Leaked image of the Nexus 5X. (Android Police)
Google is expected to unveil two new Nexus devices later tonight. However, those are not the only products that will be announced. Words are, Google will be releasing a new tablet under the Pixel lineup sometime this year. Instead of Chrome OS, the new tablet will be powered by Android. Chances are, the giant company could be unveiling it along with the new Nexus devices (and possibly a new Chromecast as well). Here are what to expect from Google’s event tonight.
Nexus 6P and 5X
We already know what’s under the hood of the Nexus 6P thanks to leaked presentation slides of it. It has a 5.7-inch 2K AMOLED display, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor paired with 3GB of RAM, up to 128GB of internal storage, 12MP rear and 8MP front-facing cameras, a USB Type-C port, a fingerprint sensor, and Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box. The 6P is also the first all-metal Nexus device, making it the most premium smartphone yet in the lineup.
The Nexus 5X, on the other hand, has had its specifications confirmed through a leaked document. As expected, it’s not as well-equipped as its bigger sibling, the Nexus 6P. However, as the 5X is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, it’s still a very capable smartphone with several neat features.
Alleged image of the Nexus 5X.
Just like the Nexus 6P, the Nexus 5X also has a rear fingerprint sensor. Seeing how Android Marshmallow will implement a standardised fingerprint sensor API, this doesn’t come as a surprise. Other than that, the Nexus 5X also comes with a USB Type-C port. As more Android devices are sporting the new connector, Google’s decision to go with it for the new Nexus devices is expected.
Rounding out the hardware of the Nexus 5X are a 5.2-inch 1920 x 1080 resolution display, 2GB of RAM, 16GB or 32GB of intenal storage, a 12.3MP rear camera with laser autofocus, a 5MP front-facing snapper, and Android 6.0 Marshmallow out of the box. While these are pretty respectable specifications, the RAM size and internal storage are a little on the small side. The full list of specifications can be found here.
Words are, the Nexus 5X will retail from US$380 (about RM1,690) while the Nexus 6P will go for US$500 (approximately RM2,225). The availability of both devices should be announced later tonight.
Google Pixel C Tablet
The ChromeBook Pixel.
The Pixel lineup currently only has the ChromeBook Pixel that was refreshed earlier this year. According to a recent rumour, however, Google is planning to introduce a tablet under the Pixel brand. Unlike the ChromeBook Pixel (which is running on Chrome OS), the Pixel C will be an Android-powered tablet.
Codenamed Ryu, the Pixel C is said to have a 10.2-inch display, an NVIDIA X1 quad-core processor paired with 3GB of LPDDR4 RAM, a metal design, and a USB Type-C port for charging – much like the ChromeBook Pixel. There will also be two keyboard accessories for it: an aluminium one and a leather option.
While the Pixel C will be running on Android, it won’t be marketed as a Nexus tablet. Chances are, Google is reserving the Nexus lineup for smartphones only from now on, seeing how there won’t be any Nexus tablet unveiled this year.
A New Chromecast
Its odd appearance aside, Google’s new Chromecast will feature several neat functionalities, much like its predecessor. It will apparently support something called “Chromecast Audio,” which essentially turns any standard speakers into “smart” ones. By plugging in the new Chromecast to a speaker’s 3.5mm audio jack, users will be able to control it using a smartphone. Other than that, it will also have a faster WiFi and support for Spotify soon as well.
Android Marshmallow
Unveiled back at Google I/O 2015, almost every aspect of Android 6.0 Marshmallow has been revealed. One of the most interesting features introduced in this version of Android is Now on Tap, which allows Google Now to understand the context of a message, among other things. For example, if you’ve received an email about a movie that you’ve never heard of, you’d just have to hold the home button and relevant information on the movie will come up.
At tonight’s event, Google should be revealing when Android 6.0 Marshmallow will be rolled out to other Nexus devices. According to a source, older Nexus devices – Nexus 5, 6, 7 (2013), 9, and Player – will receive the Marshmallow update on 5th October 2015.
Tonight’s Google event is set to be a big one for Android fans, especially to those who have been eagerly waiting for the company to officially unveil the new Nexus devices. The event will take place later tonight at 12AM.
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