Google beats Apple's iPhone 17 release with surprise Android smartphone launch
There was a time when Google waited until the autumn to unveil its new Pixel smartphones. However, it now seems the US technology firm wants to get well ahead of Apple, with the company announcing a swathe of upgraded devices. These will all go on sale ahead of the expected iPhone 17 release next month and there are plenty of options and new features packed inside of them.
Firstly, there's a trio of standard call makers including the new Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro and gargantuan Pixel 10 Pro XL, which comes with a pocket-busting 6.8-inch screen.
They all get a faster Tensor G5 processor which is also more intelligent, better battery life, tough design that's covered in Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 and very fast charging.
Opt for the more expensive Pro models and you'll also be treated to an impressive rear camera system with a whopping 100 times zoom. This snapper will also take stunning close-ups and bright images even when the sun goes down.
As you'd expect from Google, these are also very smart smartphones that come packed with AI and full access Google Gemini - that means you can chat to the device just like it's your geeky friend.
A system-wide new feature in Google apps called Magic Cue promises 'proactive contextual suggestions'.
This will offer on-screen text which then points you towards a likely next action, such as displaying your upcoming flight information from Gmail in the Phone app if the Pixel 10 detects you are on a call to that same airline, or suggesting forwarding the information via text if a saved contact asks for your flight information in Google Messages. It sounds a bit creepy and we'll have to wait and see if it really works.
The phones even come with a clever Camera Coach feature that checks what you are about to shoot and offers instant ways to improve the photo. That means every snap will be instantly ready for Instagram.
That clever photographic boost joins other smart functions such as Best Take and Add Me, which manipulate reality to put the best faces on people from a burst of shots, or adding the taker of a photo to the final image by taking a photo of them in the same spot afterwards.
Another nice boost is the new Pixelsnap technology. It's very similar to the iPhone's MagSafe feature with magnets built into all Pixel 10 devices that let you effortlessly snap wireless chargers, stands, grips and thousands of other accessories onto the phone.
The Pixel 10 range will go on sale soon - in eye-catching new colours including a indigo - with prices starting from £799.
If those three devices weren't enough to tickle those tech tastebuds then there's also a new foldbable coming soon as well.
It's called the Pixel 10 Pro Fold and will open like a book to reveal a massive 8-inch Super Actua Flex display.
There's also that speedy Tensor processor under the toughened shell, long battery life, fast charging and triple-lens camera. Google says it's the first foldable to be IP68 dust and water resistant which should help to stop fears about durabillty.
It also comes in an eye-catching Jade colour. Sadly, this phone isn't cheap. Fans will need to splash out £1,749 to grab one.
If you still love Apple more than Android, Mirror Online reckons the next iPhone reveal will take place on Tuesday September 9th - watch this space.
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