Available for preorder in an exclusive deal with Verizon, new Google Pixel features high-end camera, personal assistant and compatibility with Project Fi mobile virtual network.
Google on Monday announced its new Pixel phone, which will initially be available for preorder in the U.S. exclusively with Verizon Wireless.
Google’s VP of product management, Brian Rakowski, described Pixel as providing an optimized Google experience building on the Nexus line of phones, which were developed and brought to market with hardware partners.
“Through Nexus, the goal was to work with these various partners to push the boundaries of what’s possible with a smartphone,” Rakowski wrote in a blog post. “We’ve now decided to take the next step and provide our take on the best Google experience, by bringing hardware and software design together under one roof.”
Pixel went on sale yesterday in the U.S. (through Verizon Wireless or for $649 via the Google Store), United Kingdom, Canada, Germany and Australia. Preorders in India are scheduled for Oct. 13.
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Two variants feature 5-inch and 5.5-inch displays made of 2.5D Corning Gorilla Glass 4, which also is used for the back glass. Google Assistant is built-in to Pixel, and the 12.3-megapixel camera has f/2.0 aperture and 1.55 micron pixels, which are good for taking pictures in low light.
“Phones will get software and security updates as soon as they’re available, directly from Google,” Rakowski wrote. “We’ve also made the update process easier. When a new update is available, it can download and install in the background — no more waiting around for your phone to update.”
Pixel also is available unlocked, so it works on the carrier network of your choice, including Google’s own mobile virtual network operator play Project Fi, which uses the Sprint, T-Mobile US and US Cellular networks, as well as Wi-Fi hot spots to provide voice and data.