© Reuters. Google (GOOGL) announces first foldable phone, Pixel Fold
Google (NASDAQ:) Pixel Fold is now available for pre-order and will begin shipping next month. Our new foldable phone combines the helpfulness of Pixel with a design that unfolds into a compact tablet, unlocking even more ways for you to use your device. And it’s all powered by our Google Tensor G2 chip, which also makes Pixel Fold fast and secure. Here’s a look at the newest addition to our Pixel portfolio.
A thin, durable design
[Image of Pixel Fold folded back, unfolded, and folded front]
When closed, Pixel Fold has a familiar smartphone silhouette that fits in the palm of your hand and slides into your pocket. Flip it open to reveal a 7.6-inch screen with a thinner profile than any other foldable phone in the market.1
To create this foldable design, we didn’t compromise on form and function. Many of the Pixel components — from camera, battery, speakers and haptics technology — were cleverly redesigned to fit within the thin design. Our custom-built hinge not only contributes to that thinness, but also doubles as the most durable hinge out there.2 And last but not least, Pixel Fold has an IPX8 rating for water resistance.
Multiple screens to keep you productive and entertained
Whether it’s open or closed, the Pixel Fold’s screens unlock endless ways of having fun and getting things done.
When closed, the exterior screen lets you do all the usual tasks you’d expect from a Pixel phone — like responding to Messages, browsing Chrome or using our suite of Call Assist features, like Direct My Call, Call Screen, Hold for Me and Clear Calling.
[Drag and drop gif]
When fully open, the interior screen gives you all the benefits of a tablet. Many of your favorite apps are optimized to take full advantage of the larger screen. Immerse yourself by watching shows, reading a book, and playing games, or enjoy having space to get more things done. Use the Taskbar to easily switch between your apps or drag a compatible app into splitscreen mode to multitask with two apps side-by-side. When in splitscreen, you can easily drag and drop files across different apps, like Google Photos to Messages and Slides. Since the Taskbar is dynamic, it will disappear when you’re done using it so it doesn’t take up screen space.
[Image of tabletop mode]
That’s not all: you can also go hands-free with tabletop mode so you can sit back and relax while you watch content or capture photos or videos without a tripod. Tabletop mode is especially helpful with YouTube. The top half plays your video and, with an upcoming app update, you’ll also get playback controls on the bottom half.
Pixel-perfect camera, all around
Pixel Fold has many of the camera experiences you’ve come to expect from a Pixel — from Super Res Zoom with 5x optical zoom, Real Tone, Night Sight and Portrait photography along with pro-level modes from Pixel 7 Pro, such as 10-bit HDR video. Plus, you can use Magic Eraser and Photo Unblur in Google Photos to help get your pictures looking just right.
[Image of Rear Selfie Camera]
With Rear Camera Selfie on Pixel Fold, you can get the highest quality selfie on a Pixel ever. Use the exterior screen as your viewfinder and the 48-megapixel main camera to get an amazing selfie.
[Group selfie in tabletop mode]
Ever feel left out as the photographer during a group photo? Just set up Pixel Fold in tabletop mode across the room and join everyone in the shot. You can even use the new palm gesture to trigger the shutter. Finally, to take the stunning astrophotography shots that Pixel is known for even without a tripod handy, you can use tent mode to aim the camera at the night sky and use the front display for camera controls.
Coming soon with Android 14
At I/O we gave a sneak peek at an experience coming to Pixel Fold when Android 14 launches later this year.
Powered by Tensor G2, Dual Screen interpreter mode simultaneously uses the inner and outer screens to translate live conversations. With this feature, you’ll be able to have more natural conversations across languages, without having to huddle around a single screen.
Order yours today
Pixel Fold will be available in two colors, Porcelain and Obsidian, and when you pre-order the foldable in the U.S. you’ll also get a Google Pixel Watch, on us. Find out what countries Pixel Fold will be available and sign up for product updates.
This story originally appeared on Investing
