Twitter will reportedly nix the 140-character limit with a new product
Do you find yourself needing more than 140 characters to get your point across on Twitter? Well, you might soon have an option that allows you to be a bit more verbose. Re/code reports that the social network is prepping “a new product” that will allow users to compose and share longer tweets. Details are scarce right now, but Re/code’s sources indicate that the new feature/app/etc. will enable Twitter users to post long-form musings. What’s more, the company is looking into other ways of relaxing that character count by not counting links and usernames in the tally. These developments would follow recent Twitter tweaks like the “retweet with comment” feature and dropping the 140-character limit on DMs. As is the case with any rumor like this, we may never see the changes make it to the company’s apps or the web, but if it does, you can expect a few more words in your timeline.
Source: Re/code
UK pricing for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C and new Chromecasts
It’s Android day today, with Google announcing a whole host of new products including the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C and two new Chromecasts. Whether you’re interested in some, or all of the company’s latest devices, we’ve got all available UK pricing right here.
Nexus 5X
That’s right, LG is back with another Nexus device: the 5X. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, 2GB of RAM, 12.3-megapixel rear-facing camera with laser-assisted autofocus, dual flash and can capture 4K video. Of course, it’ll ship with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and includes Google’s new Sensor Hub chip inside that’s designed to deliver notifications and keep background processes updated without drawing too much power. There’s a USB Type-C port for faster charging data syncing and a fingerprint sensor in the back to authenticate payments and other app processes. LG’s stuffed a 2,700mAh battery inside and it comes in 16GB and 32GB versions. As for colours, you’re looking at black, white and ice blue.
| 16GB | 32GB | Pre-order date | Release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus 5X | £339 | £379 | Today | October 16th |
Nexus 6P
While LG is back with a Nexus device, we’ve also got a new entrant: Huawei. It’s launched the Nexus 6P, featuring a 5.7-inch screen running at 1440p resolution (or 518 PPI). It’s powered by a Snapdragon 810 chip with 3GB of RAM and like the Nexus 5X, the 6P includes a 12.3-megapixel rear-facing camera with the same autofocus and f/2.0 aperture, 8-megapixel front facer with a f/2.4 aperture and can shoot slow-motion video at 240fps as well as capturing footage in 4K. It’ll be available in 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB configurations in frost white, aluminum and graphite.
| 32GB | 64GB | 128GB | Pre-order date | Release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus 6P | £449 | £499 | £579 | Today | October 26th |
Pixel C
In previous years, Google has unveiled a Nexus tablet to complement its new smartphones. The same happened this year, but it’s not a Nexus device, it’s called the Pixel C. It’s the first tablet that Google has built completely on its own and comes with a full-size keyboard that attaches magnetically and USB-C charging. Think of it as Google’s answer to Microsoft’s Surface. The 10.2-inch device is powered by NVIDIA’s Tegra X1 with 3GB of LPDDR4 RAM, features an extra-bright 308 PPI display and comes in both 32GB and 64GB variants. Unfortunately we don’t have a UK price for the Pixel C yet, but we do know it’ll cost $499 (£329) for the 32GB model and $599 (£395) for double the storage when they launch in November. As for the attachable keyboard, that’ll set you back $149 (£98).
| 32GB | 64GB | Pre-order date | Release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel C | £N/A | £N/A | N/A | November |
Chromecast and Chromecast Audio
Smartphones and tablets aren’t the only devices Google announced today. There’s the new circular Chromecast and Chromecast Audio, giving you improved video and audio streaming over the original stick. According to Google, the improved antenna in the Chromecast allows it to stream higher-resolution videos faster with less buffering and “Fast Play” allows you to get streaming even quicker. The Chromecast Audio, however, is a bit different. It sits between your old audio system and your speakers — via RCA jacks, standard 3.5mm auxiliary and optical input — allowing you to output music via supported music streaming services. The good news is that both devices are available to buy via the Google Store for £30 today.
Source: Google Store
UK pricing for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C and new Chromecasts
It’s Android day today, with Google announcing a whole host of new products including the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C and two new Chromecasts. Whether you’re interested in some, or all of the company’s latest devices, we’ve got all available UK pricing right here.
Nexus 5X
That’s right, LG is back with another Nexus device: the 5X. It features a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, 2GB of RAM, 12.3-megapixel rear-facing camera with laser-assisted autofocus, dual flash and can capture 4K video. Of course, it’ll ship with Android 6.0 Marshmallow and includes Google’s new Sensor Hub chip inside that’s designed to deliver notifications and keep background processes updated without drawing too much power. There’s a USB Type-C port for faster charging data syncing and a fingerprint sensor in the back to authenticate payments and other app processes. LG’s stuffed a 2,700mAh battery inside and it comes in 16GB and 32GB versions. As for colours, you’re looking at black, white and ice blue.
| 16GB | 32GB | Pre-order date | Release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus 5X | £339 | £379 | Today | October 16th |
Nexus 6P
While LG is back with a Nexus device, we’ve also got a new entrant: Huawei. It’s launched the Nexus 6P, featuring a 5.7-inch screen running at 1440p resolution (or 518 PPI). It’s powered by a Snapdragon 810 chip with 3GB of RAM and like the Nexus 5X, the 6P includes a 12.3-megapixel rear-facing camera with the same autofocus and f/2.0 aperture, 8-megapixel front facer with a f/2.4 aperture and can shoot slow-motion video at 240fps as well as capturing footage in 4K. It’ll be available in 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB configurations in frost white, aluminum and graphite.
| 32GB | 64GB | 128GB | Pre-order date | Release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nexus 6P | £449 | £499 | £579 | Today | October 26th |
Pixel C
In previous years, Google has unveiled a Nexus tablet to complement its new smartphones. The same happened this year, but it’s not a Nexus device, it’s called the Pixel C. It’s the first tablet that Google has built completely on its own and comes with a full-size keyboard that attaches magnetically and USB-C charging. Think of it as Google’s answer to Microsoft’s Surface. The 10.2-inch device is powered by NVIDIA’s Tegra X1 with 3GB of LPDDR4 RAM, features an extra-bright 308 PPI display and comes in both 32GB and 64GB variants. Unfortunately we don’t have a UK price for the Pixel C yet, but we do know it’ll cost $499 (£329) for the 32GB model and $599 (£395) for double the storage when they launch in November. As for the attachable keyboard, that’ll set you back $149 (£98).
| 32GB | 64GB | Pre-order date | Release date | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pixel C | £N/A | £N/A | N/A | November |
Chromecast and Chromecast Audio
Smartphones and tablets aren’t the only devices Google announced today. There’s the new circular Chromecast and Chromecast Audio, giving you improved video and audio streaming over the original stick. According to Google, the improved antenna in the Chromecast allows it to stream higher-resolution videos faster with less buffering and “Fast Play” allows you to get streaming even quicker. The Chromecast Audio, however, is a bit different. It sits between your old audio system and your speakers — via RCA jacks, standard 3.5mm auxiliary and optical input — allowing you to output music via supported music streaming services. The good news is that both devices are available to buy via the Google Store for £30 today.
Source: Google Store
NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden signs up for Twitter
NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden recently talked with Neil deGrasse Tyson about the possibility of signing up for Twitter and joining the social internet, and he just made good on his word. Follow @Snowden and you’ll get insights from the famed/notorious leaker himself, rather than through second-hand podcasts and presentations. He hasn’t said much yet, but he’s already teasing “secret projects” at the Freedom of the Press Foundation (which advocates for transparency journalism) and stressing that he sees himself as a “citizen with a voice,” not a hero for the pro-privacy crowd.
Will you see any major revelations on Twitter? Probably not — the NSA documentation that Snowden obtained in 2013 is already in the hands of journalists, and 140 characters doesn’t leave a lot of room for big scoops. Still, it’s a rare chance at seeing Snowden’s thinking on a day-to-day basis, and a reminder that there’s ultimately a human being responsible for all those leaks.
[Image credit: Christopher Lane/AP Images for The New Yorker]
Can you hear me now?
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) September 29, 2015
Source: Edward Snowden (Twitter)
NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden signs up for Twitter
NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden recently talked with Neil deGrasse Tyson about the possibility of signing up for Twitter and joining the social internet, and he just made good on his word. Follow @Snowden and you’ll get insights from the famed/notorious leaker himself, rather than through second-hand podcasts and presentations. He hasn’t said much yet, but he’s already teasing “secret projects” at the Freedom of the Press Foundation (which advocates for transparency journalism) and stressing that he sees himself as a “citizen with a voice,” not a hero for the pro-privacy crowd.
Will you see any major revelations on Twitter? Probably not — the NSA documentation that Snowden obtained in 2013 is already in the hands of journalists, and 140 characters doesn’t leave a lot of room for big scoops. Still, it’s a rare chance at seeing Snowden’s thinking on a day-to-day basis, and a reminder that there’s ultimately a human being responsible for all those leaks.
[Image credit: Christopher Lane/AP Images for The New Yorker]
Can you hear me now?
— Edward Snowden (@Snowden) September 29, 2015
Source: Edward Snowden (Twitter)
Spotify will finally beam tunes to Chromecast
If you’ve been itchin’ to use Spotify alongside Google’s streaming dongle, you’ll soon get that chance. The music streaming service will finally be available for use on Chromecast. As you might expect, Spotify will play nice with the new version of the streaming accessory and you can also play songs with the newfangled Chromecast Audio, too. Before now, Spotify users weren’t privy to Google’s Cast tech for speakers, having to use Bluetooth or the service’s own Connect feature to wrangle wireless connectivity directly from its app. Chromecast compatibility is set to arrive via a firmware update “over the next few weeks,” so you should be able to use the duo together soon enough.
Source: Spotify
Spotify will finally beam tunes to Chromecast
If you’ve been itchin’ to use Spotify alongside Google’s streaming dongle, you’ll soon get that chance. The music streaming service will finally be available for use on Chromecast. As you might expect, Spotify will play nice with the new version of the streaming accessory and you can also play songs with the newfangled Chromecast Audio, too. Before now, Spotify users weren’t privy to Google’s Cast tech for speakers, having to use Bluetooth or the service’s own Connect feature to wrangle wireless connectivity directly from its app. Chromecast compatibility is set to arrive via a firmware update “over the next few weeks,” so you should be able to use the duo together soon enough.
Source: Spotify
Forget the shape, the Chromecast 2 is all about an app
The first thing you’ll notice about the new Google Chromecast is its form. But more interesting by far is its function. The new Chromecast app solves the biggest issue with the first iteration of Google’s streaming pendant (née stick): finding stuff to watch. The app pulls in information from compatible services like Netflix and Hulu and will let you search for and stream shows and movies without having to jump in and out of 17 apps. It’s a simple idea, but it transforms the Chromecast from a standard “casting” device into a legitimate competitor for more “functional” set-top boxes.
I tried the UK version of the discovery app, which is apparently identical to the US app aside from the content on offer. It’s simple to use, with Netflix-esque carousels of shows to scroll through, divided into apps and categories. The search function is more useful. It was only working with a handful of services (namely Netflix and Google Play Movies) in the limited demo, but I’m assured Google’s making it easy for all of its partners to plug their apps into search.
There are some other meaningful additions to the Chromecast formula here. The new shape, Google says, will drastically improve its WiFi strength, and video will be cast in 1080p whenever available. With the improved discovery options, universal search functionality, higher picture quality, and same low price, Google is offering a lot for just $35 (£30).
The Nexus 5X vs. the competition: Smaller is still powerful
If last year’s Nexus 6 was too big for your hands, this year Google and LG have scaled things back a bit with the Nexus 5X. It sports a more manageable 5.2-inch screen size, while also dropping some new features into the mix like USB Type-C and Nexus Imprint. But are these added bells and whistles enough to carve out a space for LG’s new Nexus among smaller flagship handsets? We’ve stacked up the 5X versus the similarly-sized Galaxy S6 as well as Apple’s latest 4.7-inch iPhone to find out.
| Nexus 5X | iPhone 6s | Samsung Galaxy S6 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $379, $429 | $199, $299, $399 (on contract) | varies by carrier, starts at $129 on AT&T |
| Known dimensions | 147 x 72.6 x 7.9mm (5.79 x 2.86 x 0.31 inches) | 138.3 x 67.1 x 7.1mm (5.44 x 2.64 x 0.28 inches) | 143.4 x 70.5 x 6.8mm (5.65 x 2.76 x 0.27 inches) |
| Weight | 136g (4.8 ounces) | 143g (5.04 ounces) | 138g (4.87 ounces) |
| Screen size | 5.2 inches (132.08mm) | 4.7 inches (119.38mm) | 5.1 inches (129.2mm) |
| Screen resolution | 1,920 x 1,080 (423 ppi) | 1,334 x 750 (326 ppi) | 2,560 x 1,440 (576 ppi) |
| Screen type | FHD LCD, Gorilla Glass 3 | IPS LCD, Retina HD | Super AMOLED Quad HD |
| Battery | 2,700mAh (non-removable) | 1,715mAh (non-removable) | 2,550mAh (non-removable) |
| Internal storage | 16 / 32GB | 16 / 64 / 128GB | 32 / 64 /128GB |
| External storage | None | None | None |
| Rear camera | 12.3MP, f/2.0, 1.55µm pixel size, dual LED flash, IR laser-assisted autofocus | 12MP iSight, f/2.2, 1.22µm pixel size | 16MP, LED flash |
| Front-facing cam | 5MP, f/2.0, 1.4µm pixel size | 5MP FaceTime HD, f/2.2 | 5MP |
| Video capture | 4K at 30fps | 4K at 30fps | 4K at 30fps |
| NFC | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth | v4.2 | v4.2 | v4.1 |
| SoC | Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 | Apple A9 | Samsung Exynos 7420 |
| CPU | 1.8GHz hexa-core | 1.8GHz dual-core | 2.1GHz, 1.5GHz octa-core |
| GPU | Adreno 418 | NA | ARM Mali-T760 MP8 |
| RAM | 2GB | 2GB | 3GB |
| WiFi | Dual band, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Dual band, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac | Dual-band, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Operating system | Android 6.0 | iOS 9 | Android 5.0 |
| Standout features | Nexus Imprint, USB Type-C | 3D Touch, 2nd-gen Touch ID, Retina flash | Accelerometer, barometer, gyroscope, fingerprint scanner, auto real-time HDR |
Get all the news from today’s Google event right here.
Google officially launches the Huawei-made Nexus 6P, pricing starts from $499
The live stream coverage of Google’s Nexus announcement is still ongoing, and here we have the official launch of the Huawei-manufactured Nexus 6P (and the Nexus 5X made by LG). As you may know, the Nexus 6P is the first Nexus device to be produced by a Chinese handset maker. Join us after the break for the specifications as well as the promo video.
Key specifications:
- 5.7-inch Quad HD (2560×1440) AMOLED display (Gorilla Glass 4 protection)
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 v2.1 octa-core processor
- 3GB RAM
- 12.3MP / 5MP cameras
- 32GB/64GB/128GB of internal storage
- 3450mAh battery
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow
- 147 x 72.6 x 7.9mm, 136g
- USB Type-C port (with Qualcomm’s Quick Charge 2.0 technology)
- Fingerprint scanner
- Dual front-facing stereo speakers)
The Nexus 6P will be available in Frost White, Aluminum and Graphite Black. Google is pricing this phone at $499, $549, and $649 depending upon which storage size is chosen. Pre-orders will be accepted in select markets starting today through the Google Store.
What do you make of the Huawei made Nexus 6P? Will you choose the Nexus 6P or the LG-made Nexus 5X? Let us know your choice in the comments below.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Come comment on this article: Google officially launches the Huawei-made Nexus 6P, pricing starts from $499
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