Google is expected to unveil new smartphones at an event on Tuesday, the company's latest effort to sell consumers on a Google-branded device and to challenge Apple at the high end of the market. Analysts predict the San Francisco product launch will also showcase other Google hardware initiatives, including a voice-controlled speaker system called Home to challenge Amazon.com 's Echo device, and an affordable virtual reality headset.

The most eagerly expected offering is a pair of smartphones released under the Pixel brand, replacing the Nexus line.

The new Pixel phones are expected to cost more than $600.

The Home device - unveiled at the company’s developer conference this year - works with home entertainment systems and responds to voice commands.

Google could also discuss its virtual reality headset, Daydream, at the event. The company may also reveal plans to combine its Chrome operating system for laptops and its Android mobile software, helping developers build for more devices.