Fall is upon us, which means that Google is announcing an array of new products just in time to get us excited before the holiday season.
During Google’s oddly-named “Launch Night In” event, four new products were announced: the Pixel 5, the Pixel 4a 5G, the Nest Audio speaker, and a new Chromecast device that includes a remote.
To get a good look at what these products offer, when they’ll be available, and of course, how much they’ll cost, take a look at our in-depth analysis of the event.
Pixel 5
We’ve all been waiting to find out what the newest Pixel phone might look like, despite the delays, and it did not disappoint. For one, it has 5G functionality, making Google one of the last smartphone makers to finally get on board with the advanced network, other than Apple, of course, who is poised to make a similar announcement later this year.
Check out some of the specs of the Pixel 5:
- Display: 6-inch Full HD+ OLED
- Battery: 4080 mAh
- Processor: Snapdragon 765G
- RAM: 8 GB
- Storage: 128 GB
- Rear cameras: 12MP dual-pixel & 16MP ultra-wide
- Price: $699
The Pixel 5 also adds a number of new features that are quite impressive. Night Sight in Portrait Mode allows for portrait mode shots in low-light environments, Cinematic Pan creates film-quality pan effects in videos, Hold for Me waits on hold for you and alerts you when someone is finally on the line, and Reverse Wireless Charging allows you to charge your Google Buds on the back of your Pixel 5, sharing the large battery.
With these extra features, a better processor, and a notably bigger battery, the Pixel 5 looks pretty great, particularly compared to its predecessor. Plus, at a lower price point than the Pixel 4 at launch, it’s safe to say this 5G upgrade is certainly worth it.
The Pixel 5 will be available on Thursday, October 15th.
Pixel 4a 5G
Google didn’t just update its flagship devices either, as the company also announced an upgrade to its affordable Pixel 4a device with the Pixel 4a 5G. Now that Google has figured out the 5G tech, it’s putting it in everything. But this budget device is a lot more than just a 5G vehicle, which is why you need to check out some of these impressive specs for such an affordable phone.
- Display: 6.2-inch Full HD+ OLED
- Battery: 3885 mAh
- Processor: Snapdragon 765G
- RAM: 6 GB
- Storage: 128 GB
- Rear cameras: 12MP dual-pixel & 16MP ultra-wide
- Price: $499
As you can see, the Pixel 4a 5G has the same processor, cameras, and storage as the Pixel 5, with only a slightly smaller battery and slightly less RAM. Plus, the screen is actually 0.2 inches bigger than its more expensive compatriot and it comes with a headphone jack, which makes the Pixel 4a a decidedly attractive buy.
However, there are naturally some downfalls. The Pixel 4a 5G does not feature the new reverse wireless charging features – nor regular wireless charging for that matter. Additionally, because of the headphone jack, the Pixel 4a 5G is not water resistant, which can be a dealbreaker for some. Still, if you can do without these admittedly luxurious features, you should absolutely consider the Pixel 4a 5G, particularly with price tag that’s $200 cheaper.
The Pixel 4a 5G will be available on Thursday, October 15th.
Chromecast with Google TV
As you know, Google isn’t all about phones when it comes to hardware, and another confirmed rumor is the announcement of a new Chromecast device, which includes Google TV, the newly branded version of Android TV. Like the Chromecast Ultra, it remains an HDMI dongle and supports 4K HDR at up to 60 frames per second and Dolby Vision.
Perhaps the most fun update is the addition of an adorable little remote, that Google insists it designed with a macaron in mind. With a handy spin wheel for navigating the app, a Google Assistant button for voice commands, and dedicated Netflix and YouTube buttons for easy access, we have to admit, we’re big fans of the Chromecast remote. And with the three colors (Sun, Sky, and Snow), they really do kind of look like macarons.
The Google TV interface is the real news here though. It will allow you to create a watchlist that consists of all streaming platforms, so there’s no more switching between apps, a dream for some cable-cutters. Plus, you’ll get specific recommendations based on what you watch, and it can integrate with YouTube TV for the full experience. Unfortunately, it can’t play Stadia games yet, although that functionality should be coming in 2021.
The new Chromecast with Google TV is available for only $49.99 starting today.
Nest Audio Speaker
Apparently Google is going for a bit of brand-switching when it comes to its smart speakers, as the next iteration of the Google Home will be called the Nest Audio speaker. This hearty smart speaker has all the same controls as Google Home, from smart lights to random inquiries, with some beautiful audio quality to back it up.
Endorsed by mega-producer Mark Ronson during the event, the Nest Audio speaker comes with woofer, tweeter, and tuning software to guarantee full and complete sound throughout your home. In fact, Google insists that Nest Audio is 75% louder than the original Google Home, and has 50% stronger bass. Plus, it can adapt to surroundings, so you’ll get crystal clear audio every time.
The Nest Audio will be available for $99.99 on Monday, October 5th.
