UPDATED 01:13 EDT / SEPTEMBER 20 2017

EMERGING TECH

New Google phones, Pixelbook and VR viewer leaked ahead of Oct. 4 launch

Google LLC is set to unveil a variety of new devices, including smartphones and a new smart home speaker, in two weeks, but if recent leaks are anything to go by, it’s unlikely there will be many surprises at the event.

Droid Life has revealed images and price details of five new products that the company will unveil on Oct. 4. In addition to a Google Home Mini, which will compete directly with Amazon.com Inc.’s Echo Dot with a possible retail price of $49, Droid Life has also revealed details about Google’s upcoming smartphones, a Google Pixelbook and a new Daydream View virtual reality viewer.

Here’s a look at the leaked images and pricing for Google’s upcoming hardware, as well as previous speculation for its flagship devices:

Pixel 2

Google’s updated flagship device, the Pixel 2, will come in three colors, “Just Black,” “Clearly White” and “Kinda Blue,” according to Droid Life. The HTC Corp.-built Pixel 2 will come in a 64-gigabyte option and retail for $650, while the 128-gigabyte storage option will retail for $750.

The newly launched Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.’s Note8, Apple Inc. iPhone 8 Plus and LG Corp. V30 all sport dual rear-facing cameras. If the leaked images are to be believed, Google’s Pixel 2 will be competing with a single camera, but it will could see significant improvements to remain competitive. The rear of the device also shows a rear-mounted fingerprint scanner.

Pixel 2 models available in “Kinda Blue,” “Clearly White” and “Just Black.” Image via Droid Life

Pixel 2 models available in “Kinda Blue,” “Clearly White” and “Just Black” (Image: Droid Life)

Previous speculation for the upcoming flagship include a touch-sensitive edge, which would be pressure-sensitive and launch Google Assistant, the camera or other apps.

There’s conflicting speculation when it comes to the Pixel 2’s processor. Some suggest the device will sport the Snapdragon 835 chip available in other high-end Android phones, like the Note8, while renowned leak reporter Evan Blass says the device will come with Qualcomm Inc.’s as-yet-unannounced Snapdragon 836 chip.

Like the iPhone 7 and subsequent iPhone models, rumors suggest that Google will also lose the headphone jack. The Pixel 2 is also expected to sport the latest Android operating system, Android Oreo.

Pixel 2 XL

Pixel 2 XL models in “Black & White” and “Just Black.” Image via Droid Life.

Pixel 2 XL models in “Black & White” and “Just Black” (Image: Droid Life)

Google is also expected to launch a slightly larger Pixel 2 XL, which will be available in “Black & White” and “Just Black.” The images also show that the Pixel 2 XL will also stick to a single rear-facing camera and fingerprint scanner on the rear, like the Pixel 2.

Last year’s two models didn’t have any differences apart from size, but both devices were manufactured by HTC. This year, rumors suggest that the Pixel 2 XL will be manufactured by LG.

What we do know will be different to the smaller Pixel 2 is an expensive price tag. Droid Life reports that the 64GB model will cost $849, making it more expensive than the iPhone 8 Plus, which retails for $799 for the 64GB model. While the 128GB Pixel 2 XL is rumored to retail for a hefty $949.  

A previously leaked image of the upcoming Pixel 2 XL shows a larger 6-inch, bezelless display.

Google Pixelbook

Upcoming Google Pixelbook will fold into a tablet and offer stylus support. Image via Droid Life

Upcoming Google Pixelbook will fold into a tablet and offer stylus support. Image via Droid Life

Google’s event is also expected to showcase a new high-performance Chromebook Pixel. The new device will differ from predecessors and will receive a new name – Google Pixelbook – and will be able to fold into a tablet with stylus support.

The Google Pixelbook will have storage options of 128GB, 256GB and 512GB and come with expensive price tags, ranging from $1,199 to $1,749. The Pixelbook will launch alongside the new, pressure sensitive Pixelbook Pen, which offers tilt support and reportedly no lag. The Pixelbook Pen will cost an additional $99.  

New Daydream View

New Daydream View will sport new material and color options. Image via Droid Life.

New Daydream View will sport new material and color options. Image via Droid Life.

The leaked images of the new Daydream View expected to be announced next month don’t look much different from the predecessor.

The differences that are obvious is a new range of colors, including Charcoal, Fog and Coral in addition to a different type of material that will cover the virtual reality viewer. A small design tweak visible in the leaked image shows a smaller gap between the lid and headpiece when a phone’s not inserted.

The main difference for the Daydream View is a bump in its price tag. Droid Life is reporting a retail price of $100, a $20 increase. This price bump suggests sensor improvements in the controller.

Main image: Kristina Alexanderson; Flickr

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