Google launches Pixel phone in direct bid to take on Apple's iPhone

Search company unveils first own-brand phone with 12 megapixel cameras and unlimited photo storage, pitting it directly against Apple

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Google has launched two own-brand smartphones, the Pixel and Pixel XL, in a bid to take on Apple and its iPhone 7 head on.

The two Android smartphones are the first to carry Google's branding without being associated with another manufacturer and are a clear mark in the sand by the Android-maker: the fight with Apple is now on for the top premium smartphone.