This week, Google announced new phones with unique shooting features, a new Chromecast TV dongle with remote, powered by Google TV, and a better sounding smart speaker made for music lovers. In a compact 30-minute online presentation with quick presenter handoffs, Google strategically targeted gear and services across a wide spectrum of Google users. It was a perfect event for bringing more of the outside world into our pandemic bubbles of isolation.
Pixel 5 has more lenses with new tricks
The new Pixel 5 ($799) has new features to help you take better looking photos.
- Pixel 5 with 5G features a bezel-less edge-to-edge display and comes with a 6″ FHD+ Flexible OLED display, 128 GB of storage, 8 GB of RAM, and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G. Not up to snuff with top competitors, it’s a very affordable phone with top features. It has wireless and reverse wireless charging with a 4,080 mAh battery with Battery Share and is also IP68 dust and water resistant.
- It finally catches up with competitive brands featuring an ultrawide lens with Live HDR+ and dual exposure controls. Portrait mode now has Night Sight for natural non-flash pictures while the new Portrait Light allows you to add fill light on a backlit foreground subject from any direction. You can also apply that feature to previously taken photos. Cinematic Pan lets you shoot professional-like video of moving subjects.
- The Pixel 5 uses 100% recycled aluminum in the back housing enclosure to reduce its carbon footprint.
The Pixel 5, in Just Black and Sorta Sage colours, is available now for pre-order and in stores October 29.
Pixel 4a (5G) is also beefed up with lenses and features
The affordablePixel 4a 5G ($679) has similar camera features to the Pixel 5, including a new professional photo editor in Google Photos.
- It also features a bezel-less edge-to-edge display on a 6.2″ FHD+ OLED and a 3.5 mm headphone jack.
- A 3,835mAh all-day battery that can last up to 48 hours with Extreme Battery Saver like the Pixel 5.
- A Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G Mobile Platform, Titan M security module for on-device security, 6 GB of RAM and 128 GB of storage
Available now on pre-order in Just Black, it will be in stores November 19.
Chromecast with Google TV with remote
The new Chromecast dongle ($70) now includes a remote control
- Chromecast with Google TV has your favourite Chromecast features and now comes with a new Google TV entertainment experience. Google TV brings together movies, shows, and more from across your apps and subscriptions with powerful AI-based assistance that provide feedback on your viewing habits and the ability to connect to other devices as well as use your large TV screen for a new experience when listening to music.
- The new Chromecast with Google TV comes in a compact and thin design and is packed with the latest technology to give you the best viewing experience.
It comes in Snow, Sunrise, and Sky finishes and is available now for pre-order and in stores October 15.
Nest Audio smart speaker has improved sound
The Nest Audio ($130) smart speaker is compact with improved treble and bass speaker drivers
- Nest Audio’s sound is clear, natural and full and is 75% louder and has 50% stronger bass than the original Google Home.
- Google is continuing its commitment to sustainability with Nest Audio. It’s covered in the same sustainable fabric that was first introduced with Nest Mini last year, and the enclosure (meaning the fabric, housing, foot, and a few smaller parts) is made from 70% recycled plastic.
- Available in Chalk, Charcoal, Sand, Sky, and the new Sage colours, it is available for pre-order and in stores October 5.