This week’s top stories: Google Pixel 2 and 2 XL official announcement and first thoughts, Google Home Mini pre-orders, more

In this week’s top stories: Google announced its latest Made by Google product lineup, including the new Pixel 2 and 2 XL, a couple new Google Homes, the Pixelbook, and more. We touched on how the Pixel 2 and 2 XL’s numerous design discrepancies feel like a weird step back to the Nexus days. The super-cheap Google Home Mini is also now available for pre-order…

We kick things off this week with Pixel 2 renders which leaked ahead of Google’s October 4th unveiling event. In their weekly flyer, Best Buy Canada revealed images of the new Pixel 2, Pixel 2 XL, and Google Home Mini. Google then announced its latest phones at said event, alongside other products like the Pixelbook, Google Home Mini and Max, and the new Daydream View.

Also, we discuss the design differences between the Pixel 2 and 2 XL. In short, it feels like these are Nexus phones built by entirely different companies, which they technically are. And, as mentioned, the Google Home Mini is now available for pre-order through Walmart. The $50 device features almost everything the standard Home does, just in a smaller design.

These and the rest of this week’s top stories below:

Android | 

• More Pixel 2 renders appear in Best Buy ad, Home Mini apparently free w/ pre-order
• Opinion: Pixel 2 and 2 XL’s numerous design discrepancies feel like a weird step back to the Nexus days
• Last-minute Pixel 2 leak offers up a fresh look at the phones, mostly-complete spec list
• The LG V30 is (finally) available in the US from AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon
• Best Android phones you can buy [October 2017]
• Pixel 2 XL pops up on Play Store ahead of announcement as Verizon exclusivity is confirmed
• Google Pixel 2 tidbits: Ship times already slipping, OIS details, 3 years of backup/updates, T-Mobile promo, more
• Pixel 2 XL: Google’s flagship device goes official with 18:9 display, Snapdragon 835, already delayed by over a month
• New leaks show off the Google Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, point to staggered release
• Google Pixel 2 specs: 5-inch display, IP67 water resistant, Snapdragon 835, more
• Where to buy the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL: Here’s what we know so far
• Pixel 2: 5-inch display, front-facing speakers, Oreo, and massive bezels for $649
• New Google Pixel 2 XL leak shows the ‘bezel-light’ design, confirms Pixel Launcher changes

Accessories |

• Google Home Mini pops up on Walmart early w/ Oct 19 release date, offers another Pixel 2 XL look
• Android Wear disappeared from the Google Store today and no one noticed [Update]
• Exclusive: Google launching a ‘Made for Google’ partner program for certified accessories
• Here are all the ‘Made For Google’ headphones currently compatible with the Pixel 2
• Google Pixel Buds: Assistant-enabled Bluetooth neckbuds from Google

Apps |

• This is likely the Pixel 2’s redesigned Google app w/ new tabs [Gallery]
• Latest Action Launcher update brings the Pixel 2’s new design to any Android phone, here’s how to set it up
• Google Assistant is now available as an ‘app’ on Google Play, but it’s basically just a widget
• The male Google Assistant voice is now live, here’s how to switch between female and male

Google |

• Project Fi accidentally notifies users of throttling, says it’s experimenting w/ opt-in throttling to control usage
• Project Loon authorized to deploy balloons in Puerto Rico to provide emergency service
• Which of tomorrow’s expected Google announcements are you most hyped for? [Poll]
• Google app 7.13 reveals ‘Google Earphones,’ Commute settings for Assistant, more [APK Teardown]
• Chrome OS 61 rolling out w/ new Lock Screen, Pixel-like App launcher, and more [Gallery]
• Reseller inventory listing reveals some Pixelbook specs, ‘Google Clips’ product, more
• Google Play Store tests displaying top chart ranks in app listings
• Best Chromebooks you can buy today [October 2017]
• How to watch Google’s Pixel 2, Pixelbook, and Home Mini event on Android, Chrome OS, and other devices
• What to expect on Oct. 4th: Pixel 2, Google Home Mini, Pixelbook, Daydream, and more

This week’s top videos |

• Hands-on and unboxing: Google Home Mini? I’ll take 5 [Video]
• Hands-on: Google Pixelbook will be the best Chromebook only crazy people will buy [Video]
• The top 5 features we’re most excited for on the Pixel 2 [Video]
• Hands-on: Google Pixel 2 XL and its smaller sibling iterate on last year’s formula [Video]

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