Android Fever: 5 New Mobile Products Announced At Google's Nexus Event
Android Mania
The popularity of Google mobile operating system Android just keeps on rising: During its Nexus event Tuesday, Mountain View, Calif.-based Google revealed that 1.4 billion people now use its flagship operating system, while the Google Play Store is open on more than 1 billion devices.
Google hopes to continue advancing that mobile success by revealing five new Android-based products, including new Chinese-manufactured premium Nexus phones, a new operating system upgrade called Marshmallow set to be released later in the year, and a new tablet with a detachable keyboard.
Here, a snapshot of five Android-based products that consumers have to look forward to in the upcoming year.
5. Nexus 5X
Google's new flagship Android smartphone is the Nexus 5X, manufactured by South Korean vendor LG.
On the outside, the 5.2-inch Nexus 5X has a high-end display for a relatively low cost of $379, with a 1080p display cushioned by Gorilla Glass 3. On the inside, The Nexus 5X contains a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor.
The Nexus 5X also includes a fingerprint sensor on the back called Imprint, which puts the device on the same playing field as Apple's and Samsung's fingerprint authentication features. Other features on the phone include a 12-megapixel camera with 4K video shooting abilities, as well as a USB-C charging connector.
The Nexus 5X is open for preorders and will ship in October, according to Google.
4. Nexus 6P
Google's Nexus 6P smartphone, manufactured by Chinese vendor Huawei, at 5.7 inches is the larger alternative to the 5.2-inch Nexus 5X, and also the more expensive option at $499. The Nexus 6P includes a WGHD AMOLED premium display and an all-metal body, as well as two front-facing speakers.
Like the Nexus 5X, the Nexus 6P comes equipped with a fingerprint sensor on the back, a USB-C charging port and an improved camera -- a 12.3-megapixel camera with Sony sensors on its back, and an 8-megapixel camera on the front.
On the inside, the Nexus 6P includes a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor and 3 GB of RAM, as well as a 3450 mAh battery. This smartphone will begin shipping in October, according to Google.
3. Android Marshmallow
Google's Android 6.0 Marshmallow is the successor to its Lollipop operating system.
This new mobile operating system version will roll out to existing Nexus devices, including the 5, 6, 7, 9 and Nexus Player, starting next week, and will be prevalent on the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P out of box.
Marshmallow contains several new features for users, including simplifying app permissions so that users can choose to accept or deny individual permissions, as well as support for fingerprint scanners for phones and support for Android Pay, Google's mobile payment system.
2. Chromecast
Google revealed new versions of its streaming device -- Chromecast -- which allows users to stream their mobile apps onto TV screens, expanding the Android ecosystem.
The Chromecast has been revamped from a stick shape to a disc-shaped plastic device with a bendable HDMI arm extension. This new device includes support for Wi-Fi streaming standards, as well as three antennas for optimized Wi-Fi streaming (as opposed to the original Chromecast's one antenna).
In addition to supporting thousands of apps, the upgraded Chromecast includes a feature called Fast Play that allows the device to pre-fetch video streaming app and video content based on viewer preferences.
1. Pixel C
Pixel C is Google's new Android-based tablet. This 10.2-inch tablet runs on Google's new Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system, and contains similar features to Microsoft's Surface Pro 2-in-1 device and Apple's recently announced iPad Pro tablet, such as support for a Bluetooth-connected $149 keyboard.
Starting at $499 for a version with 32 GB of storage, the Pixel C contains an Nvidia Tegra X1 processor and 3 GB of RAM. Like Google's newer Nexus phones, the Pixel C will also use a USB Type-C connector. Google did not release further information about the availability of the tablet, other than that it will be available for the holidays.