Google has several new products in the pipeline, according to reports. One such forthcoming product is a mini version of its Google Home smart speaker, akin to Amazon's puck-shaped Echo Dot. It's meant to be a cheaper iteration of Home, though the price remains undetermined.
Mini Google Home
It remains uncertain what the specs are, but because it's a "mini" version, certain features will certainly be absent. Its speaker, for instance, will most likely be not as good as its full-fledged Home sibling.
The smaller Home will be positioned as an Echo Dot competitor. Reports suggest it can be paired with traditional audio systems with voice control, integrate multiple Home devices in a given household, and access Google Assistant without throwing $129 for a brand-new Home speaker.
The Echo Dot costs $50. The mini Home might come with a similar price if it will indeed compete with Amazon's entry-level smart speaker. Time, of course, will tell.
Pixel 2 And Pixel 2 XL On The Way?
Aside from the mini version of Home, Google is also believed to unveil two new flagship devices at a hardware event this fall, about a year after unveiling the first-ever Pixel-branded smartphones. There are so many rumors out there about the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, even alleged mock-ups. Take each with a grain of salt.
A New Chromebook Is In The Works
Finally, Google is also rumored to unveil the first Pixel-branded Chromebook since 2015. There are no concrete specs yet, but Android Police speculates that this new device was born out of Project Bison, a planned Apple Macbook and Microsoft Surface Pro competitor.
It was rumored to have a 12.3-inch display, 32 or 128 GB of onboard storage, 8 or 16 GB of memory, and an optional Wacom stylus, which implied that its screen would have touch and drawing capabilities.
But it's not exactly certain if this new Chromebook is a by-product of Project Bison or a new device designed from the ground up. The important thing is consumers will finally get a Chromebook Pixel follow-up after two years. There's not much information about this rumored Chromebook to go on, but if it's indeed Project Bison, it might cost $799 and up.
All the products mentioned above will be unveiled during the aforementioned fall event, according to reports. This timeline makes sense, especially for the rumored Pixel sequels. Considering Android 8.0 Oreo was recently unveiled, Google might discuss it further during the event. Expect due coverage as we learn more.
