With the immense interest generated by the recently announced Google Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, Verizon seems to have outscooped the rest of tech world when it unboxed the devices the exact same day they were launched.
The unboxing, which involved a black Pixel and silver Pixel XL, is actually part of a clip promoting the latest Google handsets, and it could be vexing to fans that the actual process only took the first 12 seconds of the video. The rest has been mostly devoted to its features and the way they are used in the real world, with some of Verizon's services thrown for good measure.
The viewers, however, are treated to how the Pixel handsets looked straight out of the box perhaps for the first time. Of course, we now have seen the actual device as techies immediately pounced on the Pixel and Pixel XL during their launch event. As a result, several hands-on videos are now beginning to make their way to YouTube. The event itself, which also included the launch of Daydream View VR, Google Home and Chromecast Ultra, among others, was streamed live.
For the brand-new Google Pixel and Pixel XL, Verizon has been chosen as the exclusive partner carrier. So one cannot fault the company for being quite excited, immediately touting this relationship with a Verizon logo conspicuously emblazoned on the Pixel phones' boxes. One should note that the handsets themselves did not appear to be etched with the carrier's name yet during the unboxing.
While Verizon said that both Pixel and Pixel XL are now available for preorders, it will only begin rolling out on Oct. 20. This bit of information should therefore at least silence anyone unhappy about the way the unboxing of the Pixel smartphones took place. As of this writing, there is still no other unboxing video available.
The 5-inch Google Pixel and 5.5-inch Pixel XL usher in a new era for the Google-branded phone line as the Pixel replaces the Nexus name hereafter. Unlike its Nexus line, the Pixel phones have been designed and made by Google, which should explain why there is only a G logo at the back.
Both Pixel devices are lumped in the premium category, challenging the likes of the iPhone 7 and the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 edge. Both devices will come with the latest Snapdragon 821 processor, 4 GB of RAM, 12-megapixel rear shooters and Android Nougat. The pricing for the Pixel and Pixel XL starts at $649 and $749, respectively. Verizon will slash $300 off the price tags if a consumer trades in an older device.
