All the big announcements from Google’s Pixel event

Updated Live, here’s everything Google’s announcing at its Pixel event in San Francisco.

Google’s set to unveil two brand new Pixel phones, its new differentiated Android UI, and Android 7.1 Nougat today in San Francisco — along with a bunch of other stuff. Join our liveblog for play-by-play coverage of everything going on at the event. We’ll have all the big stuff broken down right here!

Google Assistant

Google CEO Sundar Pichai hailed the move from a mobile-first computing world to an AI-first computing world, envisioning the new Google Assistant as seamless, conversational way for users to interact with Google wherever they are. Google’s knowledge graph, and advances in AI, including image recognition, and machine translation, have helped make Google smarter than ever.

Google announced that it’s opening up Assistant using “Actions on Google,” which is how partners like Spotify and Opentable are able to interact with the service. It’s an expansion of how partners have access to voice actions on Android right now. An example shown on stage showed how ordering an Uber could “bring” an Uber presence directly into the conversation, allowing the user to tell Uber what sort of vehicle to order, before receiving an ETA. Google will reveal more about Actions on Google in December.

Assistant has already debuted on Allo, and they’ll be a big part of Google’s new phones…

Pixel phones

Rick Osterloh, head of Google’s new hardware division, unveiled the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones. “We’re building hardware with the Google Assistant at its core,” says Osterloh. “This is a natural step, and we’re in it for the long run,” he says, adding that we’ll hear more from his team over the months and years ahead. “What brings Pixel to life his how the hardware and software comes together.”

The first phone with Google Assistant built in, with what Google says is the best smatphone camera ever.

Pixel is the first phone with the Google Assistant built in — Assistant now lives behind a long press of the home button. Its new storage capabilities, using the cloud, will ensure you “never run out of space” for photos, according to Osterloh. Pixel’s camera has a DXOMark rating of 89, the “highest ever,” according to the group. HDR+ is enabled by default, “because there’s zero shutter lag.” And there’s also gyroscope-based video stabilization for even smoother captures, polling the gyro 200 times a second.

Google says Pixel is designed to get through a full day on charge, with new battery optimizations. However the phone also ships comes with Quick Charging capabiltiies, with up to 7 hours of power from a 15-minute charge. Like Google’s Nexus phones, Pixel will get new Android OS versions automatically when they’re available, along with software updates. And Google’s also built live customer support into the phone, along with a screen share option to help support agents diagnose problems.

And yes, there are two versions — a 5.5-inch Pixel XL and 5-inch Pixel. Specs include a Snapdragon 821 processor, 4GB of RAM and 32 or 128GB of storage. In the U.S. Verizon is the exclusive carrier partner, and it’ll also be available unlocked from the Google Store and on Project Fi. Pre-sales start today in the U.S., Germany, UK and Canada, and on October 13 in India. Prices start at $649. Color-wise, you’re looking at “Quite Black,” “Very Silver,” and “Really Blue.”

MORE: Google Pixel and Pixel XL are official

Daydream View

Google announced Daydream View, the first Daydream-ready VR headset. Working with clothing designers, Google says it’s created something “soft, cosy and comfortable to wear.” The headset and phone pair wirelessly, and there’s an auto-alignment system to make sure everything fits just right. The Daydream controller is “so accurate you can write your name with it,” and fits inside the headset for easy storage. Slate, Snow and Crimson are your color options.

Google’s partnered with Warner Bros, the New York Times and others to tell VR stories inside Daydream. And of course Google Play Movies and YouTube are supported too. Daydream View will be available for $79 in November.

MORE: Google announces $79 Daydream View headset

Google Wi-Fi

Google’s expanding its OnHub program with Google Wi-Fi, allowing you to cover all the various corners of your home with full Wi-Fi connectivity. “Simply add Wi-Fi points to expand coverage,” and “without compromising aesthetics.” There’s also a companion app to allow you to control the Wi-Fi access of your kids.

A single Google Wi-Fi pack starts at $129 for a single pack, or a 3-pack for $299. Pre-orders start in November, shipping in December.

Chromecast Ultra

Google’s rumored 4K Chromecast is official, and Google Play Movies will start rolling out 4K content in November.

MORE: Chromecast Ultra is official

Google Home

Google’s smart home assistant, announced back at I/O is official. Inspired by items you commonly find in the home, Google home’s design feature a capacitive touch surface on top, based around a large speaker. There are a number of styles available.

Google Assistant is built in, allowing Home to answer questions in natural language using Google’s knowledge graph — including translations, querying Wikipedia and summarizing information you’d get from a web search. All the same intelligence you’d get from Google Assistant in Allo or on Pixel phones is available through voice in Google Home.

Google Home can play music from YouTube Music and other top music services, including Google Play Music, Spotify, Pandora, TuneIn and others, with voice controls, including volume controls — all without using your phone. You can also cast from Android and iOS devices through Google Cast. The device also works as a remote control for your TV via Chromecast, easily letting you view TV shows or cast your Google Photos, using your voice.

As the name suggests, Google Home also allows you to control smart devices inside your home, with support for Nest, Samsung SmartThings, Philips Hue and IFTTT.

Google Home will be available for $129, with a free 6-month YouTube Red included. Pre-orders start today in the U.S., with availability on November 4.

MORE: Google Home will ship in November for $129

Google Pixel + Pixel XL

• Everything we know so far
• New navigation buttons
• Google UI + circular icons
• Android 7.1 Nougat
• Pixel vs Pixel XL
• Older Nexus phones

Google Pixel and Pixel XL specs

What’s in the Google Pixel and Pixel XL? Pretty much the same stuff, except for a couple crucial differences.

Google’s Pixel and Pixel XL are made by HTC, but from a marketing perspective they’re all Google. This means they’re running the latest version of Android Nougat, version 7.1, with some Google Magic thrown in, but they’re also top-of-the-line phones for late 2016. Here’s what they have.

Google Pixel + Pixel XL

• Everything we know so far
• New navigation buttons
• Google UI + circular icons
• Android 7.1 Nougat
• Pixel vs Pixel XL
• Older Nexus phones

Google Pixel owners get unlimited full resolution photo backup

Google’s Pixel event is underway, and there are many announcements. Follow along, if you aren’t already.

One of the major announcements is around the 12.3MP cameras, and how fantastic they are. Google says that the Pixel camera is one of the fastest and highest-quality on the market, which is great.

But one of the big announcements from the event is that Pixel owners get free, unlimited full-resolution backups on Google Photos, a big differentiator from other Android devices, which only get unlimited “high” resolution photos.

It’s a big upgrade for photographers, and may be a good reason for many to choose the Pixel. Will you?

Google Pixel + Pixel XL

• Everything we know so far
• New navigation buttons
• Google UI + circular icons
• Android 7.1 Nougat
• Pixel vs Pixel XL
• Older Nexus phones

Google Pixel and Pixel XL are now official!

After numerous leaks, Google officially unveiled the Pixel and Pixel XL in San Francisco. Google is putting its brand front and center with the phones, which feature a glass window at the back that extends to cover the fingerprint sensor. Oh, and there’s no “unsightly camera bump.”

The Pixel features a 5-inch Full HD display, with the larger Pixel XL sporting a 5.5-inch QHD panel. The phones are powered by a 2.15GHz Snapdragon 821 SoC, and offer 4GB of RAM, as well as 32GB or 128GB of storage. And yes, the 3.5mm port is intact.

Google says that the Pixels showcase how the company combines its AI smarts to create a great user experience, which is achieved through Google Assistant. With Assistant, Google is providing contextual information based on your interactions.

Google is also promising a great photography experience, stating that the phones received a rating of 89 on DxOMark, the highest awarded to any phone thus far. The Pixels have a 12.3MP camera with an f/2.0 lens. The camera also comes with software tweaks. By holding down the shutter button, you’ll take photos in burst mode, with Google automatically selecting the best one.

Then there’s HDR+, takes multiple short exposures to minimize blur and reduce noise, resulting in clearer images in low-light conditions. The camera uses HDR+ by default, and Google is emphasizing that the Pixels have the shortest capture time of any phone. Google is also throwing in free unlimited storage for Pixel owners, which includes photos and videos at full resolution, as well as 4K videos.

The Pixels will be available in Quite Black, Very Silver, and Really Blue options. Pricing starts at $649 for the standard Pixel, and $769 for the Pixel XL. The phones will be carrier-exclusive to Verizon in the U.S., and will also be available unlocked from Google as well as Project Fi. Pre-orders kick off later today. Who’s interested?

Verizon is the exclusive U.S. carrier for the Pixel

Google has announced that Verizon will be its exclusive U.S. carrier for the Pixel phones. That’s right, just Verizon. No AT&T, T-Mobile, Sprint or even U.S. Cellular. In previous years, Google offered its Nexus phones through carriers, but not exclusively to just one. You’ll still be able to pick up an unlocked version of either the Pixel or Pixel XL from Google or Project Fi, but if you want to finance it through your carrier, you’ll only be able to do that with Verizon.

It’s not clear yet whether Verizon will be slapping its own branding on the Pixel phones as it does to others, or whether it will remain untouched like the iPhone. Hopefully, the carrier bloat will be kept to a minimum, but only time will tell. What do you think of Google’s choice to partner exclusively with Verizon in the U.S.? Let us know in the comments!

Google Pixel + Pixel XL

• Everything we know so far
• New navigation buttons
• Google UI + circular icons
• Android 7.1 Nougat
• Pixel vs Pixel XL
• Older Nexus phones

Chromecast Ultra supports 4K streaming for $69, coming in November

A better, more powerful Chromecast is coming next month.

At Google’s Pixel event in San Francisco, the company announced a new Chromecast, called Chromecast Ultra, that will debut in November for $69.

The main differences between the regular Chromecast, a puck that was introduced this time last year, and the Chromecast Ultra is speed and connectivity: Ultra supports 4K streaming, through a processor that is 1.8x faster than the previous version.

It also has integrated ethernet through the connector itself, allowing it to connect directly to a router or switch to avoid wireless signals altogether.

The new 4K feature will also work with a rollout of 4K streaming content set to hit Google Play Movies & TV in November. At launch, Netflix, Vudu, and YouTube will support 4K at well, which is great to see.

The Chromecast will be available for $69, and will be sold alongside the existing HD Chromecast. The company says that it has sold over 30 million to date, and this update will sure to spur a few million more.

Google unveils $79 Daydream View VR headset

Alongside the Pixel and Pixel XL, Google unveiled its first hardware product for the Daydream VR platform. Dubbed Daydream View, the viewer works in conjunction with Daydream-ready phones, like the new Pixels.

Unlike other VR viewers, the Daydream View is made out of fabric, with Google working with several manufacturers to create the cover. The headset will be available in three color variants: Snow, Slate and Crimson. There’s a hinged panel that allows you to slot your phone in with ease, and the face mask is made out of velcro.

The View also comes with a bundled controller that features a home button and one menu button, along with a clickable trackpad. The controller tucks into the headset when you’re not using it so you don’t lose it.

The Daydream View will feature VR experiences from several partners, with Google highlighting the Fantastic Beasts VR experience from Warner Bros. at the event. By the end of the year, over 50 partners will have Daydream apps, including Netflix, HBO, Hulu, and more. Google is also making specialized editions of YouTube, Google Photos and Street View available on Daydream View

The Daydream View will go up for pre-order starting October 20 for $79, and the headset will be available from Best Buy, Verizon, and the Google Store from early November. It will also head to Canada, Germany, Australia, and the UK from November.

Where to buy the Pixel and Pixel XL in Canada

Where can you buy the Pixel and Pixel XL in Canada?

Google’s new Pixel phones are two of the most anticipated devices on the planet, and they’re coming to Canada later in October. They’ll be available in two colors — Very Silver, and Quite Black — and at three carriers. Here’s what you need to know.

More: Google Pixel and Pixel XL specs

Buy the Google Pixel unlocked from Google

Google is selling the Pixel and Pixel XL unlocked from its online store starting at $899. Here’s the full breakdown:

• Pixel 32GB: $899
• Pixel 128GB: $1029
• Pixel XL 32GB: $1049
• Pixel XL 128GB: $1179

The Pixel and Pixel XL are shipping in late October or early November, and will come in Black or Silver.

See at Google

Buy the Google Pixel at Rogers

Rogers will sell the Pixel and Pixel XL. Pre-orders begin October 4 and the phones ship on October 20.

See at Rogers

Buy the Google Pixel at Bell

Bell will sell the Pixel and Pixel XL. Pre-orders begin October 4 and the phones ship on October 20.

See at Bell

Buy the Google Pixel at Telus

Telus will sell the Pixel and Pixel XL. Pre-orders begin October 4 and the phones ship on October 20.

See at Telus

Google Pixel + Pixel XL

• Everything we know so far
• New navigation buttons
• Google UI + circular icons
• Android 7.1 Nougat
• Pixel vs Pixel XL
• Older Nexus phones

Where to buy the Google Pixel and Pixel XL in the UK

Where can you buy Google’s new Pixel phones in the UK?

Google’s Pixel event has just wrapped up, and already we’re starting to learn about when and where we’ll be able to buy the Pixel and Pixel XL in the UK, and how much they’ll cost. The short version is that all four variants are pretty expensive, and that the Google Store live right now. EE should follow as exclusive carrier partner, and given the recent leaks they should also be available at Carphone Warehouse.

Buy the Pixel unlocked from the Google Store

The simplest way to order an unlocked Pixel is directly from the Google Store. Right now Google’s offering Quite Black and Very Silver for sale, but not the limited edition Really Blue.

• 32GB Pixel: £599
• 32GB Pixel XL: £719
• 128GB Pixel: £699
• 128GB Pixel XL £819

Current shipping estimates put the Pixels 2-3 weeks out for delivery.

See at Google Store

Buy the Pixel on contract from EE

EE is the exclusive network partner for Google’s Pixel phones. Prices for a Pixel with no upfront cost start at £50.99 a month, 24-month contract with unlimited minutes, unlimited texts and 10GB of data. For the Pixel XL, it’s £55.99 a month over 24 months. Both phones are offered in silver and black.

See at EE

Buy the Pixel on contract or SIM-free from Carphone Warehouse

Carphone Warehouse isn’t listing the Pixel or Pixel XL yet, but thanks to a recent leak we know that both phones will be offered for sale at the independent retailer. That opens up the possibility of ordering on-contract with another network (besides exclusive partner EE) — as well as an alternative way to buy SIM-free.

Android phones at Carphone Warehouse