After plenty of rumors and leaks, Google LLC’s highly anticipated Oct. 4 event happens is nearly at hand. Unfortunately for the company, a leak late last month gave everyone a clear idea of what will be unveiled on Wednesday.

If the leak is anything to go by, the Google event will be jam-packed with a variety of hardware relating to the smart home, smartphones, a 2-in-1 device and more.

What to expect

Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL

The highlight of the Google event is expected to be the much-anticipated sequel to the company’s Pixel phone. The five-inch Pixel 2 will be manufactured by HTC Corp., Google recently acquired part of HTC’s mobile business for $1.1 billion, while the six-inch Pixel 2 XL will be built by LG Corp.

Both devices are said to run on Snapdragon 835 chips, come with Android 8.1 and will lose the headphone jack. The Pixel XL, at least, will have a curved OLED display, while both models are expected to have waterproof bodies and squeezable frames that will allow users to summon Google Assistant.

Although camera improvements are expected, both models will not get dual rear-facing cameras, which have become popular for other brands. But Google Lens is expected to be integrated into the Pixel’s camera app.

Pixel 2 XL models in “Black & White” and “Just Black.”

The Pixel devices are also expected to be the first smartphones to use an E-SIM (embedded SIM) card. E-Sims have been used in wearables like Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.’s Gear S2 Classic 3G and the recently launched Watch Series 3 from Apple Inc. The tiny chip would be embedded into the Pixel and allow users to switch carriers via software, rather than requiring a new SIM card.

The Pixel 2 is expected to start at $649, while the premium Pixel 2 XL will start at $849.

Headphones with Google Assistant support

As the headphone jack will likely be removed from the Pixel smartphones, Google reportedly will unveil the devices with USB-C headphones in certain regions with easy access to Google Assistant. The company is also said to be working on wireless earbuds that will compete with Apple AirPods.

Last month, Bose Corp. unveiled its new wireless, noise-canceling QC 35 II headphones that comes with Google Assistant.

Google Home Mini and Max (plus Amazon Echo Show competitor?)

The leak last month revealed a Google Home Mini speaker that is expected to be unveiled this week. The mini version (pictured above) will have the same functionality as the regular Google Home smart speaker, but in a significantly smaller size and a lower price tag. The $49 Google Home Mini will compete with Amazon.com Inc.’s Echo Dot.

Google is also said to be working on a premium, larger Google Home device, codenamed “Max,” according to 9to5Google. The Max is expected to sport stereo speakers. It’s unknown whether it will be launched this week, but if the device speculation is true, Google will want to get in ahead of the release of Apple’s premium HomePod speaker in December.  

The possible launch of Google’s new smart home speakers come just a week after Amazon significantly expanded its smart home speaker lineup with the launch of the next-generation Echo, an Echo Connect, Echo Plus with built-in smart hub, an Echo Spot — a combination of an Echo Dot and Echo Show — and Echo Buttons.

Google is also reportedly working on a smart screen competitor to the seven-inch Echo Show, which Amazon unveiled in May, according to TechCrunch. This rumor came a day after Google ended YouTube support for the Echo Show.

Sources told TechCrunch that Google’s new device would offer support for YouTube, Google Assistant, Google Photos and video calling, as well as acting as a smart hub to control various smart home appliances. An original launch date of mid-2018 was planned, but there is internal pressure to launch it this year so that it can compete with the Echo Show.     

Daydream and ARCore

The leak last month also gave us an idea of the second-generation Daydream VR headset. Little is known about the device besides new color options, a different material coating and slight design tweaks, as well as a higher $100 price tag.

We can also expect to see more demos of Google’s ARCore technology, which the company unveiled in August. ARCore, which competes with Apple’s ARKit, is a software development kit for Android devices that will allow developers to create augmented reality experiences without the need for additional hardware.

2-in-1 convertible Pixelbook

Google is expected to unveil a high-end 2-in-1 convertible Pixelbook with up to 512GB storage and stylus support. The Pixelbook is expected to cost between $1,199 and $1,749.

Google Assistant is also reportedly coming to Chromebooks.

“Made for Google” certification system

The company is also expected to launch a “Made for Google” certification program that will resemble Apple’s “Made for iPhone/iPad/iPod” program (known as MFi) and will set standards for third-party accessories.

How to watch Google’s hardware event

You can catch all the action via a live stream on Google’s official YouTube channel. The coverage of the Oct. 4 event starts at 9 a.m. PDT. SiliconAngle also will be at the event for coverage and analysis.

Images: Droid Life