Google, the international IT conglomerate, unveiled an array of new technology at an event in San Francisco, on Sept. 29, 2015. In addition to unveiling two new phones under the Nexus label of devices, executives also unveiled two new digital media players, as well the latest version of the increasing popular Android mobile operating system.
Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, and Marshmallow
Touted as an event for the Nexus brand of mobile phones, Google surprised attendees by unveiling not one, but two mobile phones. The first of the two devices, the Nexus 5X, is considered a spiritual successor to the incredibly popular Nexus 5 device from 2013. The 5X, manufactured by Korean tech giant LG, features a 5.2-inch 1080p display, a hexa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 processor, two gigabytes of RAM, as well as the latest Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating system.
While the 5X is largely considered a budget smartphone, its older brother, the Huawei-manufactured 6P is anything but low-end. The 6P features a 5.7-inch Wide Quad-HD AMOLED display, as well as an octa-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 processor, three gigabytes of RAM, in addition to the Marshmallow operating system. In comparison to the Nexus 5X, the Nexus 6P is more expensive, but significantly more powerful. The Nexus 6P should in no way be considered a budget device.
The Marshmallow operating system powering both new devices is marketed as a major update, but an update that focuses more on under-the-hood optimizations. However, new features, like allowing users to give permissions to apps on a case-by-case basis, are intended to provide users with greater leverage and security. Marshmallow also provides a framework for fingerprint recognition—a feature expanded in both new Nexus devices, with the addition of a fingerprint sensor on the rear of both phones. Additionally, Marshmallow supports USB Type-C, the latest USB standard. Marshmallow will be available for Nexus devices newer than the 2013 Nexus 5 this week, but non-Google adoption will be determined by a case-by-case basis through external carriers and manufacturers.
Chromecast and Chromecast Audio
In 2013, Google released Chromecast, a digital media player in the shape of a wireless dongle that could be plugged into monitors and televisions, allowing users to stream content from phones or laptops without the need for cables. The device was supported by a number of apps, including YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, and the Chrome web browser, and was a relatively low-cost alternative to purchasing a smart TV.
At the Sept. 29 event, Google unveiled the successor to the 2013 Chromecast. This year’s dongle looks less like a flash drive, and more like a flying saucer attached to a cable. However, this year’s device retains the original Chromecast’s small size, while expanding the number of apps that can be accessed. Additionally, Google announced Chromecast Audio, a separate dongle that plugs into speakers, allowing users to wirelessly stream audio from their phones or laptops.
The Pixel C
Chrome OS is an operating system, based on the Google Chrome web browser, designed to run on lower end laptops. The relatively light-weight operating system functions similarly to the Chrome web browser and, while interesting as a concept, is effectively useless for anything more than light web browsing. In an attempt to showcase how pure processing power can easily handle Chrome OS, Google released the Chromebook Pixel on Feb. 21, 2013. The device and its successor, the 2015 Chromebook Pixel, were ridiculously over-powered computers that featured technical specifications that market analysts considered absurd for a machine that ran an operating system that was effectively a web browser.
On Sept. 29, 2015, Google announced the Pixel C—a technically impressive tablet that, other than the name, bares little resemblance to the Chromebook Pixel. The Pixel C is powered by an octa-core processor, features three gigabytes of RAM, as well as a 10.2-inch, 2560×1800 IPS display, and runs the Android Marshmallow operating system. Perplexingly, the Pixel C was touted as a successor to the Chromebook Pixel laptops, in spite of the fact that the Pixel C does not run Chrome OS.
Of all of the devices unveiled at the Google Nexus event, the Pixel C was by far the most confounding. Only time will tell if the market adopts the device, or if it will simply be one more unsuccessful attempt in Google’s incredibly large portfolio.