses the fingerprint scanner. The publication has claimed that the 2017 Google Pixel XL may also feature squeezable frame that is available as Edge Sense feature on the HTC U11. The below image compares the 2017 Google Pixel with original Pixel phone which is on the left and the Pixel XL on the extreme right.

One of the disappointing things of the Pixel XL 2 is that it does not feature a dual camera feature. The upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 8, LG V30, Moto Z2, Moto Z2 Force, Apple iPhone 8 and the recently released Xiaomi Mi 6 and OnePlus 5 are all decked with dual rear cameras. Last year’s Google Pixel phone has the second highest rating of 89 on DxOMark benchmarking platform. The HTC U11 is leading the chart with a highest score of 90. Interestingly, both the smartphones feature single rear camera.

(source)

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Early rumors had suggested that Google would be releasing three Pixel smartphones this year. However, recent rumors have unfolded that the search engine will be releasing only two Pixel phones this year. The upcoming Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel 2 XL smartphones are codenamed as Walleye and Taimen. Latest information has revealed that the Google Pixel 2 is being built by HTC whereas LG is building the Pixel XL 2. Today, a render of the Pixel XL 2 phone has surfaced to reveal its appearance.

The 2017 Google Pixel XL has been released by Android Police and the publication has given this render a rating of 8 out of 10. The publication claims that the original Pixel XL 2’s look and feel can be somewhat gauged from this render. Hence, the actual device will appear slightly different from what has been revealed through this render.

The Google Pixel XL 2 is said to be packed with a 6-inch AMOLED screen that will be delivering an aspect ratio of 2:1. The screen can be sporting slim bezels around the display. The display of the Pixel XL 2 in the render reminds us of the Full Vision display available on the LG G6.

Read More: Affordable Mid-Tier Project Fi Smartphone Coming This Year

The display appears flat but the glass present over it are curved at the right and left sides. In other words, the display appears like the full-screen on Samsung Galaxy S8, Galaxy S8+, and LG G6 that have very narrow bezels. It is not like the bezeless screens available on Essential Phone or Xiaomi Mi MIX.

The rear side has the two-tone design with the upper made seems to be made up of glass. An LED flash and a large-sized camera sensor can be seen at the top-left corner. So, it seems that the Google Pixel XL will not be featuring a dual rear camera system. In the original Pixel XL, the fingerprint reader is included in the upper glass window. However, the successor seems to feature it below the glass window.

The rear panel does not feature any visible antenna bands. Also, this render does not confirm whether the Pixel XL 2 has a 3.5mm audio jack or not. However, rumors have said that the Google may axe the standard audio jack from the upcoming Pixel phones. The publication claims that Pixel XL 2 may feature a squeezable pressure-sensitive frame like the HTC U11’s Edge Sense function. By squeezing, users will be able to access various actions such as Google Assistant.

Some of the Google Pixel XL 2’s key specs have already appeared. The Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 are slated to break cover in October.

Source

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Google’s Pixel and Pixel XL phones are two of the best Android phones you can buy at the moment. Released last year to replace the Nexus line, Google will be releasing a second generation in a few months.

Initially, there were three devices, codenamed Walleye, Muskie, and Taimen. However, Muskie which was believed to be the Pixel XL 2 is said to have been cancelled, leaving Walleye and Taimen. Taimen has a larger screen than the cancelled Muskie and will reportedly be built by LG.

New details have emerged regarding the specifications of both devices. According to XDA Developers, a trusted source who has spent time with the devices revealed the info to them.

Taimen

The device which will be built by LG will have a 5.99-inch 1440 OLED display (supplied by LG as well). This is even larger than the LG G6 which has a 5.7-inch device. If you loved the Motorola-built Nexus 6, then you will appreciate the extra screen estate but with smaller bezels than the first-gen Pixel XL

Taimen will also have a 128GB variant along with 4GB of RAM and a Snapdragon 835 chip clocked at 2.45GHz. Its rear will retain the half metal and half glass finish from the previous model. However, the top glass part won’t cover the fingerprint scanner (rear-mounted again). Camera for Taimen is a single sensor with dual LED flash.

Walleye

Walleye a.k.a Pixel 2 will have a 4.97-inch 1080p display. The design is reported to be almost identical to last year’s model down to the bezels. One addition Google is adding is stereo speakers. The extra speaker will sadly come at the death of the 3.5mm audio jack which the source says Taimen doesn’t have.

RAM and processor are the same with Taimen but storage comes in at 64GB.

Nexus Imprint

The source says that he discovered that the pre-production software on Taimen referred to the fingerprint scanner as “Nexus Imprint” while Walleye’s settings referred to its own scanner as “Pixel Imprint”.

It is still unclear what this means. Google already announced that it was done with the Nexus line, so we do not want to jump into conclusions. It may also be an error that wasn’t fixed or a sort of throwback to when LG used to make Nexus devices.

READ MORE: Chip Wars: Google Employs Former Apple CPU Architect To Lead Its Processor Department

Summary

There are a number of big changes coming such as the removal of the audio jack. It remains to be seen if Google will bundle headphones with the Pixel 2 or just throw in an adapter. It also appears that Google is sticking to putting the fingerprint scanner on the rear. So if you have been hoping Google will implement the under-display fingerprint scanner design, sorry to burst your bubble.

(Source)

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A leaked render of the Google Pixel 2 has smartphone has surfaced to reveal what to expect from it. Samsung has the impressed the world with the full-screen design that it introduced on Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+. The upcoming smartphones like Galaxy Note 8 and iPhone 8 are both expected to come with screens that will be surrounded by super-slim bezels around the four sides. Both the phablets are also expected to come with dual rear cameras. Hence, in order to rival with the Note 8 and iPhone 8, the upcoming Google Pixel 2 should come with full-screen design and dual rear camera feature. These features are available on the newly leaked render of the Google Pixel 2.

The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 smartphones are slated to get announced in October this year. The leaked render that we have here cannot be confirmed as a real thing. It appears more like a creation of someone who wanted to add full-screen display and dual camera feature without bringing major changes to the design of the original Google Pixel phones.

Read More: Google Pixel 2 Concept Shows Stunning Full-Screen Design, Vertical Dual Rear Cam

As it can be seen in the above image, the Pixel 2 appears quite similar to the original Pixel smartphone. The most obvious change that can be noticed is that the phone has super-slim bezels on the left and right sides of the screen. The upper and lower bezels appear thick. The upper bezel houses a selfie camera.

The top portion rear side of the Pixel 2 shows the horizontally arranged dual camera feature that is coupled with a LED flash. There is no way to confirm yet whether Google will introduce twin rear camera feature on the upcoming Pixel 2 smartphones.

Some rumors have claimed that the Pixel 2 phones won’t be featuring the standard 3.5mm audio jack. However, the audio jack can be seen at bottom edge of the phone which appears to be a more convenient placement. The original Pixel phones have the audio port at the top edge. The bottom side of the phone also feature a USB Type-C port. The right side of the phone has a Power key and a volume controller whereas the left side has a SIM slot.

(source|via)

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DBS Designing has built a concept edition of the upcoming Google Pixel 2 smartphone. The Pixel 2 concept is available on the website of Concept Phones. Even though it is just a concept model, it appears like a successor phone for the original Google Pixel smartphone from last year.

Google Pixel 2 Concept Design

The Google Pixel 2 concept by DBS designing shows the smartphone with an edge-to-edge screen as it sports razor-thin bezels on the left and right side of the screen. Also, the top that houses a selfie snapper and bottom bezels are quite thin. The right edge of the phone has the Power button and volume buttons. The bottom edge of the concept phone features a USB Type-C port and the cutouts on the either side of it may belong to the external speakers of the phone. The top and left edges of the phone are barren.

The rear side of the Google Pixel 2 concept has a vertically aligned dual rear camera module. Below it is a small square-shaped LED flash for the camera. The backside of the phone also features a fingerprint reader. Google’s ‘G’ logo is seen sitting at the bottom of the back panel. The concept model appears in two colors like Black and Silver.

Read More: Google Pixel XL 2 Muskie Cancelled? Reportedly Replaced by Larger Google Taimen

Google Pixel 2 Concept Specifications, Features

The Google Pixel 2 concept model’s 5.7-inch screen supports QHD+ resolution. The Samsung Galaxy S8 and Galaxy S8+ also supports QHD+ resolution of 2,960 x 1,440 pixels and an aspect ratio of 18.5:9. It is likely that the Pixel 2 concept with full-screen design may support a similar resolution and aspect ratio.

The specs sheet says that it features an octa-core processor and does not exactly mention name of the processor that powers the concept phone. Since the phone has a glossy appeal, the concept design shows that it has an all-glass body that is certified with IP68 rating for water and dust resistance.

Other specs include 6 GB of RAM and an internal storage of 128 GB. The rear dual camera system includes a pair of 12-megapixel sensors and the front houses a 7-megapixel camera. It is running on Android 8.0 (Android O) and is equipped with a 3,800mAh battery that comes with fast charging capabilities. As the rumor have been claiming that the 3.5mm audio jack will not be available on Pixel 2, the concept model shows that there is no standard headphone port.

(source|via)

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Google is hard at work on the next generation Pixel smartphones. Originally though to be three, new info says there are now just two. Muskie, the codename for the Pixel XL 2 is reported to have been cancelled and replaced by Taimen.

A report from 9to5Google says Taimen may be built by LG and they cite a bug entry on the Android Issue Tracker as proof. The bug entry was reported by an employee of LG. A Google employee requested that the bug be moved to thread: Android > Partner > External > LGE > Taimen > power. LGE is presumed to stand for LG Electronics.

If this is true, this will be LG’s 4th device in partnership with Google. The Korean manufacturer is responsible for the Nexus 4, the Nexus 5, and the Nexus 5X. However, this time we won’t see their name on the device. The Pixel and Pixel XL were made by HTC but have no HTC branding on them.

READ MORE: Google I/O 2017 Highlights: New Announcements That Matter To You!

If Google is working with LG on this, it might be a conformation that the Pixel XL 2 may have a display similar to that of the LG G6. We sure will find out in a couple of months.

Are you excited about LG building one of the Pixel phones? Will that make you buy or avoid it? Do let us know in the comment box.

(Source, via)

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Since a few months, the rumor mill has been claiming that Google will be releasing three smartphones this year. Two of them is expected to be successor phones for Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 and the third one is said to be larger phone. However, newer information coming from Android Police suggests that the Google Pixel XL 2 that is codenamed as Muskie has been cancelled.

The publication had reported earlier this year that apart from Walleye (Pixel 2’s successor) and Muskie (Pixel XL 2’s successor), Google is also working on another large-sized phablet that is codenamed as Taimen. The new information revealed by the publication suggests that it will be releasing only two Google Pixel phones this year as Muskie has been replaced by Taimen.

As of this writing, there is no confirmation on how big the Google Taimen will be. Previous reports say that since Taimen is the largest salmonid in the world, it is speculated it may come with large screen of around 6 inches like the Nexus 6 from 2014.

Read More: Google Pixel 2 Render Appears with Higher Screen-to-Body Ratio, Dual Rear Cameras

Interestingly, in the previous week, the alleged Google Pixel XL 2 had appeared on GFXBench benchmarking platform. Since the codename of the phone was not revealed in the listing, the Pixel XL 2 may be the Taimen device and not Muskie. In the previous month, Google Taimen was spotted on Geekbench with Snapdragon 835, 4 GB of RAM and Android O.

The Pixel XL 2 GFXBench listing revealed that it features a 2,560 x 1,312 pixels resolution support screen of 5.6 inches. If the navigation bar is included then the Pixel XL 2 could be supporting a QHD resolution of 2,560 x 1,440 pixels. Hence, the Google Pixel XL 2 may arrive with a screen size of 5.7 inches. The original Pixel XL came with a 5.5-inch screen. Rumors have it that the Pixel 2 duo would be coming with super-slim bezels.

What could be the reason behind axing the Muskie phone? The regular Galaxy S8 sports a large 5.8-inch screen and its Galaxy S8+ sibling has an even bigger screen of 6.2 inches. Hence, instead of launching a 5.5-inch handset with “XL” naming, Google may have decided to launch with a larger screen. Even though the Pixel XL 2 has been spotted with Snapdragon 835, rumors are rife that it may be powered with the upcoming Snapdragon 836 chip.

(source)

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Google seems to have started testing the upcoming Google Pixel 2 smartphones. On GFXBench, the alleged Google Pixel XL 2 has appeared along with its specifications. It will be coming out to replace the original Google Pixel XL that released last year in October 2016.

According to the listing of Google Pixel XL 2 on GFXBench, it is fueled by Snapdragon 835 chipset that clocks at 2.35 GHz along with Adreno 540 graphics. Like its predecessor, the Pixel XL 2 features 4 GB of RAM and a native storage of 128 GB. It is unlikely to feature a microSD card.

The original Pixel XL has a Quad HD resolution supporting 5.5-inch screen. However, the Pixel XL 2 has a bigger 5.6-inch display that supports a unique resolution of 2,560 x 1,312 pixels. The recently launched Essential PH-1 smartphone also supports the same resolution on its 5.71-inch screen. The Google Pixel XL 2 may also support a 18.9 or 18.5:9 5aspect ratio and also it is very likely that it may come with an elongated bezel-less screen.

Read More: Google Pixel 2 Render Appears with Higher Screen-to-Body Ratio, Dual Rear Cameras

The Google Pixel XL 2 GFXBench listing shows that it has a 12-megapixel rear camera. It features an 8-megapixel front-facing snapper. Both the cameras are capable of shooting 4K resolution videos. Since the GFXBench benchmarking platform does not information dual camera sensors, it cannot be confirmed whether the Pixel XL 2 features a dual rear camera module or not. The listing states that the phablet is running on Android 7.1.1 Nougat, but it is most likely to ship with Android O preinstalled.

Popular leakster, Roland Quandt who was first to reveal the GFXBench listing claims that the Pixel XL 2 may support Gigabit Wi-Fi dual-band and Bluetooth 5.0. It also carries support for NFC connectivity.

Previous leaks have revealed that the Google Pixel XL 2 would be coming with water and dust resistant chassis and an improved rear-facing camera that will shoot better photos in dim light condition. Speculations have it that it won’t be featuring a 3.5mm audio jack. The Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 are pegged to launch in October this year.

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A leaked render of the Google Pixel 2 has appeared to reveal its design and new features. The size of the image is small, but it reveals what to expect from the Pixel 2 that is pegged to launch in October this year.

The design of the Pixel 2 shown in the leaked render appears very similar to the Google Pixel and Pixel XL  smartphones from 2016. The back panel has a two-tone design which is also available on the original Pixel phones. The top portion is in black whereas the other part has a matte finish.

There are two interesting things about the Google Pixel 2 render. The first one is that the rear panel has a dual rear camera featuring sitting at the top left corner with a prominent LED flash. Compared to the original Pixel phone, the Pixel 2 render suggests that it will be coming with a higher screen-to-body ratio.

Read More: This Google Pixel 2 Concept Teaser Suggests Dual Camera Setup & Full Screen Display

It cannot be confirmed whether the Pixel 2 render is legitimate as it appears to be created by a fan after considering currently popular features like higher screen-to-body ratio display and dual rear cameras. The Pixel 2 render appears similar to the original phone, but Google has never sold a phone that feature the same design as the predecessor model. Since Google Pixel is technically the first “made by Google” and its industrial has been provided by Google, there is a possibility that the Pixel 2 may retain the same design.

As far as the specifications of the Google Pixel 2 is concerned, it is rumored to be powered by Snapdragon 836 chipset, an upgraded version of Snapdragon 835. The dual rear camera setup is rumored to include a 16-megapixel sensor and an 8-megapixel sensor. And of course, it is expected to come loaded with Android O. The back panel also seems to feature a fingerprint scanner.

There is a possibility that Google may introduce dual rear cameras on Pixel 2 because by the time it arrives, there will be couple of popular flagships with dual rear cameras such as the next generation iPhone, Galaxy Note 8, LG V30 and OnePlus 5. Google is expected to follow an annual launch cycle by releasing the Pixel 2 in October as the original Pixel and Pixel XL were launched in October 2016. The Pixel 2 is also expected to arrive with an expensive price tag compared to original model.

(Source | Via 1|via 2)

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1.9 GHz octa-core SoC from It seems that someone having a prototype unit of Google Taimen has tested it on Geekbench. Even though the benchmark does not reveal the name of the chipset, but the Qualcomm driving the Google Taimen is speculated as the Snapdragon 835. The SoC of Taimen is accompanied by 4 GB of RAM and it is running on Android O which is the next version of Android OS after Android 7.0 Nougat.

The Google Taimen has recorded an impressive single-core score of 1804 and multi-core score of 6248 on Geekbench. The first news about the existence of Google Taimen had surfaced around two months ago. Google is known for codenaming its devices with names of fishes. Taimen is the largest salmonid in the world which hints that the Google Taimen would be a larger device than the Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 phones. The older report had claimed that the Google Taimen is a “separate” device hinting that it may be a non-Pixel device or it may be a tablet or a true successor of Nexus 6 that came with a huge display of 5.96 inches.

In the previous month, Walleye, Muskie and Taimen codenames were found on Android Open Source Project which confirmed the existence of the third Google device. And now it has appeared on Geekbench to further confirm the rumors on the existence of Taimen device.

The upcoming Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 smartphones are speculated to launch in October this year. There is a possibility that Google Pixel 2 phones may get announced a bit early. The upcoming Pixel 2 smartphones are rumored to come with waterproof chassis. These phones are also rumored to come with improved cameras that would include large-sized megapixels for shooting high quality images in low-light conditions. Rumors also claim that the Pixel 2 phones will not be featuring the standard 3.5mm headphone jack.

(source|via)

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It has been found that one of the Google engineers named David Zeuthen has access to a physical handset of Pixel 2 as he was able to perform a manual test on Walleye device. This suggests that Google may be testing the prototypes of Pixel 2 and is testing it with the basic future Android code.

Read More: Larger non-Pixel Google Phone Codenamed as Taimen Rumored to Release This Year

Since the original Pixel and Pixel XL phones were launched in October 2016, they are still new devices. However, new finding indicates that successor devices may be almost ready with Google and the testing process has already begun. Also, Google has already released the first Android O Developer Preview in the previous month which hints that the company is also prepping the Android 8.0 alongside the upcoming 2017 Pixel smartphones. This indicates that there is a possibility that Google may announce its Pixel smartphones early this year.

Samsung is pegged to announce its upcoming Galaxy Note 8 in August or September. Apple is rumored to follow its launch pattern for announcing the rumored iPhone 7S, iPhone 7S Plus and iPhone 8 in September. Google is struggling to meet the demand of first-generation Pixel phones as customers are unable to purchase theme easily. Hence, Google may not want to clash the release of its Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 with the forthcoming Samsung and Apple flagships.

Moreover, when Rick Osterloh, the Senior Vice President for Hardware with Google was asked about the Pixel 2 release date, he said that, “There is an annual rhythm in the industry. So, you can count on us to follow it.” This suggest that Google may stick to announcing the second-generation Google Pixel phones in October this year.

Even though the Google Pixel and Pixel XL phones are sold with “made by Google” tagline, but they were assembled by HTC. Since the Taiwanese company has signed a two-year manufacturing deal with Google, the upcoming Pixel phones are expected to be assembled by the same company.

(source)

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The 12.3-megapixel rear cameras on Google Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones are the highest rated smartphone cameras on DxOMark. The reason why the cameras of Pixel phones are able to shoot amazing photos and videos is that they are powered with a software that was originally made to be used on Google Glass.

When Alphabet’ X wing was working on the Google Glass project, it wanted its camera to be on par with the cameras present on topnotch smartphones. However, the camera sensor of the Google Glass was smaller than the ones that are present on smartphones. It could not intake much light and thereby ended taking poor photos. Hence, the engineers at Google came up with a solution called Gcam that allowed the camera sensor to capture sufficient light and shoot better photos.

Since the engineers could not modify the camera hardware of the Sony IMX378 sensor of the 12.3-megapixel camera, they worked on the improving the software. A new solution called “image fusion” was devised that allowed the camera to capture multiple shots of the same photo in a rapid sequence and combine them together to produce a final image that comprises the best of each photo. Since Gcam works like HDR, it is dubbed as HDR+ by Google.

Related: Google Pixel 2 to Release in October With Premium Design; Pixel 2B Rumors Axed

Gcam made its debut on Google Glass in 2013 and then it arrived as HDR+ on Nexus 5 and 6. Now, it is available as the default camera mode on Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL smartphones. The camera technology from Google is also available on its other products such as Android, YouTube, Google Photos and Jump (360=degree VR rig).

Google is now rumored to be working on Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 smartphones that are reportedly codenamed as Muskie and Walleye. Leaked information has revealed that both phones will be equipped with improved rear cameras that will be able to support advanced low-light photography. On the software side, Google is expected to improve on white balance as well as background effect by letting the software decide whether to blur, darken, or lighten.

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Yesterday, it was reported that the upcoming Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 are codenamed as Walleye and Muskie, respectively. A new report has revealed that the Google is working on another smartphone codenamed as “Taimen.” By citing multiple sources, Droid-Life has reported that Google will release a third smartphone this year, but it won’t be launch as Google Pixel series phone.

Taimen is world’s largest salmonid. It indicates that the mysterious Google smartphone would be arriving with a large display. Its screen is expected to be bigger than the screen of Google Pixel XL 2. It reminds us of the Motorola Nexus 6 from 2014 that was codenamed as Shamu. Itt came with a 6-inch screen.

Some may speculate that it may be a tablet, but sources have revealed that Taimen is a phone. It is said to be “separate” from Walleye and Muskie smartphones. Hence, it is likely that the Taimen does not belong to the Google Pixel family.

Related: Google Pixel 2 to Release in October With Premium Design; Pixel 2B Rumors Axed

In October 2016, Android chief Hiroshi Lockheimer stated in an interview after the launch of Google Pixel and Pixel XL phones that, “I don’t want to close a door completely, but there is no plan right now to do more Nexus devices.”  The first Google Nexus phone, the Nexus One was manufactured by HTC was released in 2010. The last Nexus phones, the LG Nexus 5X and Huawei Nexus 6P were launched in 2015 and in the next year Google debuted its first smartphones, Pixel and Pixel XL.

Since the rumored Taimen smartphone may not launch as a Google Pixel device, there is a possibility that it may mark the resurrection of Nexus brand. In this year, popular phones such as Galaxy S8 and LG G6 have large-sized screens with slim bezels. The mysterious non-Google Pixel may also feature a display with higher screen-to-body ratio along with thin bezels. Also, there is a possibility that it could run on Google’s new Andromeda OS

(source)

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An internal Google document has revealed that Google’s upcoming Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 smartphones will not feature the standard 3.5 mm headphone jack. When Google had launched Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones last year, it advertised that 3.5 mm audio jack is one of the key features of Pixel phones over iPhone 7 and iPhones 7 Plus smartphones that came without it.

9to5 Google stated that it has not shared the internal document as it will put the source at risk. It also stated that the news come from a single source and there is no secondary proof to support this information.

In January, the publication had reported that according to a tipster, Google is testing different chipsets like Snapdragon 83X and Intel chips on Pixel 2. However, the tipster did not reveal any information on the axing of 3.5 mm audio jack on Pixel 2. Hence, it is likely that Google is yet to decide whether to remove the feature or keep it. Hence, Gizmo China readers are taking this report with a pinch of salt as it is an unconfirmed rumor.

Related: Google Pixel 2 Renders Leaked

The same leakster also revealed that upcoming Pixel phones may come with a waterproof chassis. He also added that Google is working on providing a better camera on the next-generation Pixel phones. The camera will not have large-sized megapixels, but it will rather come with additional features like advanced low-light photography.

Currently, Google is receiving feedback from the users through the Pixel User Community to know what people like or dislike about the Pixel and Pixel XL and what improvements they would like to see. So Pixel phone fans who do not wish to see the standard headphone jack on next-generation Pixel phones can post their feedback.

The Senior VP for Hardware with Google, Rick Osterloh, had confirmed in the previous week that new Pixel smartphones would be releasing later this year. It is likely that the alleged Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 would be launched in October this year.

He added that Pixel phones would remain premium and ended the rumors of a budget-friendly Pixel phone. After this, the same tipster surfaced again to state that Google’s Pixel team is also working on a low-priced smartphone with modest specs, but it won’t be carrying Pixel brand name. It may be a new Android One phone from Google.

Would you like to see the next Pixel smartphone without a 3.5mm headphone jack? Do share your thoughts by adding your comments below.

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In a recent interview Osterloh said that Pixel 2 would continue to “stay premium” and he added that there will no cheaper variant of Pixel smartphone. The search engine would let other manufacturers to release lower priced smartphones.

The tipster that spilled beans on the alleged “Pixel 2B” claimed that the same team that is working on Pixel 2 is also building a budget smartphone that will be targeted towards developing markets. He has speculated that it may be an Android One smartphone.

Related: Google Pixel 2 Renders Leaked

As he had said in January, he maintains that the mysterious budget phone is built alongside Pixel 2. It will be sold outside the U.S. If Google is really working on a budget phone with lower hardware specs, it seems that Osterloh was being careful with his words.

As far as Google’s upcoming smartphones with alleged Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 monikers are concerned, both phones are slated to release in October this year. These smartphones are expected to arrive with IP68 certified chassis.

Previous rumors have stated that the search engine giant is testing Pixel 2 with custom chipset and SoCs from other brands. However, speculations are rife that it would be running on Snapdragon 835. The Pixel 2 is also pegged to come with an improved camera that may support advanced dim light photography. Compared to the original Pixel smartphone that came with a pricing of $649, its successor is rumored to be $50 costlier.

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In the previous month, rumors started swirling that the Google Pixel 2 would be arriving with an enhanced camera that will bring improvements like dim light photography along with some new features. The report also revealed that it would be coming with an improved processor, which is pretty much expected from a successor phone.

The report also claimed that Google will be targeting emerging markets by releasing Google Pixel 2B smartphone. It would be carrying significantly cheaper pricing than the Pixel 2 to bring Google experience to the developing markets.

In an interview, Osterloh has said “Pixel stays premium” which means Google will not be releasing a budget friendly phone that is allegedly called Pixel 2B. He added that Google will let other smartphone manufactures to target the lower price segments.

Related: Google Pixel 2 Renders Leaked

As far as the release date of Google Pixel 2 is concerned, Osterloh stated, “”There is an annual rhythm in the industry. So, you can count on us to follow it.” He further added, “You can count on a successor this year, even if you don’t hear a date from me now.” Since the Google Pixel and Pixel XL were announced in October 2016, it is likely that the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 will be launched in October this year.

Since flagship phones of 2017 are expected to mainly feature Snapdragon 835 chipset, it is likely that the rumored Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 would come with the same chipset. Since they are pegged to release in the last quarter of 2016, it may feature an upgraded version of SD 835.

Even though Google Pixel and Pixel XL are manufactured by HTC, these smartphones are tagged as “Made by Google” and they do not carry HTC logos. This year too, the search engine giant is expected to build Pixel 2 and Pixel XL 2 in collaboration with a popular smartphone maker. As of this writing, there is no news on which company Google will partner with for its upcoming phones.

(source)

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