What to expect from Google’s October 9 event

Google (GOOGL) has sent out invitations for an October 9 event, to be held in New York City, where hardware is expected to be at the forefront. The event will also serve as Google’s response to Apple’s (AAPL) iPhone launch event, scheduled for September 12.

Speculations are taking rounds that the event will showcase a slew of products including Pixel 3 and 3XL smartphones, Pixel Buds 2, a cheaper Pixel-branded Chrome OS tablet, a high-end Pixelbook 2, as well as refreshed Chromecast and Pixel Slate smart display.

According to the latest rumors, both Pixel 3 and 3XL smartphones will feature the latest Android Pie operating system that is capable of multiplayer AR and voice assistant enhancements. Notably, these new features are not found in any iPhones. Both smartphones are also likely to get bigger OLED display screens.

The Pixel 3 is expected to be packed with Snapdragon 845 processor, 4GB RAM, 64/128 GB internal storage and a 3,430 mAh battery. The phone will come with the dual rear-facing camera and a front-facing one similar to HTC U12-plus. Also, rumors stated that Pixel 3, which will come at a price tag of around $649, will have facial recognition similar to the iPhone X.

The bigger sibling, Pixel 3XL, is likely to come with a 6.7-inch AMOLED display screen, Snapdragon 845 chipset with 2.45 GHz and 1.9 GHz quad-core Kryo processor. The smartphone, which will be priced at a slightly higher slab of $849, will have 6/8 GB RAM support, 128/256 GB internal storage, a 3,430 mAh battery.

The phone will come with dual 12 and 8-megapixel rear-facing camera and an 8-megapixel front-facing one.

Google might also launch the second-gen Pixel Bud headphones at a price tag of around $179. A cheaper Pixel tablet could also be in the offing, featuring a 12.5-inch display, 8th-generation Intel i5 processor, 8 GB RAM, 128 GB internal storage. Market pundits estimate the price at around $1,000.

Separately, a high-end Pixelbook 2 is on cards for the launch event. Recently in mid-August, Google had slashed the prices of Chromebook by $250 to $749.

Meanwhile, it is widely expected that Google would refresh the Chromecast that would bear a close connection with the current 2nd generation model. The Chromecast is likely to have Bluetooth and an improved Wi-Fi antenna for better performance. Accessories such as remote or gaming controller are likely to be an addition to the Chromecast.