The past few weeks have seen leaked specs details about the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones, which are expected to be unveiled at a hardware event later this week. However, the latest reports came out as a surprise for many, as the search engine giant might be preparing a third Pixel smartphone, dubbed as the "Ultra Pixel."
As reported by The Indian Express, Google could be unveiling a total of three new handsets this October, with the top-tier variant being the Ultra Pixel. The information came from Arun Maini's YouTube channel, who posted leaked slides that are supposedly part of Google's presentation this week. In one slide, the image of a smartphone is captioned "Ultra Pixel. Made by Google."
If the leaked images of the Google Ultra Pixel are true, the handset is expected to sport a bezel-less display. The entire face of the device will be composed of screen display, which is made possible by removing the signature Android navigation buttons. The Ultra Pixel will not have the usual back, home, and multi-tasking buttons. Although, the smartphone will have the new Google feature called "Fluid," which is a set of hand gestures specifically made for Android devices. The all-screen front of the Google Ultra Pixel is said to be made of OLED display, as the images in the leaked slides show true blacks on the screen.
The online publication describes the Google Ultra Pixel as the smartphone to contend with Apple's tenth anniversary iPhone X handset. It was noted that the Ultra Pixel's Fluid gestures is similar with the iPhone X's very own special gestures, which are made to take advantage of the smartphone's edge-to-edge display. The Ultra Pixel is also expected to match the iPhone X's biometric features by introducing a "new kind" of fingerprint scanner embedded under the OLED display. The upcoming Pixel handset will come with a special dual camera setup as well.
Meanwhile, Engadget said that the unveiling of a third Pixel smartphone alongside Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL may not happen. It is possible that the Ultra Pixel will be launched at a later date instead. However, it is also likely that some of the Ultra Pixel's software features will be included in Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL.
For now, it is confirmed that Google will reveal the new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL handsets on Oct. 4 in San Francisco, along with other hardware such as the latest Google Pixelbook laptop and Google Home mini speakers.
