The new Google Pixel 2 XL smartphone is seen at a product launch event, October 4, 2017, at the SFJAZZ Center. Google on Wednesday unveiled newly designed versions of its Pixel smartphone, the highlight of a refreshed line of devices which are part of the tech giant's efforts to boost its presence against hardware rivals. The new Pixel 2 and larger Pixel 2 XL are the first Google-made devices since the California tech giant announced the acquisition of key segments of Taiwan-based electronics group HTC / AFP PHOTO / Elijah Nouvelage