Google set to release new Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL smartphones, insiders say

Google is set to release two new smartphones, the Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL, as well as a smaller Google Home Mini smart speaker on 4 October, the Guardian has learned. The devices will be released at the Made by Google event scheduled to take place in San Francisco and will lead the company's renewed hardware efforts as it attempts to take on Apple and Samsung in the premium smartphone and accessory market. Two variants of the Pixel smartphone will be released mirroring last year's devices, several well-placed sources told to the Guardian. The smaller Pixel 2, which is expected to have a screen about 5 inches in size, will be made by smartphone manufacturer HTC – part of which was acquired by Google on Thursday – according to two sources. It will come in blue, black or white and have a metal and glass back, similar to last year's Pixel.