Google launches Pixel 3 smartphones and Pixel Slate tablet

Google's new Pixel 3 smartphones attempt to push the computational photography envelope, challenging Apple's new iPhone XS and Samsung's Galaxy S9. As with last year's Pixel 2, Google is further flexing its artificial-intelligence muscle, with more and more local AI-driven features across every facet of the device, from the camera and smart Gmail replies to battery life and device control. "We've been very thoughtful about how we design phones, thinking about their purpose for consumers," said Mario Queiroz, head of Google's Pixel. "We want to make sure we have a the right balance between being really helpful but not intrusive, being delightful but not controlling, simple but not cumbersome." The Pixel devices look familiar on the outside, with a two-tone back that is now all glass with two finishes – polished at the top and etched at the bottom.