Google presented this Wednesday at its developer show, Google I / O, its new foldable phone, Pixel Fold, which folds horizontally like a book.

This new model is “the best of both worlds” because it can be used as a tablet when unfolded or as a phone with the front screen when folded, said Rick Osterloh, senior vice president of devices, from the Mountain View stage. Services.

This phone starts at $1,799, is available for pre-order today and will ship to US customers “next month” according to Osterloh. However, it did not provide information about purchasing conditions in other countries.

In the presentation, the Google team highlighted that this ultra-premium device combines personal artificial intelligence with GoogleTensor G2, Android innovation to turn it into a smartphone, and Pixel technology unfolding into an amazing compact tablet.

Direct competition with Samsung

This model is Google’s first attempt at a foldable phone and will compete with Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4, a model that can also be folded.

The design is slim as well as “rugged” and “durable” and the device is powered by the Google Tensor G2 chip.

If it’s closed, The Pixel Fold has a 5.8-inch screen that can be used with one hand or slipped into a pocket, just like any smartphone.

The new Google Pixel Fold phone will be shown off at the Google I/O developer conference at Shoreline Amphitheater on May 10, 2023 in Mountain View, California.
Photo: AFP

When open, the second screen is 7.6 inches and “thinner than any other foldable phone on the market”.

The back of the Pixel Fold has three cameras on the back, but the phone has five cameras in total.

Users can take self-portraits with the 48-megapixel “best camera in the phone” on the back and see themselves on the front screen at the same time.

Pixel Tablet

During this annual event, Google also announced that it will launch its first-generation Google Pixel Tablet on June 20.

Pricing for this device starts at $499 and is available for preorder starting today for US shipping.

This tablet has a charging dock and a speaker that allows users to use the device as a smart display.