Google launches first homegrown smartphone

Google has announced Pixel, the first Android smartphone designed entirely in-house by the company.

While Google has previously worked with vendor partners on developing the Nexus line of Google-branded smartphones, Pixel will mark the first solely developed smartphone from the company.

According to Google, the new smartphone has unique selling points including a battery that charges 7 hours in 15 minutes, a high-end camera, back glass with a touch screen and fingerprint censor, a built-in Google Assistant digital personal assistant and a top-rated 12.3 MP smartphone camera.

Pixel will ship with the newest version of Android, 7.1 Nougat. Devices will be provided with security updates directly from Google as they become available, and with unlimited cloud storage for photos and videos at the file’s original resolution.

The smartphones will also be the first to support Google’s Daydream virtual reality platform, when coupled with $119 Daydream View goggles.

Pixel is already available for preorder in markets including Australia via Telstra, JB Hi-Fi and the Google Store. Local prices start at $1079, and the company is offering custom cases using submitted photos or images for an additional $60.

Google’s promotional video for the new devices also gets in a jab at Apple by highlighting that the Google Pixel will have the customary 3.5 mm headphone jack.

But Telsyte Managing Director Foad Fadaghi told ABC News that despite the initial impression that the Pixel is designed to take on Apple, Google is actually targeting Samsung with the move. Apple has far stronger customer loyalty than Samsung and is accustomed to the iOS platform, whereas Samsung owners are less sticky and are already Android users.