Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL Smartphones Expected to Roll Out at Oct 4 Event

Google has scheduled an Oct. 4 mobile industry briefing to introduce new mobile products ahead of the holiday shopping season. The focus of the event is expected to be the debut of the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones. But market rumors suggest the company might use some of its time also to talk about the future of its smart home appliance, Google Home. It’s also possible Google will talk about a new Chromebook, as well as an update on Android Oreo and its virtual reality development efforts. Google also may discuss its plans to integrate the HTC mobile technology assets it acquired in September for $1.1 billion. The slide show will discuss in more detail what Google might reveal Oct. 4.

Google will deliver a new Pixel 2 smartphone, according to several reports. The device is expected to run the Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 and have a 5-inch screen and a “squeeze” feature that activates various functions on both sides of the smartphone.

Google is also expected to introduce Pixel 2 XL, which also will feature the Snapdragon 835 and have the squeeze function. It will have a 6-inch screen, and according to some reports, and a dual-camera array for improved picture-taking.

Google is expected to release the Pixel 2 handsets with Android Oreo installed. Look for Google to discuss all the virtues of Android Oreo at the event, including its improved app performance, and announce when Oreo will be released on third-party mobile devices.

Besides its own technology, Google is also expected to discuss appealing third-party Android-based handsets and Chrome- and Android TV-based products, according to reports. Google won’t lose sight of other interesting hardware.

Google is widely believed to be working to expand its virtual reality presence with help from its Daydream VR platform. Most industry watchers believe Daydream and the company’s Daydream View headset will make an appearance at the event, showing off new features.

Updates to Google’s high-end Pixel Chromebook devices also could be on stage at the Oct. 4 event. Several reports show what appears to be a new notebook/tablet Chromebook. But it could hit the market with a price tag of about $1,000.

Following Amazon’s unveiling of new Echo smart home devices Sept. 27, it should be no surprise Google is planning a similar announcement. Look for the company to announce a new Google Home product at the Oct. 4 event. Google might introduce multiple smart home hubs with various features and price points.

It’s unlikely Google will introduce improved hardware without enhancing Google Assistant, its virtual assistant. Google likely will discuss improvements to Google Assistant, such as better ability to understand user queries and support for new smart home features.

Google announced Sept. 21 it was spending $1.1 billion to acquire parts of HTC’s smartphone development unit and intellectual property. Google might use the event to discuss its plans to integrate the HTC assets and how HTC fits in its mobile device development road map. Until now, Google has been rather quiet about its plans for HTC.

Like Apple, Google has been investing heavily in augmented reality technology. With that in mind, it’s likely Google will discuss its plans for its ARCore AR platform. There may not be an augmented reality headset announcement at the show, but the technology should feature prominently.