Google to launch Pixel 2 on October 4

The Galaxy Note 8 and iPhone X launches may be done and dusted, but there's still one huge phone announcement tech fans are waiting on: Google's Pixel 2. Fortunately, the company has just all-but-confirmed that its heavily-anticipated 2017 devices will be unveiled to eager Fandroids in a matter of weeks.

Google's Pixel marketing blitz has begun in a triple threat, with the company launching US billboard ads, a YouTube teaser video, and an all-new 'Ask More' website, where prospective buyers can sign up for the Pixel 2 email list. 

Both the billboards and website list October 4 as the date to watch out for (October 5 in Australia). Seeing as last year's original Pixel and Pixel XL were launched on October 4, 2016, it seems Google is pushing for consistency in its phone releases, much as Apple has with its early September iPhone announcements.

While actual details on what we can expect from the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL are yet to be revealed, Google's teaser campaign highlights a series of user pain points that will, hopefully, be addressed by its upcoming smartphones. If we believe the above video, the Pixel 2 will feature a longer-lasting battery; unlimited storage; dual (or at least, upgraded) cameras; a smarter Google Assistant; automatic updates; and an all-round faster, smoother performance.

We've talked before about the rumoured specs for the Pixel 2 series, including up to 128GB of storage, the very latest Qualcomm Snapdragon processor, and a 6-inch screen on the larger XL model. Other rumoured-but-likely features include IP68 water and dust resistance, wireless charging, an Always-On Display, and somewhat controversially, the removal of the headphone jack. 

It's also heavily implied that the HTC-made Pixel 2 will replicate the 'squeezable' edges of the HTC U11, a feature which still seems more gimmicky than genuinely useful. Whatever the design, both new Pixels will run Android 8.0 Oreo out of the box, and - judging by previous Pixel and Nexus launches - probably sell out immediately. Watch this space. 

Tara Donnelly

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