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Alphabet Inc.’s Google updated its product line on Wednesday with new smartphones, a Chromecast laptop and a new Nest speaker.
GOOGL company,
GOOG,
made the hardware announcements during a skillfully produced 30-minute virtual news event.
Topping the deal was the $ 699 Pixel 5, a 5G-compatible phone with a 100% recycled aluminum body, 8GB of RAM, and reverse wireless charging. Additionally, the $ 499 Pixel 4a with 5G built-in features an ultra-wide lens and software updates to HDR technology.
A redesigned $ 49 Chromecast device with a remote that accepts voice commands comes with Google TV. The latter takes over Android TV as a platform to consolidate streaming services and live TV options.
Nest Audio, a $ 99 smart speaker with a cloth exterior like the Nest Mini, completed the lineup. Google says it has 50% more bass and 75% more volume than the original Google Home, thanks to a new driver setup.
The Google event, before Apple Inc.’s AAPL,
anticipated launch of the iPhone 12 in October, following a blitz of products from Apple and Amazon.com Inc. AMZN,
in recent weeks. On Tuesday, Amazon introduced Amazon One, a contactless device that searches for payments, loyalty programs and more. In mid-September, Apple launched a new Apple Watch, iPads, and a bundled subscription service.
Early Wednesday, Facebook Inc. FB,
merged its Messenger and Instagram platforms, allowing members to send photos, videos, and chats between the two for the first time without having to download an app.
