Google held their event this past Tuesday, where they dropped a number of Google products. Most, if not all, we knew about because of the leaks. So there really was nothing that surprised us. We know the Pixel 3XL has a giant notch, has 4 GB of RAM, and is pretty much identical to the Pixel 2XL, and goes for $899 for the 64 GB model, and $999 for the 128 GB Model. And the Pixel 3 goes for $799 (64GB) and $899 (128GB). Other items that were announced were the Google Home Hub, Pixel Slate, and Pixel Stand.
The Pixel Slate is another Chrome OS Tablet, except this time officially made by Google. Paired with a keyboard and pen (likely to be sold separately), the Pixel Slate has a 12.3 inch LCD display, fingerprint sensor, and come in a number of price options. The $599 version has an Intel Celeron Processor, 4GB of RAM, 32 GB of storage (there is another option for 6 GB of RAM and 64 GB of storage, I am guessing that will be $699). 8th Gen Intel Core m3 Processor, 8GB of Ram, 64 GB of storage, priced at $799. 8th Gen Intel Core i5 Processor, 8GB of Ram, 128 GB of storage, and priced at $999. 8th Gen Intel Core i7 Processor, 16GB of Ram, 256 GB of storage, and going for $1599.
The Pixel Stand turns the Pixel 3/3XL into a smart hub, as well as wirelessly charge the devices. Starting at $79, it’s a nice addition to add to the Pixel line of accessories.
Google Home Hub is the final device I will talk about. With companies looking to build more devices around their assistant products, Google is following through with this device. At $149, this is basically Google Assistant with a display. Like other Google Assistant devices, you will be able to control connected devices, listen to music, check the weather, and more.
Overall I have to say I am encouraged that Google is continuing to build a line of products around their software. It really feel like Google is trying to be all in with their product line. But if I was to be honest, I am very disappointed with the phone specs wise. I know “specs isn’t everything”, but for what Google is asking for these phones it feels a little steep. Drop another $100 to $150 off all of the phones, and maybe I could see it. But I am going to hold final judgement until I get the phone in hand.
I am waiting to see reviews on the Google Slate. But for right now, there are other companies that are doing the same thing for cheaper, ie the HP Chromebook x 2. But until we see some head to heads, Ill have to hold off on my final verdict. I look forward to seeing reviews by Chrome Unboxed.
Lastly, the Google Home Hub. This is a product I could see buying for family members. Especially for someone like my parents or grand parents. Yeah we could do all of that with a tablet or phone, but this just have an appeal that will work for them. It just keeps it simple and present only what they need. They do not have to sift through the Play Store or the phone itself. This was the appeal I had for the Amazon version, Echo Show. So I could not wait for Google to do one. I just hope they can present some sweet deals for the holidays.
