Google unveils new Pixel 4 phone as it looks to take on Apple
Google has unveiled its new series of Pixel phones with a host of upgraded features as the tech giant looks to challenge the dominance of rival Apple in the smartphone market.
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The new Pixel 4 phones, which come in two sizes, boast higher quality cameras, a radar sensor to track hand gestures and a faster virtual assistant.
The smartphones formed the main attraction of a major Google launch event in New York, where the firm also unveiled its first moderately priced laptop, wireless earphones and upgrades to its wifi router and smart speaker.
Google made its first moves into hardware four years ago, looking to take on incumbents such as Apple and Samsung with its artificial intelligence-driven devices.
“The Pixel 4 continues Google’s highly tailored approach to using their AI technologies as a key differentiator while offering exquisite industrial design on par with Apple,” said John Maeda, chief experience officer at digital consultancy Publicis Sapient.
“It’s an exciting time for handheld devices and it indicates that Apple’s hold over the consumer market for smartphones is ripening for disruption.”
Although the Pixel 4 will be cheaper than the new iPhone 11 models, some analysts have questioned whether its price tag is competitive enough.
While Google’s cheaper handsets have enjoyed strong sales, high-end models such as the Pixel have struggled against rivals. Moreover, smartphone sales have slumped in recent months as consumers hold onto their devices for longer.
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People are “starting to look for more affordable smartphone options instead of going for a high-end, premium smartphones for [over] $800 (£625),” Maurice Klaehne, a devices analyst at technology market researcher Counterpoint, told Reuters.
Main image credit: Getty