Google's Pixel 3 Can Beat Apple And Samsung With These Features
Google's Pixel 2 XL. ELIJAH NOUVELAGE/AFP/Getty Images
Google is facing stiffer competition this year from not just Samsung and Apple, but also smaller Android manufacturers.
Lesser known companies are taking risks in foldable technology like Huawei, whilst others are delivering high-end experiences at lower costs like OnePlus. The bigger players like Samsung and Apple, too, have at least one distinctive feature that sets them apart from the competition.
If reports about a potential announcement of a foldable phone from Samsung later this year, or an in-display fingerprint scanner on the Note 9, then Google needs to rise to the challenge. We’ve seen little in terms of leaks or rumours about Google’s Pixel 3, other than that there might be three models this year instead of two - so Google needs to step up.
But if Google wants to compete, what does it need to do?
Try Pixel Buds again
The Pixel Buds were a disappointment, to say the least. I don’t recall any other product that had so much goodwill before launch, and so little respect after. The problems were myriad: bad sound, overpriced, bad design, not noise cancelling, couldn’t hold a charge and so on. In the end they just stopped working for me.
But the concept was solid. The translation feature was/is a good idea that can be expanded upon. Assistant in headphones is a good idea in general and Google is best placed to make that work. Some simple changes, too, could make a huge difference. Making them noise cancelling, more ergonomic and adding physical commands for skipping tracks would dramatically improve the experience. If Google felt particularly aggressive, it would bundle the Buds in with the Pixel 3...
Headphone jack
Google should walk this decision back and do so quickly.
The Search giant made a big deal with its original Pixel about having a headphone jack whilst the iPhone 7 didn’t. But it quitey removed it in the Pixel 2 XL. The culling of the 3.5mm audio port was supposed to be softened by the introduction of Pixel buds, but they were terrible, so we’re back to square one.
Given that other big-name Android manufacturers are staying firm on keeping the headphone jack, like OnePlus, LG and Samsung, then Google should bring this feature back as quiety as it axed it.
The people want their cabled headphones back.
Smaller bezels
Shaving down the bezels of the Pixel 3 will be important, but equally important will be removing them (almost) entirely. This is what I’m hoping the third device will be - an iPhone X style full-screen display phone.
In a year when both Samsung and Apple have moved either to an entirely full screen, or partially, Google’s Pixel 2 felt a bit old hat. Hopefully the Search giant is ahead of the curve in 2018 with its (potentially) new mysterious third device.
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">Google's Pixel 2 XL. ELIJAH NOUVELAGE/AFP/Getty Images
Google is facing stiffer competition this year from not just Samsung and Apple, but also smaller Android manufacturers.
Lesser known companies are taking risks in foldable technology like Huawei, whilst others are delivering high-end experiences at lower costs like OnePlus. The bigger players like Samsung and Apple, too, have at least one distinctive feature that sets them apart from the competition.
If reports about a potential announcement of a foldable phone from Samsung later this year, or an in-display fingerprint scanner on the Note 9, then Google needs to rise to the challenge. We’ve seen little in terms of leaks or rumours about Google’s Pixel 3, other than that there might be three models this year instead of two - so Google needs to step up.
But if Google wants to compete, what does it need to do?
Try Pixel Buds again
The Pixel Buds were a disappointment, to say the least. I don’t recall any other product that had so much goodwill before launch, and so little respect after. The problems were myriad: bad sound, overpriced, bad design, not noise cancelling, couldn’t hold a charge and so on. In the end they just stopped working for me.
But the concept was solid. The translation feature was/is a good idea that can be expanded upon. Assistant in headphones is a good idea in general and Google is best placed to make that work. Some simple changes, too, could make a huge difference. Making them noise cancelling, more ergonomic and adding physical commands for skipping tracks would dramatically improve the experience. If Google felt particularly aggressive, it would bundle the Buds in with the Pixel 3...
Headphone jack
Google should walk this decision back and do so quickly.
The Search giant made a big deal with its original Pixel about having a headphone jack whilst the iPhone 7 didn’t. But it quitey removed it in the Pixel 2 XL. The culling of the 3.5mm audio port was supposed to be softened by the introduction of Pixel buds, but they were terrible, so we’re back to square one.
Given that other big-name Android manufacturers are staying firm on keeping the headphone jack, like OnePlus, LG and Samsung, then Google should bring this feature back as quiety as it axed it.
The people want their cabled headphones back.
Smaller bezels
Shaving down the bezels of the Pixel 3 will be important, but equally important will be removing them (almost) entirely. This is what I’m hoping the third device will be - an iPhone X style full-screen display phone.
In a year when both Samsung and Apple have moved either to an entirely full screen, or partially, Google’s Pixel 2 felt a bit old hat. Hopefully the Search giant is ahead of the curve in 2018 with its (potentially) new mysterious third device.
More on Forbes
Shameless iPhone X Android Clones Prove Apple Was Right
Apple's 2018 iPhone Could Have Significant Design Changes
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