Google purchases HTC's Pixel team for US $1.1 billion

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

After weeks of speculation that Google would purchase HTC's smartphone business, we finally learn that the search giant has bought the Pixel team from HTC for $1.1 billion, while HTC will continue its own smartphone business. 

The team in question was the R&D team behind last year's Pixel and Pixel XL. This means around 2,000 people will move to Google. According to the agreement this grants Google a non-exclusive license for HTC's intellectual property. The deal is expected to be approved and closed by early 2018.

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Google confirms October 4 launch of Pixel 2 with a billboard ad

It's the time of year where all the major companies launch their flagship phones and Google is expected to respond on October 4 with the successor to its Pixel phone. A billboard in Boston was shot by a reader of Droid Life. The billboard states 'Ask more of your phone' followed by the Google 'G' Logo and the date Oct. 4. 

This is certainly exciting news since the original Pixel and Pixel XL were the sleeper hits of 2016 with their excellent camera performance as well as the introduction of Google Assistant (as well as Google Home, Google WiFi, Daydream VR and the new 4K Chromecasts). All of these products are doing well in the market and we should expect various features to be unlocked by software updates. 

As for the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, it seems we're getting hardware from HTC and LG respectively, with LG making the larger Pixel 2 XL and rehashing some of the design cues from its LG V30 flagship phablet. Stay tuned for more news.

Source: Phandroid

Update on Thursday, September 14, 2017 at 11:19AM by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

Google has confirmed the event with a press invitation. We'll be covering the event, which is also going to be streamed live on October 4 at noon EST.

mac OS High Sierra to ship on September 25

Apple will release the latest version of the mac OS operating system, called High Sierra on September 25. Available for free and compatible with Macs from 2009 onwards, High Sierra introduces a new space saving file system (APFS), a new video codec, compatibility with external GPUs plus improved VR support to work well with newer hardware. Safari, Photos and other native and included applications will receive a visual and functional upgrade as well.

Apple Watch Series 3 with LTE and Watch OS 4 launch today

Apple today released the Apple Watch Series 3, which is an updated version of its wearable which it released two years ago. The Apple Watch has found a niche in health tracking, notifications as well as specific advantages for runners and swimmers. The newest version features an LTE variant which.

Watch OS 4 Comes to customers on September 19.

Apple Watch Series 3 2ill have LTE connectivity which will be tied in to user's iPhone number. It will be able to stream music from Apple Music, it also comes with a barometer. Apple's Jeff Williams admitted that having LTE on the Apple Watch as a goal since day one, but the technology was not there.

As with most Apple Watch releases, Apple has also announced new straps including collaborations with Hermes and Nike. Series 1 Apple Watches will be available for US $249. Non cellular and cellular models of the Series 3 will be available for pre-order September 15 with a September 22 launch date.