Google is likely to introduce this hardware this year

At least since the Pixel 6 Pro (test) or even more the Pixel 7 Pro (test) it has been clear that Google is at the top of the Samsung and Apple league with its smartphones (not yet in terms of sales). The group takes a slightly different approach and does not focus on the very fastest processors, but rather on smart functions and AI features that can be run directly on the smartphone. Google is also at the forefront when it comes to the camera.

Last year, Google added its Pixel Watch (review) to its own portfolio, which was a solid first shot – but compared to an Apple Watch (Series 8 review), it still has some catching up to do. Nevertheless, Google themselves according to Counterpoint achieved second place behind Apple with the first smartwatch in the fourth quarter of 2022. Sure, the gap to Apple is big, but the success shouldn’t be underestimated.

Google will expand its hardware portfolio again this year. In addition to the already confirmed pixel tablet, we can probably also go to the developer conference with the first pixel foldable Google I/O 2023 expect, which will take place on May 10th. But one after anonther.

The Pixel 7a should be the start of Google’s hardware fireworks this year. The budget smartphone will replace the already good Pixel 6a (test), which was announced in May 2022.

In contrast to its predecessor, according to various leaks, it will have a 6.1-inch display with a 90 Hertz refresh rate. The 6a still had a repetition rate of 60 Hertz, which was already outdated in 2022. It should also support wireless charging and have IP67 protection against water and dust.

The smartphone will cost a little more than its predecessor but will still be good value for money as it will receive three years of Android updates and five years of security patches. Other rumours According to the Pixel 7a, June will be available in the colors Charcoal (anthracite), Snow (white), Sea (light blue) and Coral (red tone, Google Store exclusive) with 128 and 256 gigabytes of memory.

Unlike previous years, multiple sources are reporting that the Pixel 6a will remain in stores alongside the 7a. Meanwhile, the price of the budget device will be reduced, while the newer mid-range model a little under $500 (probably 500 euros) could cost.

According to information from Winfuture, Google could announce the first in-house foldable along with the Pixel 7a. The device, apparently christened “Pixel Fold”, is said to have a similar form factor to Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4 and thus have an outer and inner display.

Specific details about the equipment have not yet leaked out, but it is said to be quite heavy and expensive and come with 256 gigabytes of basic memory in Germany. Furthermore, the Pixel Fold should be equipped with the in-house G2 Tensor processor, which also works in the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro (test).

Winfuture names “Carbon” (black) and “Porcelain” (white or beige) as housing colors for the Pixel Fold. It’s rumored to be priced at between €1,700 and €1,800 when it’s due out in June.

A year after the first teaser for re-entering the tablet market, May should be the time to finally have the Pixel tablet ready for the market.

Google confirmed some features after the tablet was announced in October 2022. As a result, not only can it be used as a simple Android tablet, but when combined with a charging dock, it becomes a smart display similar to a Nest Hub.

As far as equipment is concerned, it will have a Tensor G2 chip on board and have an aluminum housing. In addition, the tablet should not only come on the market in one shade of white, but also in several other colors. There is also talk of support for pen input.

Apparently it won’t be cheap: Loud Roland Quandt from Winfuture it will cost between 600 and 650 euros and will be offered with 256 and 512 gigabytes of flash memory. The dock, meanwhile, is said to cost around $130, which is a premature listing on Amazon had suggested. It is unclear whether the dock will be included as standard with the tablet.

The presentation of the next Pixel smartphone generation is considered set: As in previous years, Google will most likely schedule an event in October for the Pixel 8 series.

The first details about the new models have already leaked out: Google is keeping the design with the camera bar on the back, but will refine it a little again. In addition, the Pixel 8 Pro should have a flat display and slightly narrower edges, while the Pixel 7 Pro (test) still has a slight curvature around the sides of the case. The display diagonal could also be reduced from 6.7 inches to around 6.52 inches, is it[called.

What is noticeable in the CAD render images, in addition to the flat screen, is a new sensor on the back in the camera bar. In addition to the triple camera that Google introduced with the Pixel 6 Pro, a fourth sensor has been added on the right side, the function of which is not guaranteed. Some suspectit could be a lidar sensor, others are more guessing a depth sensor.

First rumors say that not only the Pro model will be smaller, but also the base model: Instead of a 6.3-inch screen of the Pixel 7, the Pixel 8 could get a 6.2-inch screen. That’s not the world, but it should be conducive to even better handling. Apropos: According to CAD render images, the next pixel models should have rounded corners.

On the back, Google has made the camera cut-out a bit more generous than on the Pixel 7, so that the frame around the sensors is narrower at the top and bottom. The alleged additional sensor of the 8 Pro cannot be seen here.

It is currently unclear whether Google will present a successor to the first Pixel Watch this year. Because the Pixel Watch 2 has not yet leaked a detail, which is rather untypical for Google. So far, the group has not been able to safely keep any of its products under lock and key until the official announcement. The Pixel 7a and all sorts of other devices were photographed in hands-ons months in advance or were even sold on Ebay.

If there is a successor this year despite the lack of information, Google should make improvements to the battery life, possibly offer two sizes, since the Pixel Watch 1 is more suitable for petite wrists, and install more sensors. Despite the initial announcement, support for blood oxygen measurement is missing.

It should be exciting for Google fans given the abundance of expected new products. The individual devices should not only be viewed separately, but as part of a constantly growing ecosystem that, like Apple or Samsung, should interact more and more seamlessly.

Google’s own airtags supposedly in May – including its own “where is” network?

It is not without reason that Google has been following the motto “Better together” for a while, even if the group is watching its hardware partners follow suit. As further possible hardware-side components, we might also see a new smart speaker and Google’s answer to Apple’s air tags this year. If you believe the South Korean Portal NaverGoogle could already announce these smart tags at Google I/O 2023.

In addition to the “air tags”, there are indications that Google is expanding the function for finding lost devices. As early as 2021, references to a service dubbed “Spot” that resembles Apple’s “Where is?” network have been discovered. last spoke 91mobiles from this service, which is said to be able to find devices even when they are switched off.

As far as the software is concerned: the major update to Android 14, which is expected to be released in August 2023 and will be available first for Pixel devices, should of course not be forgotten. But other manufacturers – notably Samsung – are also getting faster and faster.