What We Learnt From Google’s Nexus (2015) Event

In case you were busy and missed the chance to catch Google’s Nexus event yesterday, fret not because here’s a recap on what we have learnt and what was announced at that time. The main attraction we’re sure that many were eagerly looking forward to at Google’s event were the new Nexus handsets.

However Google also brought more to the table with other devices, service announcements, and software updates, so without wasting anymore time, let’s dive right into it.

New Nexus Smartphones

The Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P are the latest Nexus smartphones from Google. Safe to say that due to all the leaks that we have seen so far and thanks to the rumors, the announcements hardly came as a surprise, but we suppose it’s good to have it made official. Both handsets feature specs that aren’t too far apart.

The Nexus 5X could be seen as the “lower end” model with its Snapdragon 808 chipset and 5.2-inch Full HD display. This is compared to the more “premium” aluminum built Nexus 6P with its larger 5.7-inch QHD display, and a Snapdragon 810 chipset under its hood. In fact if anything, the Nexus 6P seems to have an advantage in the camera department as well, landing itself in second place amongst DxOMark’s smartphone rankings.

Pixel C Android Tablet

Google also seems to be deviating away from the Nexus tablet lineup, which to be honest has not seen the same amount of fanfare and success compared to the Nexus smartphone lineup. This was shown with the announcement of the Google Pixel C tablet, with the Pixel moniker seemingly borrowed from Google’s Chromebook Pixel family, except that in this case it will be Android-powered.

Just like the iPad Pro, the Pixel C will come with an optional keyboard accessory, and given its Android platform, we’re sure it will no doubt give Microsoft’s Surface series of Windows-based tablets a run for its money, at least as far as its ecosystem is concerned.

New Chromecast Products

In terms of the Chromecast family, Google has finally updated the look and design of the Chromecast dongle. The original Chromecast was announced in 2013, so safe to say that a refresh was due. This model will feature more or less the same features as its predecessor, with the exception of some upgrades under the hood.

For starters it will feature faster WiFi connectivity thanks to Wi-Fi, 802.11ac and 5GHz support, along with 3 separate antennas that will help improve WiFi streaming. Thankfully despite these updated (and welcome) features, Google is keeping it priced the same at $35.

In addition to the new Chromecast, Google has also added a new member to the Chromecast family in the form of the Chromecast Audio. Essentially it is the audio version of the Chromecast, allowing users to stream their music from their mobile devices to a conventional speaker as long as that speaker has a 3.5mm audio jack it can plug itself into.

The Chromecast Audio can also be hooked up to multiple speakers which will ultimately allow for multi-room playback, great for parties and gatherings.

Service And Software Updates

While it  might not necessarily have stolen the show, Google has also announced some changes to Google Play Music, namely in the form of a family plan. As it stands music streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify offer family plans which allow multiple users to subscribe at a cheaper price. The price will be more or less the same as what the competition is offering, which is $9.99 for single subscribers, and $14.99 for a family plan that will allow up to 6 family members.

Google has also confirmed the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update for some of its older devices, namely devices like the Nexus 5, nexus 6, Nexus 7 (2013), Nexus 9, and the Nexus Player. So if you own any of these devices, you should be able to expect the Android 6.0 Marshmallow update in the near future.

Conclusion

Today was a jam-packed event for Google with the launch of several new products, some of which came as a surprise. The stars of the show were obviously the new Nexus handsets and the Google Pixel C tablet, which we’re sure many are curious to see how it will hold up against the Surface tablets and the iPad Pro. So, which of Google’s announcements appealed to you the mos

Tyler Lee
Categories: Cellphones, General, Tablets
Tags: android 6.0 lollipop, chromecast, chromecast audio, Google, Nexus 5X, nexus 6p