What to expect at Google's October 9 'Pixel 3' event in New York City

Google's much-anticipated hardware event will be on October 9 in New York City — and that is all the company has revealed. However, not only is this the annual event where new phones are announced, but

This year, like most of the rest of them, there have been many leaks about the forthcoming phones from Google.

A last minute leak claims that the Pixel 3 XL is already on sale in at least one Hong Kong Shop.

Writing in Engadget, Richard Lai says: "I borrowed the phone from Hong Kong mobile shop WahPhone Digital, which is actually offering this fully-boxed device for a mere HK$15,880 or around US$2,030."

Lai is cautious but says he believes it's a legitimate early release.

"Based on some system apps that I managed to install, this Pixel 3 XL is apparently powered by Qualcomm's flagship Snapdragon 845 chipset, but oddly enough, it only has 4GB of RAM," added Lai. "I'm willing to bet that there's a higher-end version with maybe 6GB or more RAM. The screen resolution is listed as 2,960 x 1,440, but it's unclear what type of OLED panel is being used here — maybe LG's P-OLED again like last time, but a seemingly improved version even when viewed under the sun."

Pixel 3 design changes

This third generation of the Pixel phone is a high-end smartphone featuring reportedly minor design changes from the 2017 models. The larger Pixel 3 XL phone is expected to feature an iPhone-like notch at the top of the screen, but also a pronounced bezel at the bottom. Lai's report confirms this.

The smaller Pixel 3 doesn't feature a notch but has wide bezels at both top and bottom of the screen.

Both phones are expected to have glass backs to facilitate wireless charging. Unlike Apple's phones, though, the Pixel models are expected to have a fingerprint reader on the back glass. The back is also going to feature the phone's camera, with it likely retaining a single-lens design as in the Pixel 2 range.

The phones are also believe to be coming in at least black, white and a third color that's most likely to be pink or sandy.

No Watch

Earlier this year, Android Wear was renamed Wear OS by Google. Director of Product Management Dennis Troper said that this change was to better reflect "our technology, vision, and most important of all — the people who wear our watches."

So, we're not expecting to see a Pixel Watch at this event. Google Director Engineering for Wear OS, Miles Barr, reportedly told press that the company has no plan to release a smartwatch this year.

Tablet

It's more likely that we'll see what's expected to be called the Pixel Slate, a new Chrome OS tablet. Last year's event debuted a Pixelbook, a hybrid laptop and table.

There have been rumors of two new Pixelbook models, but it's anticipated that we'll see this Pixel Slate as the successor to the previous device.

Speakers and screens

At the October 2017 event in San Francisco, Google released the Google Home Mini and Google Home Max smart speakers. They were aimed at the same market as Apple's HomePod and while the iPhone company has not updated its offering, Google's lineup may get an addition.

If rumors based on Google's filings to the FCC are correct and the device is ready for October 9's presentation, we should see a Google Home Hub. It will be a touchscreen smart display to allow you control the speakers through voice controls.

The Home Mini speaker is also expected to get bundled with a new Chromecast model to create a smart TV offering.

Nothing else, maybe

Given that Google hasn't said anything about what will be in the event, we're ultimately guessing even if these guesses are based on FCC filings and leaks in the supply chain.

So the company could pare the event down and speak only of the new Pixel phones. Or it could repeat last year when alongside these main releases there were many more Made By Google hardware products.

Last year saw the Pixel Buds, wireless earphones, an updated Daydream View VR headset and the camera that automatically takes photos, Google Clips.

The event will be streamed live on the Google YouTube channel at 11 a.m. Eastern, 8 a.m. Pacific on October 9.

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