Google confirms Pixel 4 launch date on 15 October

• After several reports, the Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XL are finally scheduled to launch on 15 October.
  
• New Pixel smartphones and more hardware expected at the launch.
  
• The launch event will be held in New York City at 10 am.
  

Google has confirmed the Pixel 4 launch date. After several leaks and reports, the Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XL are finally scheduled to launch on 15 October. The launch event will be held in New York City at 10 AM EST (7:30 PM IST).

Made by Google event: What to expect

At the annual Made by Google event, the company will launch the upcoming Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XL, alongside other hardware like the Pixelbook 2 and a new Nest Hub.

All these devices will succeed the Pixel 3 series, Nest Hub, Chromecast and more. The Pixel Slate is not expected to see an upgrade this year, unfortunately.

Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL: What we know so far

The primary highlight of the 15 October launch event will undoubtedly be the Pixel 4 series. Google is all set to launch the Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XL flagship smartphones with the latest hardware and Android 10, which is currently available for download for existing Pixel, Xiaomi and OnePlus devices.

Coming to the Pixel 4 series, here is what we know so far about the upcoming Google flagships:

A previous report has revealed the specifications of the Pixel 4 XL, thanks to an app called DevCheck.

If the screenshot from the DevCheck app is accurate, the Pixel 4 XL could sport a 6.23-inch Quad HD+ (3040 x 1440 pixels) resolution display. The top bezel of the Pixel 4 XL is huge by today’s standards, but it does not have a notch so it should make many people happy. It is also said to house two selfie cameras, so the huge bezel might actually be useful enough in this case.

Apart from this, the Pixel 4 XL is said to be powered by the octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 chipset.

While other details have not been revealed yet, it looks likely that the Pixel 4 and the Pixel 4 XL could have 6GB of RAM, dual cameras on the back and 90Hz displays.

Google Assistant to manage calls on hold

No one likes their call being put on hold, and Google probably understands that. Now, what if your virtual assistant could do more than push news and updates? According to previous report, the search giant is reportedly working on an updated Google Assistant that can take over when your call is put on hold. This would allow you to do other things instead of wasting your time.

Once the other person is back on call, Google Assistant will notify you and allow you to come back on. Google could call this feature ‘Hold My Phone’.

Quite apt.

Theme and customisation support

One of the complaints of stock Android users over the last few years has been the lack of customisability. While Google offers a very clean, smooth experience, it doesn’t let users customise the user interface in any manner.

Now, according to a finding by XDA Developers, Google is working on a new app called Theme Picker that would let users customise things like the accent colour, icon style, clock face on the lockscreen and more. This could probably be similar to the kind of customisation that is currently available in OnePlus’ OxygenOS.