Google Pixel comes of age

Our recent review of the Google Pixel 8 was popular among readers.

The most common response was “where can we get it in PNG?”

It’s a good question. If you know where, then let’s know and we will give it a plug in our article.

In the meantime, you can view (and purchase) Pixel 8 online at the Google Store site, although that won’t be the best solution if you are in Papua New Guinea.

Pixel 8 is the current shining star in the Google product line-up.

New York Times just announced it as the best Android smartphone of 2023.  

Here’s what they said:

“After spending hundreds of hours testing Android smartphones, we’ve concluded that the Google Pixel 8—which sits in the sweet spot of competitive pricing and great hardware—is the best Android phone for most people.”

But wait! There’s more to Pixel

Pixel 8 is the most recent in a string of developments in the Google product lineup. It shows that the Pixel brand has really come of age. In the Google store you will also find other great products.

Here is what you may have been missing.

Google Pixel Buds

High quality audio and comfort are a given. But added benefits are an all-day battery and charging case, and hands-free help. The latter is very Google – you can talk to Google to get answers, hear updates and control your devices. 

Pixel Buds Pro offers Active Noise Cancellation with Silent Seal. According to Google this feature is powered by a custom processor, custom algorithms, and custom speakers, to maximise blocking of outside noise. It also has Transparency Mode to allow you to hear outside sounds if and when needed.

Your Pixel Buds Pro will also provide you with insights to help protect your hearing.

According to tech news website The Verge: "The Pixel Buds Pro are Google’s best set of earbuds yet."

Pixel Buds Pro were released in July last year, but only last month added two new colours – that nice powder blue that has been featured in much of the Pixel 8 marketing, and a porcelain colour.

Google Pixel Tablet

Released in June this year, the Pixel Tablet is engineered by Google to be more helpful at home – and in your hand. It is the first tablet with the Google Tensor G2 chip built in. It features Google smarts and enables fast and smooth streaming, high-quality video calls, accurate voice typing, efficient multitasking and more.

The Pixel Tablet's unique speaker dock – included with the tablet - keeps it charged and ready, 24/7. And it doubles as a speaker for high quality, room-filling music. It is also the first and only tablet that comes with Chromecast. So, you can cast music and videos from your phone to your docked tablet with just a few taps.

The Pixel Tablet gives you quick access to smart home controls and actions. It's an easy way to view, control and make adjustments to the devices in your home, all without unlocking your tablet. You can also give it voice commands and make it a useful companion around the house with the Google Home app.

Google Pixel Watch 2

Released in October, Pixel Watch 2 is the latest pairing of Pixel with Fitbit. Fitbit was acquired by Google in January 2021, a smart move that has resulted in the best smartwatch on the market.

Key features include a lighter and more advanced design, with three new sensors that enable advanced heart rate checking, skin temperature tracking, and stress management.

The ECG app allows you to assess your heart rhythm or get irregular heart rhythm notifications in the Fitbit app. There are also fall detection functions, safety checks and a slew of workout features providing real-time feedback.

Pixel Watch 2 works together with your Pixel phone, tablet and earbuds through Google AI to seamlessly deliver personalised help from Google, when and where you need it.

Google’s product pitch for Pixel Watch 2 is “Help by Google. Health by Fitbit. Made for you”.

Google also markets a range of Fitbit trackers in its online store.

Google Nest

Last but not least are the Google Nest range of products for the fully integrated smart home experience. Products include cameras, speakers, locks, doorbells, thermostats, Wi-Fi routers, displays and Chromecast devices.

It’s state of the art stuff, probably more at home in the US or Australia than suitable for Papua New Guinea.

But at least now you know.  

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