Google Unveils New Smart Speakers, Pixel 2 and More

First up, Google has expanded its lineup of smart speakers with two new options – the Mini and Max. Both can be controlled using the built-in Google Assistant and are compatible with iOS devices.

On the lower end, the Mini will retail for $49 and is a smaller version of the Google Home speaker already on the market. It will be available in three colors – chalk, charcoal, and coral. You can preorder the speaker starting today from the Google Store and other retailers. It will arrive on October 19.

As you could probably tell by the name, the Max the largest option in the lineup and looks to be a direct competitor to Apple’s upcoming HomePod.

Retailing for $399, Google says its 20 times more powerful than the original speaker. Along with two 4.5-inch high-excursion woofers, the Smart Sound feature uses AI to adjust the sound quality depending on where the speaker is placed in the room. Buyers will also receive 12 months of ad-free YouTube music with their purchase.

Available in two different colors, the Home Max will start preorders on November 13.

The new Pixel 2 phone comes in both a 5-inch and 6-inch XL variant.

Both phones run Android 8.0 and offer an always-on display that will show the time and notifications.

With a new Active Edge feature, users can just squeeze the edge of the phone to call up the Google Assistant.

The smaller handset starts at $649 while the XL is $849 and up.

At the event, Google also announced a new high-end Chromebook called Pixelbook, Google Pixel Buds wireless headphones, a Google Clips lifelogging camera, and a redesigned Daydream View AR/VR headset.