Google in smartphone push with motion-sensing Pixel 4

(New York) – Google stepped up its smartphone ambitions with updated Pixel handsets, touting a move toward computing with a simple hand wave or spoken command.

Pixel 4 models boasting features including gesture and face recognition debuted at a “Made by Google” event showcasing new hardware infused with artificial intelligence to respond to motion and voice.

The Pixel 4 handset with a 5.7-inch display has a starting price of $799 in the United States and will be available globally starting October 24. A larger 6.3-inch Pixel XL will start at $899.

The new devices aim to ramp up Google´s challenge in the premium smartphone segment dominated by Samsung and Apple, which recently unveiled an iPhone 11 starting at $699.

Google also updated its Nest smart home cameras and speakers and announced its streaming game service Stadia would launch November 19.