The Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL remain the world’s best smartphones (and with good reason). But, apart from one accident, the very existence of Google GOOGL +1.48%’s hotly anticipated Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL has remained a mystery. Until now…
Shedding new light on Google’s plans is arguably the web’s most famous tipster Evan Blass, aka @evleaks. In a new tweet, Blass – who has an unparalleled record of on-point leaks – confirmed both the existence of the new Pixels and their launch date.
Citing “a reliable source”, Blass confirmed Google will indeed retain its two phone strategy (unlike Apple which is moving to three iPhone X designs) and we will get both a ‘Pixel 3’ and a ‘Pixel 3 XL’. And both will be expensive.
As for the launch, Blass states Google will repeat the inaugural hardware event it held last year on October 4th and the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will be the headline announcements. Google has yet to confirm this event or its timing but, given Blass’ assurance, I’d expect a similar late September/early October timeframe making the new Pixels two of the last major smartphone releases of the year.
Unfortunately, we still know next-to-nothing about the hardware changes Google will make to both phones (Wishlist: 3x optical zoom, much smaller bezels, no notch and louder stereo speakers – please). But Blass did add that Google will use the hardware event to also launch the second generation of its controversial Pixel Buds and introduce its first Pixel-branded smartwatch.
As for a Pixel watch, it feels like Google’s last chance to breathe life into its struggling WearOS (formally Android Wear) platform. For that, it’s probably now or never.
But the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL will be the main attractions (talk of a third model minus Pixel branding seems to be fading) and with the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL still delivering the best point-and-shoot smartphone photography on the market, all eyes will be on whether Google rests on its laurels this year or takes another seismic leap forward.
All eyes will also be on whether Google – at the umpteenth time of asking – can, at last, keep its new Pixels in stock
