The Google Pixel 6 with its custom-made chip goes after the iPhone

Google launches its Pixel 6 and Pixel 6 Pro models 1:03

(CNN Business) -

Google's Pixels are taking a big step toward becoming a real competitor to Apple's iPhone and Samsung's Galaxy.

At a virtual press conference on Tuesday, the company revealed the new 6.4-inch Pixel 6 and 6.7-inch Pixel 6 Pro, which run on Android 12, Google's biggest software update in years.

The devices feature nearly bezel-less displays, a new camera system built into a horizontal bar that runs the length of the rear, innovative photographic features, and a battery that can last nearly two days by prioritizing which apps are used the most ( and turn off the rest).

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But the real game changer is the new internal Google Tensor processor, moving away from the third-party chips commonly used by rival Android devices. The company said Tensor makes the Pixel 6 phones work 80% faster than the Pixel 5, allowing the artificial intelligence in the device to perform functions such as voice recognition and image processing more precisely. It also gives phones more processing power for games and apps, and makes some of its new camera tools possible.

Apple, Huawei, and Samsung have been making their own chips for years, but Google's effort to put it together to create a custom processor for its own Google Android software shows that it is ready to create a personalized experience for its users and try to win. a much larger share of the global smartphone market. (Right now, the Google Pixel accounts for less than 1% of global smartphone sales, selling about 3.7 million units last year, according to market research firm IDC.)

"Google never intended the Pixel to be a high-volume smartphone," said David McQueen, research director at ABI Research.

"The idea was that they would use Pixel devices to showcase the Android ecosystem, demonstrating to their partners what can be done with high-end hardware and the latest Android software."

But the advantages of the custom Google Tensor chip could allow you to make new experiences possible, he added.

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The Pixel 6 comes in three colors: Seafoam (teal), Kinda Coral (coral red) and black, and starts at $ 599. Meanwhile, the Pixel 6 Pro is available in Sorta Sunny (orange and cream). , black and white, starting at $ 899. The new Pixel 6 phones are available for pre-order now and will begin shipping on October 28.

The launch comes during a week full of tech product launches, leading up to the holiday season.

This Monday, Apple introduced the new MacBook Pro laptops and their next-generation AirPods.

And Samsung is hosting a mysterious press event this Wednesday.

But these products are also being launched amid ongoing concerns about global component shortages and logistics issues.

As with many smartphones, camera enhancements are a key selling point.

The Pixel 6 Pro features a new triple rear camera system with a professional-grade telephoto lens with 4x optical zoom built into the camera bar and an 11-megapixel front camera.

The company said the sensor captures 150% more light, aiming to bring more vivid colors and greater precision to photos.

Google said it can capture the finest details, including a starry sky.

Google also introduced new photographic tools, such as Face Unblur that better captures faces in difficult conditions, Magic Eraser in Google Photos, which removes distractions from the background, and motion mode for action shots.

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The company is also adding new security features to the Pixel, such as a security hub that puts passwords in one place and allows the user to turn off microphones and cameras (or choose which apps can use them).

The effort comes amid ongoing scrutiny of tech companies and their approach to user privacy.

It is also implementing stronger anti-phishing protection to detect potential risks and suspicious phone calls, text messages, emails, and links, pointing them to users.

Meanwhile, its new personal safety app detects if the user has been in an accident and helps them communicate with first responders.

Earlier this year, Google showed off a new look for Android 12, with bigger buttons, a big clock on the home screen that changes size based on the number of notifications that appear, and pastel colors.

It also featured a number of productivity updates, including an option to press and hold the power button for the Google Assistant to make a phone call or request an article to be read aloud, as well as augmented reality tools on Google Maps.

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