Google launches the Chromecast App to help you find content
So you just bought a shiny new Chromecast 2.0 for $35. Now what? Google is trying to help folks do more with their shiny purchase with the new Chromecast App. The idea is to help you discover new content so that you have more to cast than just your desktop and YouTube videos. Under “What’s On,” you can see what’s trending on the Play Store, YouTube and apps you may have on your Android device, like Netflix or Showtime. If you’re looking for a specific show, say, X-Files, you can use the search feature to find out which of your streaming apps have it.
Another interesting feature called Fast Play pre-caches shows before you even hit “play.” The idea is that if you’re watching an episode of a show, you can preload the next one if you get in the mood for a binge session. You won’t have to wait for the new app, as it’s coming today along with the release of the Chromecast 2.0 hardware.
Get all the news from today’s Google event right here.
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
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
Google’s Nexus 5X, made by LG, is here
Today, Google launched the successor to the Nexus 5 that was released in 2013. The Nexus 5X, another Nexus phone manufactured by LG, brings Google’s line of hardware back to a place of portability and affordability. This phone is smaller than last year’s Nexus 6 and the new Nexus 6P while featuring high-end specifications. And, of course, it has the latest version of Android. All of this is wrapped in a package that is more affordable than every other flagship on the market today.
Key specifications:
- 5.2-inch Full HD (1920×1080) LCD display (Gorilla Glass 3 protection)
- Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 hexa-core processor
- 2GB RAM
- 12.3MP / 5MP cameras
- 32GB/64GB of internal storage
- Android 6.0 Marshmallow
- 147 x 72.6 x 7.9mm, 136g
- USB Type-C port
- Fingerprint scanner
The Nexus 5X can be pre-ordered in select markets starting today. Color options are Carbon Black, Quartz White and Ice Blue. Two two storage sizes — 16GB or 32GB — cost $379 and $429, respectively. Those who do end up pre-ordering the Nexus 5X or the Nexus 6P will get a free 90-day subscription to Google Play Music as well as a credit to the Play Store worth $50.
Click here to view the embedded video.
Come comment on this article: Google’s Nexus 5X, made by LG, is here
Google Nexus Protect expands coverage for new Nexus phones
As part of the rollout for the new Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, Google is upgrading the protection options available for buyers of the devices. Their Nexus Protect insurance plans will offer coverage for both mechanical issues as well as accidents. As part of the coverage, Google will let users submit claims 24/7 and recognizing people really need their smartphones in their lives, replacement units can be available as soon as the next business day.
For a Nexus 5X, coverage will cost $69 while Nexus 6P coverage will run $89. This will now coverage two years worth of coverage, which is another expansion of the program compared to previous offerings.
Google is launching Nexus Protect in the U.S. starting today.
image: Karissa Bell (Twitter)
Come comment on this article: Google Nexus Protect expands coverage for new Nexus phones
Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X availability
You liked what you heard, you liked what you saw, you want to go ahead and pre-order the devices. Here’s what you need to know.
Starting today, the Google Store in the US, UK, Ireland, and Japan will be allowing you to pre-order both Nexus devices. Outside of the US, Google will also be partnering with carriers and retailers to bring you these two great smartphones.
Here’s the pricing scheme:
- Nexus 5X: 16GB for $379, 32GB for $429
- Nexus 6P: 32GB for $499, 64GB for $549, 128GB for $649
Both of these devices feature Google’s new Nexus Imprint (their fingerprint technology), which will work well with the new(ish) Android Pay. Additionally, both of these new Nexus devices will be joining last year’s Nexus 6 on the Google Project Fi network.
And it wouldn’t be a pre-order without some additional goodies! By pre-ordering any of the above devices, regardless of the memory size you choose, you’ll get a free 90 days subscription to Google Play Music plus a $50 Google Play Store credit!
Not sure which device to pick and you missed their announcement from Google’s live stream? We got you covered!
As of yet, neither Nexus device is showing on the Google Store, but they’ll be there today.
Come comment on this article: Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X availability
Nexus 6P officially announced: everything you need to know
Note: story is developing… be sure to check back soon for more details on pricing, release, and more!
While the Motorola Nexus 6 certainly had its fans, the new phablet-sized device was a pretty massive departure from the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5, not just in size, but also when it came to the price tag. With its latest Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P smartphones, Google looks to bridge the best of both worlds, offering premium specs, two different screen sizes, and relatively affordable price tags.
The Huawei Nexus 6p is the successor to Motorola’s Nexus 6 and marks the first time that the Nexus-making gauntlet has been passed to a China-based company. Although the Nexus 6 was easily the most ‘premium’ Nexus to date, the Nexus 6P takes things a step further with an all-metal design that features a somewhat unique looking bulge where the camera package can be found. The Nexus 6P is not only the first all-metal Nexus phone, it and the Nexus 5X are also the first to offer fingerprint scanners and Type-C USB ports.
As for the size compared to its predecessor? The Nexus 6P actually slims things down a bit from the Nexus 6, with a 5.7-inch QHD display and a body that is thinner and lighter, at 159.4 x 77.8 x 7.3mm and 178g, versus the Nexus 6’s dimensions of 159.3 x 83 x 10.1 mm and weight of 184g.
Nexus 6P Specs
| Display | 5.7-inch AMOLED WQHD 518ppi |
| Processor | Qualcomm Snapdragon processor 810 v2.1 |
| GPU | Adreno 430 |
| RAM | 3GB |
| Storage | 32/64/128GB storage |
| MicroSD | No |
| Networks | GSM 850/1900 W-CDMA 2/4/5 CDMA 0/1/10 LTE Band 2/4/5/7/12/13/17/25/26/41 |
| Software | Android 6.0 Marshmallow |
| Fingerprint scanner | Yes, rear-mounted |
| Camera | 12.3-megapixel rear cam, 8MP front cam |
| Battery | 3450mAh non-removable battery |
| Wireless charging | No |
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 77.8 x 7.3mm and 178g |
| Colors | Aluminum, Frost, Graphite |
As you can see, the Nexus 6P offers all the latest specs you’d want to see from a high-end flagship. Not only do you get QHD display quality and front-firing speakers, Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 810 processing package is also onboard, alongside 3GB RAM. While the Snapdragon 810 has received a lot of bad press over its life, revisions to the chip, as well as measures like throttling and heat-conscientious design choices mean that heat probably won’t be the issue that 810 critics will claim it to be. Of course, we really can’t say for sure until we have time to conduct a full review.
The Nexus 6 also offers a small jump in battery life over the Nexus 6, going from 3200 mAh to 3450 mAh. Huawei has a reputation for big batteries and equally great battery life with its Mate series, and while you might not get the 2+ day life you’d get out of something like a Mate 7 or Mate S, we imagine the battery life should, at the very least, easily make it through a full day’s use — or longer. This should be especially true with Android 6.0’s power-saving integrations that greatly improve standby time and more. And of course, you can also expect quick charging tech to be fully baked in as well.
When it comes to storage, the Nexus line tends to forgo things like microSD, and this remains true for the Huawei Nexus 6P, though thankfully there are options ranging from in-built 32GB, all the way up to 128GB.
The camera package is an area that Nexus phones tend to be weak on, and although the original Nexus 6 saw big improvements here over the Nexus 5, the camera was still arguably one of the phone’s biggest weaknesses. It is way too early to say if the Nexus 6p improves on the camera experience in a meaningful way. On paper at least, things don’t seem a lot different, with the Nexus 6p still rocking a 13MP rear cam, with the front cam going from 2MP to 8MP.
Of course, megapixel count only tells a small part of the story. For what it is worth, Google claims that the camera package will offer great low-light performance, and the front 8MP camera should provide a great selfie experience. Google actually spent a good deal of its conference talking about the camera experience, and while we don’t know for sure how it will compare to other high-end cameras like found on the Note 5, GS6, G4, and Moto X Pure, it certainly sounds like Google has put a lot of focus into the camera this time around.
We look forward to spending more time with the phone’s camera in our future full review.
Software
The Nexus 6P runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow, which many of us have already played around with through the Android M Developer Previews. Aesthetically speaking, Marshmallow doesn’t offer much different than Lollipop, aside from some minor changes to the app drawer and launcher.
Where Marshmallow really shines is through improved battery management, bug fixes, Google’s Now on Tap improved search technology, and the introduction of numerous new APIs offering support for fingerprint scanners and more. Android 6.0 Marshmallow also adds greatly improved permissions, allowing you much more granular control over what parts of your phone experience your apps have access to.During the press event, Google also talked a lot about the fingerprint scanner, which it referred to as Nexus Imprint, making it easy to unlock your phone and offering compatibility with Android Pay.
Bottom-line, all the things that stock Android fans love will be found here, alongside a bevy of enhancements and bug fixes.
Pricing and availability
Unlike in past years, Google doesn’t plan to offer its phones directly via carriers in the US, in a model similar to what we are seeing from Motorola with the Moto X Pure Edition. In fact, while select international retailers will still offer the Nexus family, in the US the Nexus phones will be available only through the Google Store.
As for how much the phones will set you back? The Nexus 5X will start at $379 for the base 16GB model, with the 32GB variant priced at $429.99. The Nexus 6P is obviously a bit more expensive, thanks to its beefier specs and more premium design, with a starting price of just $500 for the 32GB variant. The 64GB model is $549, and the 128GB model with price at $649. Those who buy either model will also get 90 days of free Google Play Music, and those who pre-order will get a $50 Google Play card as an added perk.
In addition to announcing the new phones, Google also took the wraps off its new Nexus Protect program. You can learn more about it here.
More coverage
Be sure to check out more of our coverage from today’s Nexus event (we’ll update this list as we add more):
What do you think of the latest member of the Nexus family? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
Android Marshmallow launches next week
Google is currently holding an event in San Francisco and the company has just announced that the new Android Marshmallow update is set to roll out to existing Nexus devices next week. Like previous years, the company’s own devices are the first to get the update and Google has confirmed that these devices will be getting the new Android 6.0 update next week:
At the moment, the company hasn’t confirmed whether both versions of the Nexus 7 will get the latest update or whether it will only be the Nexus 7 2013 but of course, we’ll let you know as soon as we find out. Unfortunately, it looks like the LG Nexus 4 and HTC-made Nexus 10 have reached their end-of-life status with Google not mentioning that these devices will be getting the Android Marshmallow update.
What does Google’s latest update bring? The list of new feature is extensive but the key features include Android Pay, Google Now on Tap, a new simplified permissions system, better battery management, improved sharing functionality and simplified volume controls.
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Google has also added a new doze feature to increase standby time when you’re not using the phone, automatic backup and restore of app data and settings to Google Drive, a new RAM manager and a new vertical app drawer that also displays your four more recently used apps at the top. Lastly, Google has also listened to feedback and Android Marshmallow now brings support for a horizontal home screen, which has been missing until now.
Do you have a Nexus device and if so, which one? Are you looking forward to the update? Let us know your views in the comments below and check out our Diving Into M series for a closer look at some of the features in the Android Marshmallow OS.
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