Top 5 Things you need to know about Google Hardware Event
In the latest event of Google, CEO Sundar Pichai described company’s desire to build an ‘Individual Google’ for each user. At the launch event, the stars of the show were the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones, and another surprise of the day was Daydream View, Google’s own VR headset. Here is a synopsis of everything that we witnessed at the launch.
1) Pixel and Pixel XL
In the list of announcements made, first, we have the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphone. These smartphones are sleek and designed by Google inside and out. Both the devices have a similar design and just different in the size of their screens. Pixel has a 5-inch 1080p display, while the XL features a larger 5.5-inch Quad HD panel. Both these devices are powered by the latest Snapdragon 821 processor and 4GB RAM. The storage opens 32GB or 128GB, and are built by HTC.
Both Pixel and Pixel XL support the Daydream virtual reality headsets and the new Google Assistant. Pixel smartphones are the first smartphones to use Google Assistant. There is also a fingerprint sensor on the rear of the phone. The 12.3-megapixel camera is the best thing about Pixel. It scored 89 on the DxOMark test, which is even higher than the new iPhone 7. Both the devices have the latest Nougat release. The smaller Pixel with a 5-inch screen is priced at $649.
2) Daydream View
Google launched its first headset for the Daydream VR platform. Daydream View is compatible with any Daydream-supported phone. The headset is lightweight, soft, and made out of breathable microfiber so it will be comfortable to wear. It comes with a remote control to help you navigate apps and games. Google is partnering with YouTube, Netflix, HBO, and Hulu to make to make videos more mesmerizing. Daydream View will go on sale in November for $79. Companies like Samsung, Asus, HTC, LG, Xiaomi and others will be producing compatible headsets.
3) Chromecast Ultra
This version of Chromecast supports HDR, Dolby Vision, and 4K content. At $70, Chromecast Ultra will be the cheapest 4K streaming device in the market. Chromecast Ultra is much faster than the Chromecast. Chromecast Ultra is priced at $69 and will be available for sale in the month of November.
4) Google WiFi
Google forayed into router partnership with OnHub and is now making routers. This device is called Google WiFi. It is the size of an Amazon Echo Dot and allows users to extend its range over an entire house. A single router costs $129, while a pack of three costs $299. You can pre-order Google WiFi in November and it starts shipping in December.
5) Google Home
Google Home, the smart home assistant is a speaker that can take commands or questions. It is designed to sit in your home and give you information about the weather, your schedule, or any current events. Google Home can be connected to all the products in your Google ecosystem. It works with Google Chromecast and can also interact with your phone. Google Home comes with 6 months of YouTube Red and has partnered with Nest, Samsung SmartThings, Philips Hue, and IFTTT. Google Home will be available for $129, while a pack of three is for $299. It will be available in the month of November.
Along with these products, Google has also launched Pixel Tablet and Andromeda OS at the 2016 event. The Pixel Tablet comes with a 7-inch screen and is likely to be a successor to the 2014 Nexus 9. Andromeda OS, the new operating system is based on Android has enhanced some capabilities from Chrome OS. Android Auto update is another thing that Google came up with. It said to be powered by your phone, so you won’t require a supported vehicle to use it. It is made completely hands-free and can connect your phone to your car over WiFi.
Keval Padia is the founder & CEO of Nimblechapps, a fast-growing mobile app development company. The current innovation and updates of the field lures him to express his views and thoughts on certain topics.