Google Pixel C is allegedly a 10.2-inch Android-powered tablet
Tomorrow is shaping up to be a pretty big day for Google fans, with the introduction of two new Nexus phones, final details on Android 6.0, new Chromecast hardware, and perhaps a few other tricks and surprises. Now according to a new report, we could also be seeing a brand new tablet from Google.
Unlike the Nexus tablet family, this tablet won’t be made with a partnering company and will be directly produced under the Google brand name. Furthermore, this won’t be branded as part of the Nexus family either. Instead, the new tablet will allegedly be called the Google Pixel C.
Before you start jumping to conclusions, no, just because it shares the same Pixel sub-brand as two Chromebooks doesn’t mean this is a Chrome OS device. The rumor, first reported by Android Police, says the tablet will offer Android 6.0 Marshmallow. It’s unclear if Google will make any changes to the OS, though we’d say (coming directly from Google) it should be pretty near-stock if not completely vanilla. Other specs will include an Nvidia X1 processor with 3GB of LPRDDR4 RAM, a 10.2-inch display with 308ppi, and USB Type C.
The overall build quality should be similar to existing Pixel laptops, meaning a metallic design with a glowing light bar on the back. The Pixel C will also reportedly have two keyboard accessories, one in aluminum and one in leather, that attach to the tablet, making it sort of the Google version of the Microsoft Surface.
For fans of 10-inch tablets, the Pixel C could certainly be exciting news. Of course, we imagine that this particular tablet won’t come cheap. It’s also important to note that we can’t confirm the legitimacy of this rumor, and so we’d take it all with a grain of salt. Thankfully, we should know more about the upcoming tablet by tomorrow, though the tablet won’t actually ship until sometime in November if the rumor proves correct.
What to expect from Google’s Nexus and Android event
What better way to close out the busy month of September than with a Google event? Nearly three weeks after Apple announced its latest smartphones, the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, the search giant is preparing to do the same, with a keynote of its own tomorrow in San Francisco. But while the event will likely focus on a refreshed set of Nexus handsets and the upcoming public release of Android Marshmallow, there are signs that Google is also planning to deliver a couple new Chromecast products — including one that’s all about audio. We also wouldn’t be surprised to hear more about Android Wear, especially since we’ve seen a number of new devices introduced over the past month, like Motorola’s second-generation 360 and the Huawei Watch. All will be revealed tomorrow, but for now, let’s break down the leaks and rumors.
The Nexus 5X and 6P
Almost a year after its release, Google’s Nexus 6 isn’t exactly what we’d call a hit. The reasons? Its battery life was nothing to write home about, while the camera left much to be desired. Also, some people weren’t willing to give up a comfortable one-handed experience in exchange for a large screen. Google might’ve been better off having a smaller option for them, rather than a single massive phone. But now, the company seems to want to get back to the days of the successful, LG-made Nexus 5, one of its best smartphones to date — both in terms of software and hardware. To do so, it appears the company is teaming up with LG yet again, this time on a device called the Nexus 5X, which actually looks a lot like the Nexus 5, if these leaked images are to be believed.
Under the hood, the 5X reportedly packs a 5.2-inch (1080p) display, Snapdragon 808 processor, up to 3GB of RAM, a 13-megapixel camera, fingerprint sensor and a USB Type-C port. It also looks like you’ll have a variety of colors to choose from, including black, white and a less traditional (but pretty) mint green. According to multiple news outlets, the Nexus 5X is also said to be priced starting at $380 for the 16GB model, or $100 more for 32GB.
Now, back to smartphones with big screens. This year, Google appears to be taking a slightly different approach than in years past, announcing two Nexus devices simultaneously. According to the rumor mill, Google is partnering with not only LG, but also Huawei. Leaks suggest that the Chinese firm is making the larger of the two Nexuses, the 6P. It reportedly features a 5.7-inch, 2,560 x 1,440 display, Snapdragon 810 processor, a fingerprint sensor on the back, dual front speakers, USB Type-C and a beefy 3,450mAh battery. Of the two, this would obviously be pegged as the higher-end model, but that’s not to say the Nexus 5X isn’t also appealing on paper. Android Police says pricing is set to be $500 for the 32GB version.
Not surprisingly, both will run Marshmallow at launch, although Google has yet to confirm a release date for its new software. Let’s not forget the fingerprint-reading scanners either: These will be the first Nexus devices to offer this feature, which you’ll need to take advantage of the soon-to-be released Android Pay. For the sake of all our impatient readers out there, let’s hope Google starts selling these new Nexus phones as soon as tomorrow, or at least puts them up for pre-order.
Android Marshmallow
Speaking of Android Marshmallow, chances are we’ll learn more about its release date; other than revealing the OS’ official name, Google has been stingy on details. Still, we do know that one main feature Marshmallow brings to the table is support for fingerprint readers, so it’s nice (and unsurprising) to see that both Nexus 5X and 6P apparently support this kind of authentication.
Beyond that, there’s probably going to be talk about when Marshmallow is expected to hit existing devices. Of course, Google’s own Nexus smartphones will be first in line to receive the update, but here’s hoping carriers and OEMs don’t take their sweet time to bring it to as many handsets as possible.
Chromecast… for audio?
It’s safe to say the Chromecast is among Google’s most popular devices. The tiny dongle, which basically turns any dumb TV into a smart one, is affordable, functional and easy for anyone to use. Word on the street is that the second generation of the device will see a few modest changes inside and out. There’s talk of a new design, for instance, as well as support for faster 802.11ac WiFi and 5GHz networks. It’ll be interesting to find out if Google keeps it at $35 or decides to modify that insanely cheap price.
Surprisingly, Google reportedly wants to make that winning formula work for audio too, in addition to just video. According to 9to5Google, a device code-named “Hendrix” will be making its debut tomorrow, which is rumored to add wireless connectivity to any old speakers you may have lying around — so long as they have a 3.5mm headphone jack. If Chromecast Audio ends up being real, it would allow people to network their existing speakers with a simple dongle; think of it as a cheap way to upgrade to a Sonos-esque setup. No word on how much it’s going to cost, but we wouldn’t be surprised if Google chose to be aggressive and priced it around the same as the Chromecast.
Android Wear, Android TV and everything else
All signs point toward Nexus, Android and Chromecast being the standouts at tomorrow’s event. But, don’t be surprised if we hear more about Android Wear compatibility with Marshmallow, as well as upgrades to Android TV and Android Auto.
We’ll be liveblogging the action as it happens tomorrow, so be sure to tune into our dedicated page at 9 AM PT/12 PM ET.
[Image credits: AFP/Getty Images, Android Pit and Android Police.]
Source: Android Pit, Android Police, 9to5Google
Google Nexus 6P to join Nexus 5X for pre-orders on September 29th
Fans of Google Nexus devices will want to be ready to refresh their browsers tomorrow as new information indicates that not only will the Nexus 5X be available for pre-order once it is officially announced, but the Nexus 6P will be joining the party. Customers in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada and Japan will be able to start the process of getting an order in for the larger of the two Nexus devices slated to be announced on September 29th. Sources indicate the starting price for the Nexus 6P will be $499.99 for the 32GB version.
If you are one of those fans hoping to place a pre-order tomorrow, you will have a choice of Aluminum, Graphite or Frost for colors, unless you are in Japan where they will also get a Gold option. Consumers may have noticed that it appears Google has swapped Korea, which gets the Nexus 5X, with Canada which will get the Nexus 6P as an option. No matter where buyers are located though, it is expected the devices will only be available through Google and not through carriers.
Pricing for the versions of the Nexus 6P with 64GB and 128GB of memory has not been announced. There is also no information available yet as to when the devices will actually ship.
How many of you will have your browser ready and poised to place an order tomorrow for either of the Nexus smartphones?
source: Android Police
Come comment on this article: Google Nexus 6P to join Nexus 5X for pre-orders on September 29th
Google to launch a family plan for Play Music tomorrow
Tomorrow will be quite the day for Google as it will be announcing the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, a new Chromecast, and possibly additional hardware. Software, too, will receive attention as Android 6.0 Marshmallow will be showcased and a new version of the Chromecast app will debut. And now it looks like Play Music is going to be joining the party at Google’s event as Android Police reports that a family plan for the music streaming service is on the way as well.
The upcoming family plan for Play Music’s paid subscription features will allow up to six family members to stream from Google’s library for $14.99 per month. Each family member can continue using their own Google account in the process. Right now, it is unknown what the exact restrictions are on the amount of devices being used on one family plan. As we all know, Google has angered many of its customers by limiting the amount of authorizations/deauthorizations on a single account.
This would be identical to Apple’s approach with Apple Music and an advantage over Spotify. Apple currently chargers $14.99 per month while Spotify commands that same monthly fee for two users. Spotify then raises that to $19.99 for three users, $24.99 for four users, and $29.99 for five members. When Apple Music was announced in June, it was believed that Spotify would be changing its pricing; however, that has yet to happen. At least Google seems to realize that family plans for music streaming services needs to be affordable to be accessible.
Source: Android Police
Come comment on this article: Google to launch a family plan for Play Music tomorrow
Google offers its Cardboard-powered VR field trips to schools for free
Google detailed its Expeditions project back at I/O, and now the company is looking to get schools more involved. To do just that, Mountain View will offer schools the VR field trip kits for free. The New York Times reports that Google is handing out the Expeditions package at no cost to help push the effort ahead. Each kit contains Cardboard VR headsets and ASUS phones for the students alongside an app for teachers that controls the virtual trips. And as you might expect, they’re able to pause the action to ask questions as needed. Google isn’t ruling out charging for the gear at some point, though, if it’s able to make the price affordable enough for educators.
Source: New York Times
Google to offer shared Play Music Family accounts, rumor indicates
Streaming music seems to have become the next great thing, with many companies offering free streaming with ads and monthly unlimited plans. There is already Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, and of course Google’s Play Music. Some of those offer a family plan for a discounted rate between multiple users. Google’s plan doesn’t include that, yet.
According to the latest rumors from Android Police, tomorrow Google will announce a new plan for consumers who want to save some cash by partnering up on a streaming service. Google’s All Access plan will allow six family members to stream unlimited music all for just $14.99 a month. All users will be able to sign in to their own Google account for the service, so no need for sharing precious account details.
This is definitely strategic pricing because Google’s biggest competitor, Apple, has their streaming service priced the exact same: six family members for $14.99 a month. To give a perspective at how good of a deal that is, Spotify charges $14.99 a month for just two people. Every time you add a user on Spotify, the price continues to climb
Tomorrow is expected to be quite a big day for Google, as they are expected to debut their two new smartphones, the LG-made Nexus 5X and Huawei-made Nexus 6P. To top that off, Google is expected to announce the new Chromecast. Our very own Derrick will be in San Francisco for the event, so keep your eye out.
The post Google to offer shared Play Music Family accounts, rumor indicates appeared first on AndroidGuys.
Nexus 5X preorders will go live right after Google’s announcement, starts at $379.99
We’ve heard plenty of information about the bigger of the two Nexus phones Google will be unveiling this week, but the smaller Nexus 5X hasn’t been talked about quite as much. We already know what kind of hardware to expect, but up until this point, we haven’t heard anything about pricing or availability, which are two pretty big details.
Well, it turns out Google should be opening up preorders for the Nexus 5X right after their announcement this Tuesday. That doesn’t mean the device will necessarily start shipping tomorrow, but it shouldn’t be too much longer after that before you can get one in your hands. Pricing looks pretty wallet friendly, too, with a price tag of just $379.99 for what will likely be the 16 GB version. It’s not the cheapest Nexus ever, but it’s a far cry from the industry standard $649 Nexus 6 last year.
Google is skipping the carriers this time around, so you’ll only be able to order one through Google’s official store. Considering how poorly carrier Nexus launches tend to go, this makes plenty of sense.
Anybody planning on preordering the Nexus 5X tomorrow?
source: Android Police
Come comment on this article: Nexus 5X preorders will go live right after Google’s announcement, starts at $379.99
Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P to be sold online only, rumor says
We’re only a day way from getting the official unveiling of the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P, and so far we’ve seen just about everything there is to know about the two devices. However, new information is saying that they’ll be sold online only, and won’t be available in carrier stores like prior models have.
Android Police reports that this change is because Google is seriously trying to push its Google Store as the place to buy Nexus products in addition to all of the other goodies the store offers.
There’s no telling if this will affect the availability of other online retailers, such as Amazon. If so, the devices will no doubt end up on there anyway by way of third-party sellers.
This would be a great move from Google, allowing consumers to get away from the carriers and selling the devices unlocked. However, it’s also a downer for those that like to see the physical device before purchasing. That said, if Google were to sell its Nexus devices exclusively through the Google Store, it’d be nice to see some brick-and-mortar outlets pop up around the world.
We’re only a day out from Google’s event in San Francisco, so we’ll no doubt hear all the official details then.
Keep in mind that we’ve only seen details on the two Nexus devices. Google’s rumored to unveil some other things at the event, so there’s still some awesome things to look forward to tomorrow.
Anyone getting excited?
source: Android Police
Come comment on this article: Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P to be sold online only, rumor says
New Nexus phones surface at FCC with clues to features, carrier support
Over the weekend Google’s new Nexus devices surfaced in the FCC database just ahead of their anticipated launch announcement tomorrow. Both the LG manufactured Nexus 5X and the Huawei manufactured Nexus 6P have passed through their FCC certification. One big piece of information that can be gleaned from the information is that the devices have support for all wireless bands, both CDMA and GSM, meaning they should work on any of the major U.S. carriers including Verizon.
Along with the versions of the devices that appear to be headed for the U.S. market, the FCC also approved international versions of each device. For the Nexus 5X, it appears the battery will not be removable. On the international model, it looks like LG may have at least tested wireless charging as well, so it may be possible the Nexus 5X will support that feature.
The Nexus 6P may have a little surprise as well as there are some references to micro SD card slots in the FCC materials. It is not not clear whether the actual device available to consumers will have a micro SD slot so users can upgrade their own memory, but Huawei and Google appear to have at least considered this option.
Come comment on this article: New Nexus phones surface at FCC with clues to features, carrier support
Google Search app has apparently added some new offline voice commands
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Voice commands on Android devices are a pretty indispensable feature for many of us as we use them on a daily basis, but the feature has invariably relied on a stable mobile data connection for anything besides calling or sending basic text messages. It looks like that is now changing as it’s been spotted that the Google Search app now allows for certain voice commands to be recognized even while offline – the app even gives you a list of suggestions to try out.
The list includes relatively simple, but useful, commands that will help you in your day-to-day routine including turning on Wi-Fi, increasing the volume on your device, or even turning on airplane mode. Some of the commands will do you say directly, but some of them, like the volume command, will open the relevant menu for you to adjust settings as you please. It’s not perfect, but having voice commands that work offline is pretty cool regardless – note that it appears that these new options are only available in English, for now. Hopefully Google continues to extend its offline repertoire as time goes on.
What do you think about Google Search now recognizing voice commands while offline? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Source: Google+ via Android Police
The post Google Search app has apparently added some new offline voice commands appeared first on AndroidSPIN.
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