Features
Roderick Scott 0

Now that everyone else is done and out of the way (LG, Samsung, Apple), its time shift gear towards Google.  Based on several reports, they're prepping to unveil a plethora of new hardware on Tuesday.  They're ditching (or taking a break) form the Nexus brand and introducing the Pixel line.  All while continuing its 2-device launch like it did last year w/ the Nexus 5X & 6P.  As well as updating some hardware & adding some new things into the mix as well.  All of which has been the worst kept secret as far as leaks go but it is what it is.

The Chromebook Pixel & Pixel C is about to get some company within the brand name.

Pixel & Pixel XL

Like Google did w/ the Nexus line, they went to HTC to craft these new smartphones (although, the HTC brand will be no where to be found).  Following the 2-device launch, we will see a 5inch Pixel w/ 1080p resolution AMOLED screen + 2770 mAh battery and a 5.5inch w/ QHD resolution AMOLED screen + 3450 mAh battery.  Other than that, both devices will pack the same internals.
Both have:
  • Snapdragon 821 CPU + 4GB RAM
  • Options for 32GB or 128GB of internal storage
  • Running Android 7.1 w/ Pixel UI (new icons, wallpaper setup, and more) + Google Assistant
  • 8MP front-facing camera + 12MP rear-facing camera
  • Bluetooth 4.2
  • fingerprint scanner on the rear
  • USB-C
At this point, there ins't much to learn about the hardware but there is still we don't know about the new Pixel or Google UI.  All we know is there will be new icons, a new wallpaper setup, possibly direct customer support from Google and the inclusion of Google's Assistant (which was last seen in their Allo app).  Pricing is said to start at $649 for the Pixel and $700ish for the XL.  So expect premium pricing on this one.

Expect to see the G logo as it looks to be all Google everything.

Chromecast Ultra

Their top-selling HDMI dongle is getting an update to make way for the even higher definition TVs out there: the 4K ones.  The new Chromecast Ultra will be better suited for casting UHD/4K content to your 4K TVs.  The overall look will remain the same but will have a higher price tag of $69.  We'll have to wait and see if it will support HDR (High Dynamic Range) as well.

Google Home

We'll get more info on Google's take on Amazon's Echo which was unveiled at I/O earlier this year.  Home will be a voice-activated Wi-Fi speaker powered by their new Assistant AI to combat Amazon's Alexa.  Even though Amazon has 3 different versions of theirs, this is set to go head-to-head w/ the Echo.  It is said to be priced around $129 which is cheaper than the Echo by $50.

Google Wi-Fi

Google is said to bring forth a new multi-point router system like the Eero under the moniker of Google Wi-Fi.  It will be able to link multiple units together to better service your entire home as well as offer up some smart features too.  No word on if it will work w/ Google's OnHub router that came out earlier this year.  The alleged price tag is supposed to be around $129 per unit.

An Andromeda Tease, Maybe?

Earlier this week, there was some info leaked in regards to the alleged Android/Chrome hybrid OS.  It is codenamed Andromeda and is said to work on both laptop & tablets.  The report suggests for a 2017 launch, possibly at I/O 2017.  I don't expect a full announcement at all.  If we're lucky, we'll get a tease of it within a working demo and that's it.

Daydream VR

We should also see more and an official unveiling of their new Daydream VR platform & headsets.  We got a brief tease of it at I/O this year w/ a demo but that's about it.  We still gotta see what current Android devices will be compatible w/ it as well as what will it offer in regards to a VR experience.
 
At this point, I'm not sure if we'll even see Nexus versions of Android Wear.  It might be on hold or set to be unveiled sometime next year.

Google is really trying to push their own brand this year as they should.  Curious to see how it all works.  We anticipate everything announced will be available before or around the holiday season.  The event kicks off at 10AM PST/1PM EST on October 4th.  While we couldn't make it to San Fran this year, we will be reporting all of the news from there.

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Categories: Features

Author: Roderick Scott

Father. Husband. Creative. Mild foodie. Batman in my dreams.