Google Pixel 2 Concept/ReDesign
Recently, Google unveiled their new Pixel lineup (on my birthday). It was kinda miserable to watch their keynote. It kinda looked like they didn’t know what they were doing and they weren’t pumped about the devices they were marketing as the successor to the Pixel brand. I’m told the Pixel did well, but in all honesty, I didn’t like the device. It seemed like it was trying to copy the iPhone too much, but also throw shade at the iPhone.
Disclaimer — while detailing some of this mockup, I tend to get in to it and act like I’m the marketing team behind it and act like I am Google.
The Original Pixel
Like I said above, the Pixel was disappointing. Huge chins, for no reason. Headphone jack (I think the headphone jack should die, something Google thinks now too). The headphone jack on top didn’t make too much sense, when you think about the fact that the fingerprint sensor is on the back and is made to be used so that the end user puts the phone in their pockets top down. This then messes up the headphone wires using, or makes it harder for you to unlock your phone and takes longer. The Pixel just seems like Google is finally catching up to the idea that the best experience is tight control over software and hardware(much like the Microsoft Surface)…but they’re too late.
Pixel 2
Pixel 2 is Google’s attempt to be more iPhone-y (pun:iPhony because they’re basically a phony iPhone)… and it falls flat…much like the original. The big thing with the Pixel 2 is being late to the party celebrating the death of the headphone jack.
That’s pretty much it. They stole the Edge Sense from HTC and market it as Active Edge (squeeze the phone to activate Google Assistant — no way to change function … like Bixby Button) and only one camera on the back that is somehow the best camera ever, but looking at the data shows the camera doesn’t do that well, especially in low light.
Pixel 2 Mockup
Above is the Pixel 2 Mockup I made. Since Google is insistent that other than screen size, the XL model is the exact same, my mockup of features will have the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL have the same features. I started this redesign by first looking at the original Pixel and rethinking what it means to be in the Google ecosystem.
ForcePress
Basically a knockoff ForceTouch/3D Touch in watchOS/iOS, the Pixel 2/XL can sense how much force is being pushed down on the screen and react accordingly. This will lead to entirely new ways to navigate the OS. Android O will not take too much advantage of this (beside notification dots not relying on just tapping and holding, but ForcePressing.
Screen
Much like the actual Pixel 2, my concept has rounded edges. However this concept uses AMOLED, instead of POLED. Pixel 2 XL will also have a 5.8 inch screen instead of 5.5 inches. Both devices will have an 18:9 aspect ratio. The display will also be more edge-to-edge cutting down on side bezels, but leaving room for a slightly taller forehead and chin. The screen will have a wide-color gamut and use auto-HDR in the screen. Content that is not HDR-ready will have the option to be converted to HDR in real time thanks to the new Google Designed Silicon chip in the Pixel 2 lineup. Pixel 2 also comes with Adaptive Temperature. With Adaptive Temperature enabled, eye strain is a worry of the past. Our camera and light sensor is always scanning the environment and will adjust the screen to be either warmer or cooler.
Audio
While the Pixel 2 doesn’t have a headphone jack, my concept comes with front-facing speakers, like the actual Pixel 2. Where they separate is that the concept has the loudest speakers ever rated on a mobile device. Where it is really innovative is being able to boost the earpiece 97% above it’s usual volume to match the sound quality of the bigger speaker on the chin.
Custom Chip
A new chip means a new generation in mobile processing power. We’ve teamed up with Snapdragon to custom design a new chip with advanced processing power to handle more Google Assistant requests on device before going to the server.
Our new chip allows for non-HDR content to be optimized in real time, so all your content is immersive, beautiful, and just flat-out amazing, it’ll make users rethink how they’ve gone so long without this.
This new chip allows for processing all of the information required for Adaptive Temperature, handles the always on Google Assistant and always on Song Recognition.
Active Edge
While other companies are just adding buttons and removing features, we’re adding a new way to interact with your Pixel. Simply squeeze your phone and access any feature you want. Assign anywhere for 56 different system actions or install apps with actions that developers can implement.
Cameras
Pixel 2/XL comes with Dual 12 Megapixel Rear Cameras. A wide angle lens and a telephoto lens.
Pictures look better from far away.
Pictures look better in the dark.
Pictures look better with a blur.
Pictures look better when you can change everything after you’ve taken it.
Pictures look better.
Perks
Unlimited photo storage for 2 years with every Pixel 2/XL purchase.
Free YouTube RED membership for 6 months.
Fast charging in the box.
200 Gigabytes of free storage if you get the 64 Gigabyte model for 6 months.
512 Gigabytes of free storage if you get the 256 Gigabyte model for 6 months.
Wrap Up
At the end of the day, the Pixel 2 Google showed us is what we have. I enjoyed not doing an iPhone concept (although this wasn’t too far away from it) and getting to put myself in the mindset of a Google Designer when making this. It was fun to incorporate Google products and services in to this. For more concepts, music, and more, please visit my site.
