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Observations from today’s Google Event: Nexus, Chromecasts and Pixel C

Avatar for Seth Weintraub Sep 29 2015 - 7:53 pm PT
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Today’s Google event was chock full of new products and services many of which were leaked ahead of the event. While most of the new items had been covered in recent days (casemakers were ready), Stephen, Cam, Jordan and Chance did an excellent job rounding up the unexpected too. Some things that stood out:


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Google shares more details on its self-driving cars, says insurance companies are excited

Avatar for Chance Miller Sep 29 2015 - 3:43 pm PT
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(Image via Harry McCracken)

In San Francisco today, Google held an event focused on its self-driving car technology with head of the project Chris Urmson and Sergey Brin. During the event, Google Urmson and Brin offered several details on its self-driving vehicles, as well as let the press ride in the cars and try them out themselves (via Harry McCracken).


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9to5Toys Last Call: Nexus 5X and 6P now up for pre-order, new Chromecast offers, more

Avatar for Stephen Hall Sep 29 2015 - 3:21 pm PT
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Keep up with the best gear and deals on the web by signing up for the 9to5Toys Newsletter. Also, be sure to check us out on: Twitter, RSS Feed, Facebook, Google+ and Safari push notifications.

Today’s can’t miss deals:

Chromecast, Chromecast Audio, Nexus 5X & 6P pre-orders now live on the Google Store

Google Chromecast offers for existing customers on Google Play: Free Movie Rental, 90-Days Free Music

Certified pre-owned LG G2 w/ free talk, text, data from FreedomPop: $100 shipped (Reg. $150+)

SanDisk Connect Wi-Fi Flash Drive for iOS/Android: 64GB $50 (Reg. $60), 32GB $30 (Reg. $40)

Daily Deals: Aukey Bluetooth 4.1 sweat-proof Headphones $18, SanDisk 128GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive $24, more

Review: JBL’s new Xtreme Bluetooth speaker goes big on sound and design

More new gear from today:

Gold Box – D-Link DOCIS 3.0 Cable Modem for Comcast, Time Warner, Cox, more $60 shipped (Reg. $80)

More deals still alive:

 

Keep your Wi-Fi running during a power outage – APC Network Backup UPS w/ dual USB: $40 shipped (Reg. $65)

New products & more:

GoPro introduces a new cost-effective action camera with Wi-Fi capabilities

Exploride combines the best iPhone features into one safe head-up display unit for your car

Microsoft is announcing a new Xbox One bundle every day this week

Google announces a handful of new advertising services coming to YouTube

Avatar for Chance Miller Sep 29 2015 - 3:05 pm PT
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Google today has announced several new services that will enhance the advertising capabilities of YouTube. First off, the company has announced Shopping ads for YouTube. These ads will allow advertisers to show a click-to-buy ad within partner videos on YouTube. Advertisers only pay when a user clicks on the ad, similar to Shopping ads on Google.


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PSA: Google Now on Tap is working again in Marshmallow Developer Preview 3

Avatar for Stephen Hall Sep 29 2015 - 2:44 pm PT
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If you’ve been waiting on Google Now to Tap to be available to those running the Android M Developer Preview, the wait is over. Besides a few days when Developer Preview 3 first launched, those running the developer version of M have been left without access to the feature. Now, it seems that Google is finally opening the floodgates…

Google Now on Tap is the latest big feature to come to Google Now, allowing users to quickly find more information about just about anything on their screen. If you’re reading an article about Donald Trump, Now on Tap can give you more info about him and links to his social media profiles and website, for example.

At this point, I’d suggest waiting until October 5th for the official rollout of Android Marshmallow to Nexus devices. But if you’re super antsy and just want to try out Google Now on Tap right now, you can head over and read our guide on how to install the Developer Preview 3 factory image. It’s not too tough, if you have the time.

Specifications compared: Google’s Nexus 5X vs. Nexus 6P

Avatar for Cam Bunton Sep 29 2015 - 2:11 pm PT
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For the first time ever, Google announced two brand new Nexus phones alongside each other at the same launch. The two devices are clearly different, from materials and design to specs and price, and each will appeal to different consumers. But will you go for the plastic-clad, smaller LG Nexus 5X or for the more premium Nexus 6P designed and manufactured by Huawei?

It may seem an obvious choice, but there are already differing opinions among the 9to5Google staff and — judging from the poll we published — our readers too…


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Hands-on: Google releases new Chromecast app w/ What’s On, social backdrop feeds, more

Avatar for Stephen Hall Sep 29 2015 - 12:57 pm PT
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Alongside the new Chromecast and Chromecast Audio, Google also today introduced a new version of its Chromecast app. It’s not a drastic departure from the previous version, but it does bring some notable new features including a new “What’s On” section that suggests content from the apps you have installed, support for image feeds from Facebook, Flickr, and other sources, voice search for content, and more…
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PSA: You can order the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P on an installment plan via Project Fi

Avatar for Stephen Hall Sep 29 2015 - 11:53 am PT
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If you’re one of the many excited to get one of Google’s new Nexus devices, but you would rather pay for one over time rather than outright (or if you’re just looking to become a Project Fi subscriber), I have some good news. Although not exactly mentioned in detail today, you can grab either phone from Project Fi on an installment plan…
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Google’s Chromecast & Nexus event now available for replay [Video]

Avatar for Stephen Hall Sep 29 2015 - 11:48 am PT
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Although all the Chrome and Nexus festivities are over, Google has now posted its livestream video from earlier this morning on YouTube for replay. Along with the Nexus 5X and 6P, Google also unveiled a pair of new Chromecasts, the Pixel C tablet, a new Chromecast app, new features for Google Photos, and more…
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Google announces Chromecast support coming to Spotify, Showtime, SlingTV, NBA, more

Avatar for Cam Bunton Sep 29 2015 - 10:17 am PT
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Google is bringing new Chromecast hardware to its range, as we exclusively revealed last week. But it isn’t just new hardware. Chromecast is adding native support for some new streaming services including Showtime, SlingTV, NBA, NHL and BN Sports. Perhaps the most notable of these video services is SlingTV, which lets you watch live TV using an internet connection.

But, as previously rumored, Spotify is now getting Chromecast support too. Now you’ll be able to listen to Spotify anywhere in your house using Chromecast or one of the new Chromecast Audio products hooked up to a speaker. Additionaly, Google demonstrated that two or more simultaneous uses will be able to sync playlists and control a Spotify stream.

While the support will work with the newly announced Chromecast hardware, it’ll also work with the existing 20M Chromecast devices out on the market.

 

New Google Photos features announced: Shared albums, people labeling, Chromecast support

Avatar for Stephen Hall Sep 29 2015 - 9:46 am PT
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Last week we told you that a teardown of the latest version of Google Photos revealed some interesting new features: album collaboration, people labeling, Chromecast support, and more. Now, Google has announced today at its September 29th event that it is making these exact three features official…
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Huawei Nexus 6P officially announced, 5.7-inch QHD AMOLED display, Snapdragon 810, more

Avatar for Cam Bunton Sep 29 2015 - 9:15 am PT
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At its event in San Francisco this morning, Google has finally taken the wraps off its latest Nexus smartphones. The larger of the two is made by Huawei, and marks the first time Google has partnered with a Chinese manufacturer for its Nexus smartphone. In every way, this is the flagship Nexus. From build quality and size, to screen quality and battery, this is the phone that all tech-hungry, pure Android aficionados will flock to…


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Google: 1.4B Android actives, 1B active Play users, 30k new Chromebooks/day, 10k companies using Android for Work

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Sep 29 2015 - 9:14 am PT
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Google has just kicked off its press event, where it’s expected to unveil next-gen Chromecast and Nexus devices alongside other announcements, but it started with an update on company numbers and more.

Among the numbers, Google’s Sundar Pichai confirmed that it’s introducing around 30,000 new Chromebooks everyday with around 10,000 companies using or testing the company’s new Android for Work platform. Google announced its new Android for Work platform back in February, opening up a dedicated Google Play store and other features specifically for enterprise users.

The company also said that it’s now at 1 billion active Google Play users with around 1.4 billion active Android devices over the last 30 days and 20 million Chromecasts sold to date. 

Head below for a full roundup of numbers announced today during Google’s press event:
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Watch Google’s Chromecast 2, Nexus 5X/6P event right here [Livestream]

Avatar for Stephen Hall Sep 29 2015 - 7:55 am PT
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Google’s planning to introduce new Chromecasts, new Nexus devices, and plenty of other goodies at its September 29th event today, and thankfully, the company is livestreaming it for those who won’t be there in the flesh. If you’ve got a chance to watch along (although there probably isn’t much we don’t already know), head below the break…
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Google teaching its self-driving cars to behave more like people, be more predictable, less annoying

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Sep 29 2015 - 5:04 am PT
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Google’s self-driving cars may have an impressive safety record – having never caused an accident in more than a million miles of driving on public roads – but the company admits that their ultra-cautious approach can make them a little unpredictable and annoying to other drivers, reports the WSJ. Examples include taking a very wide approach on turns, and braking at the slightest sign of danger.

The cars are “a little more cautious than they need to be,” Chris Urmson, who leads Google’s effort to develop driverless cars, [said]. “We are trying to make them drive more humanistically” … 


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Poll: Are you planning to get the Nexus 5X or the Nexus 6P? (Or neither?)

Avatar for Stephen Hall Sep 28 2015 - 4:28 pm PT
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Update: They’re here. Are you going to grab the Nexus 5X or the Nexus 6P?

As we sit here on the eve of Google’s September 29th event, and with almost every single detail of what the company is planning to announce already leaked, there is only one question that remains: Which of the two Nexus devices are you planning to buy? Follow along as we round up the details of each phone, and be sure to vote in the poll below…
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Google reveals new Expeditions Pioneer Program to bring virtual reality field trips to schools

Avatar for Chance Miller Sep 28 2015 - 3:39 pm PT
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At its I/O developer conference earlier this year, Google revealed a new app called Expeditions that would allow teachers to create virtual field trips using its Cardboard virtual reality viewer. Details at the time were sparse, but the company today has shared a blog post on its education blog that offers some more details on Expeditions.


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Android Marshmallow expected to roll out on October 5th for Nexus 5, 6, 7 (2013) and 9

Avatar for Cam Bunton Sep 28 2015 - 2:49 pm PT
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Google is in the final stages of preparation for its event tomorrow morning in San Francisco, and just as the company is putting the finishing touches on its presentation, it seems we have a release date for Android Marshmallow: October 5th. Android Police’s sources confirmed the date previously found in a Telus leak, suggesting several Nexus devices will get the software update on that day.

It’s expected that the Nexus 5, Nexus 6, 2013 edition Nexus 7, and the Nexus 9 will all start receiving the Android 6.0 software on October 5. Sadly, however, it seems several older generation Nexus phones and tablets are being left out of the picture. Lollipop will remain the latest (and last) software update we’ll ever see on the Nexus 4, 2012 edition Nexus 7, and the Nexus 10. Although, that really isn’t very bad for 3-year-old devices.

We’re expecting Google to confirm this release date at its event tomorrow, alongside several other updates and some new product announcements. We’ve been building up to Google announcing a pair of new Nexus phones as well as a couple of refreshed pieces of Chromecast hardware. What’s more, recent rumors have predicted we could even see a new tablet named the Pixel C with a 10.2-inch display and a detachable keyboard.  You can read more about all of those in our guide on what to expect from the event.

Full Nexus 5X ‘all around champ’ specs revealed in new leak: Snapdragon 808, 2 GB RAM, more

Avatar for Stephen Hall Sep 28 2015 - 2:17 pm PT
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While details about the Nexus 5X — and its brother, the Nexus 6P — have been making the rounds for several weeks now, today brings a full spec sheet for the former. Many of these details were previously leaked, but this document (via Reddit) essentially reiterates what we saw before and adds a few little details to be gleaned — including the phone’s RAM…
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Google reportedly planning to launch a 10.2-inch ‘Pixel C’ tablet w/ Android Marshmallow, detachable keyboard, more

Avatar for Stephen Hall Sep 28 2015 - 10:57 am PT
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Google is planning to launch a large, 10.2-inch tablet with the Pixel brand attached, according to a report this morning from Android Police. Interestingly, this device is said to be launching later this year not with Chrome OS, but rather with Android Marshmallow. The device will also purportedly sport a detachable keyboard — a la the iPad Pro or the Microsoft Surface — and will pack the same quality build and lightbar found with the Chromebook Pixel. And, since this is a Pixel device and not a Nexus, the hardware is going be 100% Google’s…
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Google Play ups app size limit for devs from 50MB to 100MB

Avatar for Jordan Kahn Sep 28 2015 - 10:37 am PT
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Google today announced that it’s increasing the size limit for apps on Google Play allowing developers to upload APK files (Android application package) up to 100MB in size. That’s up from the old limit of 50MB and will allow developers to push out bigger app packages without a warning to the user, which will now only appear when apps are over the 100MB quota.

While Google notes that the increase will help developers with rich apps or graphically intensive games that need a bigger app package, it also warns developers to keep in mind mobile data connectivity and caps, app performance, and install times for users.

Not much changes for users, however, as Google points out that auto-updating of apps will remain “over Wi-Fi only, enabling users to access higher quality apps and games while conserving their data usage.”

Developers can find out more here.

Everything we know about Google’s September 29th event: Two new Chromecasts, Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, more

Avatar for Stephen Hall Sep 28 2015 - 9:01 am PT
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Google’s September 29th event — the company’s biggest press-facing event since Google I/O 2015 — is scheduled to kick off tomorrow. And while there are definitely some things that haven’t managed to hit the rumor mill quite yet (or maybe not?), a lot of the company’s biggest announcements for tomorrow aren’t secret. The company is planning to reveal two different Chromecast devices, we’ll certainly see the unveiling of the company’s Nexus 5X and 6P, and we’ll hear about the official launch of Android Marshmallow among many other announcements…
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Google now under Android antitrust investigation in the U.S. as well as Europe

Avatar for Ben Lovejoy Sep 25 2015 - 5:59 am PT
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Google must wonder whether it will ever be free from antitrust investigations. Following antitrust charges against its search business (cleared in the USA, upheld in Europe), the EU filed a second complaint that Google had abused its dominant position in the mobile field to favor its own Android apps. The allegation is that Google forced smartphone companies to favor Google apps over rival ones in return for permission to use Android. Bloomberg reports that the U.S. appears to be opening a similar investigation in the USA.

The Federal Trade Commission reached an agreement with the Justice Department to spearhead an investigation of Google’s Android business, [two sources] said. FTC officials have met with technology company representatives who say Google gives priority to its own services on the Android platform … 


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