To say Google had a big day Tuesday would be an understatement. The tech giant not only unveiled two flagship Nexus smartphones and two new Chromecast devices, it also showed off a new Android-run tablet to compete against Apple’s new iPad Pro.
Here is a look at everything Google unveiled during the event:
Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X
Google finally unveiled its new Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X smartphones Tuesday. The phones will be the first to run Google’s new operating system Android Marshmallow.
The company described the Nexus 6P as its “most premium phone” yet, complete with a new fingerprint scanner called the Nexus Imprint. The so-called phablet features a 5.7-inch screen – slightly larger than the iPhone 6s Plus – an 8 megapixel front-facing camera and a 12-megapixel back-facing camera, which can shoot 4K video.
The Nexus 5X has a 5.2-inch screen, a fingerprint scanner and an upgraded camera. Both of the new phones include a USB-C connection instead of the standard Micro USB.
The Nexus 5X starts at $499 Canadian for a 16GB phone without a contract, while the Nexus 6P starts at $699 for a 32GB device. Both phones will be available in late October.
Android Marshmallow
Google’s new operating system will begin rolling out to existing users next week.
Marshmallow will give expanded powers to Android’s personal assistant, Google Now, so it can use the information people input to the mobile applications.
Previously, Google Now learned about its users’ interests and daily habits by analyzing search requests and scanning information contained in emails. The Marshmallow version of Android enables users to summon Google Now to scan any content on a mobile device’s screen so it can present pertinent information about the topic of a text, song, video clip or article.
The new Android feature, called “Now on Tap,” will be activated by holding down the device’s home button or saying, “OK Google,” into the microphone. That action will prompt Now on Tap to scan the screen in an attempt to figure out how to be the most helpful. Or, users can just ask what they’re looking for: “Who sings this?”
Two new Chromecast devices
Google also announced changes to its popular Chromecast video-streaming device and a new Chromecast Audio model that can be plugged into speakers to play music from a phone or an Internet service. The devices will sell for $35 apiece, the same price that Google has been charging for the original Chromecas.
Google revealed Tuesday that more than 20 million of the Chromecast video devices have been sold since the gadget’s debut two years ago.
Pixel C tablet
Google’s new Android-run tablet, the Pixel C, is aimed at people who want a device that can accommodate a lot of typing.
The 10-inch device features a detachable keyboard – which many compared to Microsoft’s Surface Pro two-in-one line. Apple’s iPad Pro received the same comparison a few weeks ago.
But Google’s tablet is priced very competitively – the Pixel C starts at US$499 and the keyboard will cost US$149. The iPad Pro, on the other hand, starts at US$799 and US$169 for the keyboard.
Family music plan
Google Plan Music will let up to six people use the service for $14.99. It rolls out later this year.
With files from The Associated Press
Comments