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It's impossible to predict whether Google's brand-new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones will fare better than last year's well-reviewed but poor selling first-generation models. Among other reasons, the smartphone crowd loves their iPhones and Galaxys, and Apple and Samsung obviously remain formidable competitors. What I can say is that the new phones prove how good Google has gotten at hardware, bolstered by artificial intelligence and software. And if you're in the market for a premium handset, Pixels belong in the conversation. For starters, the AI-infused Google Assistant that was a banner feature on the first Pixels is only getting smarter.