A few weeks ago, we wrote about how the new iPhone 7 could help DIY real estate professionals improve their listing videos and photography. Well, it seems only fair that we do the same for the new Google phone—Pixel.
What unique ability does Pixel offer real estate professionals? Is it a worthy competitor for the iPhone? Does it have a headphone jack? What the heck is Daydream?
Get all these answers and more…right now!
Pixel
Like the iPhone 7, Pixel has some nice new features that a DIY agent can use to improve their listing video and photography.
The phone has the highest-rated smartphone camera ever by DxOMark — a company that specializes in the analysis of image & video quality in cameras, lenses and smartphones. Some quick thoughts on their findings:
- 12.3 MP camera & f/2.0 lens means the phone can record high detail in most lighting conditions—you won’t need perfect lighting to capture clear shots of your listing
- The laser detected auto-focus will help you in capturing video without losing focus
- The white balance is accurate, so you can capture both indoor and outdoor shots and get a good representation of natural color
- The camera can record 1080p at 120 fps, so you’re able to shoot video in slow motion at the second highest resolution available
- The camera can also record in 4k at 30fps, so you’re able to shoot video in the highest resolution available
The camera doesn’t appear to have the equivalent of the iPhone’s dual camera system and shallow depth of field. However, Pixel’s ability to capture in low-light conditions, as well as its excellent and accurate color detail, is a great boon for real estate agents looking to improve the quality of their video and photography without paying a professional. While these are not revolutionary changes, they are significant enough to have an impact.
Along with Pixel, Google also announced another product—one that can be game-changing for the way your listing videos are viewed across the country.
Daydream
Daydream is Google’s VR (virtual reality) headset. This headset is unique for several reasons: one, you might actually like putting it on your head, as it’s made of soft material with three stylish patterns; two, the headset comes with a controller (think Nintendo Wii) that you can use to move around in the VR; three, there are no wires—just plug your phone in at the front, grab the controller and then everything connects wirelessly; and four, it’s cheap. $79 US. By comparison, Oculus Rift’s headset goes for $599.
So what’s the big deal?
With the low price and the ease of use, Google has made VR videos accessible to the masses. [easy-tweet tweet="VR is no longer a faraway dream of the future but a reality of modern time."
Think of the instant and tremendous lead generation capabilities of VR listing videos. Viewers can step into your listing regardless of their physical location. You could record a VR video of a high-end apartment in Austin, Texas and I could get an immersive walk-thru in Toronto, Ontario—at any time of the day. How’s that for mobility?
Of course, the only phone that currently works with Daydream is Google's Pixel, but considering the impact that both items could have on your listing videos and photography, I’d say both are worth a look.
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