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Google has announced new hardware products at a virtual event called ‘Launch Night In’. These include the first 5G Pixel smartphones, a new remote-controlled Chromecast, and the Nest Audio smart speaker.
The Pixel 4a 5G was first announced a month ago when Google launched the affordable 4a model. The 5G version offers an upgrade with the faster Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G chip, an additional 16-megapixel ultra-wide camera sensor, Cinematic Pan for video recordings, and a larger 6.2-inch FHD + display.
The Pixel 5 adds a bit more for a price tag of $ 700, compared to $ 500 for the Pixel 4a 5G. The Pixel 5 packs the same processor, but 8GB of RAM, a larger 4,080mAh battery, a recycled aluminum casing to reduce its carbon footprint, wireless and reverse charging, and an improved ‘smooth display’ with refresh rate of 90 Hz.
Google also added a preview of the new Hold for Me feature on phones. Available first in the US, Hold for Me allows Google Assistant to wait in line when users call a toll-free number and are put on hold. The Assistant will notify the caller when someone is on the line and ready to speak.
Customers who purchase a Pixel 4a 5G or Pixel 5 will get Stadia and YouTube Premium gaming service free for three months, 100GB of storage with Google One for three months, and Google Play Pass and Gold / Silver Status in Play Points.
The Pixel 4a 5G will be available in Japan on October 15 and in eight other countries from November. The Pixel 5 will be available in eight countries starting October 15 and in the United States and Canada starting October 29.
Chromecast with Google TV, voice remote control
For Chromecast, Google has revamped the device into a complete media player based on the Google TV interface. No longer just a device for streaming content from a phone or laptop to the TV, the new Chromecast comes with a full TV interface to access a wide range of applications and subscriptions for OTT content. It also comes with a remote control for the first time, including voice controls with the Google Assistant, and can support 4K HDR video at up to 60 frames per second.
The new Chromecast included dedicated buttons on the remote for Netflix and Amazon Prime Video and will be promoted with YouTube TV in the US It is available to start in the US for $ 50, in a choice of three colors. Pre-orders have started in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom, where it will be available from October 15.
Nest for audio lovers
Finally, Nest Audio is a new compact smart speaker aimed at music lovers. Available in a choice of five colors, it includes a 19mm tweeter for consistent high frequency coverage and clear vocals and a 75mm woofer to support bass.
Google said it minimized the use of compressors to preserve dynamic range and deliver music as close to the artist’s intent as possible. Media EQ automatically adjusts the sound to the content type, and Ambient IQ controls the Wizard’s sound based on background noise. The same machine learning chip as last year in the Nest Mini helps the device learn common commands to respond faster.
Nest Audio is available for $ 99.99 online at the Google Store and other retailers in the US, Canada and India starting October 5. It will launch in retail stores like Target, Best Buy, and more in 21 countries starting October 15.
