2017.10.0500:57:00UTC+00Google Unveils new Pixel Phones, Speakers in Hardware Push

Alphabet Inc's Google revealed the second generation of its Pixel phones and also new voice-enables speakers in its latest push into the hardware business.

Google's new products, which are seen rival the devices from its competitor Apple Inc. and Amazon Inc. included a Pixelbook laptop, wireless earbuds and a small camera similar to GoPro. All the products feature Google-developed operating systems and services, particularly the voice assistant. This means that the usage of such devices are seen to bolster the firm's core ad sales as buyers of the new gadgets use Google services.

During the launch at San Francisco, Google hardware chief Rick Osterloh said the new products showed the company's ability to reimagine hardware.

There will be two available sizes for the Pixel 2 smartphones. The units will have aluminum bodies and will not have traditional jacks for headphones. The base model will have a starting price of $649, while the premium version is priced starting at $849. Both phones will be on the market on October 19.

Meanwhile, the Pixelbook will be the first laptop with the Google Assistant feature, will also support Snap Inc.'s Snapchat. It will be priced at $999 and will be available to the market beginning October 31.

The Google home Mini, one of the new speakers, is seen to take on Amazon's Echo dot. It will be priced at $49 in the U.S. and available on October 19. The Home Max, priced at $399, will be available by the end of the year. The wireless Pixel Buds will be sold at $149 each and will arrive in November.