Google unveils new Pixel phone, adds tablet in Apple challenge

The new camera also has a mode called Night Sight that lets you shoot in dark conditions without a flash - and the unnatural blaring light they often inflict on photos, Google said.

The entry-level Pixel 3 is $150 more expensive than last year's model, starting at $799, while the Pixel 3 XS starts at $899. Google says the front-facing speakers, combined with the attractive display, is supposed to provide the best entertainment experience, and so the company is giving away 3 months of free YouTube TV with the Pixel Slate.

When Google released the Google Pixel 2 with no headphone jack, they included a USB-C dongle to assist with new users' transitions into the non-headphone-jack-future.

It is expected to come with Android 9 Pie, the latest Android software system.

Beyond the camera, Google is using artificial intelligence to help screen calls. This feature will be limited to the USA initially.

Second, Pixel users in the USA will be the first to get access to an experimental new Google Assistant feature, powered by Duplex technology, which helps you complete real-world tasks over the phone, like calling a restaurant to book a table.

While Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL phones were the stars of "Made by Google" event on Tuesday, the company quietly launched a new Chromecast dongle. When it comes to color choices, you get Clearly White, Just Black, and Not Pink.

As we mentioned right at the start, the Pixel 3 is a cute-looking phone.

The other major product announced was Google Home Hub, a device that's something of a hybrid between a smart speaker and a tablet, which is created to sit at the center of what Google repeatedly called "the thoughtful home" (it avoided use of the word "smart"). The display isn't just for reading your Google Mail or checking directions on Google Maps, but can also be used to watch videos on YouTube.

If you place the Hub in your kitchen, it can also deliver step by step recipe instruction with pictures and videos that follow along with you. The other products included the Pixel Slate and a Home Hub. A real-time transcript of the conversation will display on your screen.

"If you have a Google tattoo on you, then these are the phones for you", IDC analyst Ramon Llamas said of the Pixel's limited appeal so far. The updated app launcher on the device comes with Google Assistant integrated into the quick launcher. Otherwise the two devices are very similar. Employing custom fabrics, the company has offered Home Hub in four colour options.

I got a chance to briefly test out the new Chrome OS features, which will arrive in version 71, and it's clear that they could be the Pixel Slate's key advantage over the excellent and well-established Microsoft Surface Pro and the Apple iPad Pro.

Pre-orders have already gone live today on Google Store and the websites of both telcos.

The detachable keyboard on the pixel Slate means you will be able to heavily customize the device with your own likings, including buying things like third-party keyboards or even sleeves for your device.