All You Need to Know: Nexus 6P, Nexus 5X, New Chromecast, Pixel C & More

With all the leaks coming out about the new Nexus devices, you’d be pressed to wonder what else could possibly be left to know. Well, plenty it seems. But instead of droning, like some publications on where this “financially puts Google” or “how this will affect the market”, I figure most of you are like me and just want to know the facts. So here we go, a no fluff (possible sarcastic commentary though), facts only, bulleted list of everything you need to know about what was announced today at Google’s event.

Here we go.

Android Marshmallow New Features

Android Marshmallow is just the public name for Android M so the features are the same (just now available to non-developers). In case you didn’t catch the Android M new features when they were announced, here’s a short recap.

• Time to Charge Indicator – Shows you how much time is left until the phone is fully charged.
• New UI Enhancements – Expanding outward animations for apps which then drop down, notifications peek down with a bounce, physics are more consistent across the OS.
• Scroll Through Apps with the Alphabet – Using a slider on the right you can jump to apps that start with a specific letter.
• App Intelligence – Learns what apps you launch at what times of the day and changes the app launcher accordingly with apps you use at the top.
• Run-Time Permissions – Instead of apps asking for permissions when you install them, they now ask when you go to use the function that requires the permission. I.e. It asks permission to use the camera when the app tries to launch the camera. Finally!
• Now On Tap – Info based on the current screen pops up when you use Google Now instead of normal Google Now that just had a universal search function essentially.
• Voice Interactions – Conversational voice features built in to developer apps (API for developers) so they can utilize Google Voice commands in their app. Think of saying “Launch NPR” then NPR asks “Do you want to resume where you left off or start over?” to which you can answer by voice and NPR can use that data to perform the action.
• Doze – Exponentially back off background processes when not in use – translates to 30% longer Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 just with this software update.
• Release Date – Rolls out next week to Nexus 5, 6, 7, 9, and Player and to other devices as carriers/manufacturers feel like getting around to it as per the usual.

New Nexus Devices (Nexuses? Nexi?)

Nexus 5X

Being listed as an update to Nexus 5, the Nexus 5X is the lower end device launched today while still having some great specs and an even better price point.

• Display – 5.2″ 1080P Display
• Weight – 136 grams
• Battery – Increased the battery to 2700mah (20% larger than Nexus 5)
• Processor – 64 bit Qualcomm 808 processor
• Camera – 12.3MP 1.55-micron pixel, Sony made, OIS Laser Auto-Focus & 7MP front-facing camera.
• Imprint – Fingerprint sensor located on the back of the device
• USB Type C for charging and data
• Colors – Carbon black white
• Software – Android 6.0 Marshmallow &, as per the usual with Nexus devices, it receives software updates direct from Google.
• Less Bloatware – Reduced preloaded apps
• Price – Starts at $379 for the 16GB
• Nexus Protect – 2 years mechanical breakdown (aka manufacturer warranty is extended by a year) and accidental damage (you messing it up, the real value in this) is covered, you can file a claim 24/7 and a new phone next business day. Cost – $69.
• Google Fi Network Capable

Nexus 6P

The new flagship device, the Nexus 6P. Here’s the main points of interest.

• Display – 5.7″ 2.5K display
• Processor – 64 bit Qualcomm 810 processor
• Battery – 3450mah amp battery with fast charging (fully charges in half the time of an iPhone 6S Plus)
• Speakers – stereo forward speakers
• Camera – 12.3MP 1.55-micron pixel, Sony made, OIS Laser Auto-Focus & 7MP front-facing camera.
• Imprint – Fingerprint sensor located on the back of the device
• Software – Android 6.0 Marshmallow &, as per the usual with Nexus devices, it receives software updates direct from Google.
• Less Bloatware – Reduced preloaded apps
• Metallic Body – Yay premium materials on a Nexus! Comes in Aluminum color, White, and Black basically.
• Availability – Google Store Pre-Order starts today
• Price – Starts at $499 for 32GB model, $549 for the 64GB, and $649 for the 128GB model.
• Nexus Protect – Same as the Nexus 5X but $89 for the protection.
• Google Fi Network Capable

Chromecast

Some new features for Chromecast were announced, as well as a new Chromecast device.

• Sling TV Support – Chromecast is now launching Sling TV support in the next week (see my video on getting rid of cable for more info on what that is and why it’s awesome).
• Showtime – Showtime now works with Chromecast.
• Simpler Playback Controls – They’ve added the playback controls we’re used to in the app, thankfully.
• Voice Search – Universal voice search to look for things to watch.
• Fast Play – Have the Chromecast pre-fetch videos to stream.

Chromecast (2nd Gen)

A new Chromecast (2nd Gen?) has been announced with the following improvements.

• 5Ghz Wifi Support – Finally I can stop running two networks in my tiny New York apartment!
• Better Performance – Something about it being better on Wifi now…
• Smaller Design – It’s now smaller, hangs off your HDMI port and comes in a couple of colors.
• New Chromecast App with Better Discovery – Now shows you what shows are popular on partner apps like Netflix, Twitch, ESPN, YouTube, Hulu, etc.
• Game Support – The game can cast to the screen while you use the phone as the controller. That’s kinda badass actually…
• Gaming Multiplayer Support – You can both play on the same screen using your devices and it seems to support Android and iOS.
• Spotify Support – Starting today!
• Release Date and Price – Today and $35

Chromecast Audio

New Chromecast device for streaming audio was announced called the Chromecast Audio that plugs into a 3.5mm jack, RCA, or Optical and can also stream audio over Wifi from your apps installed on your Android device.

• Third-Party Support – Works with Pandora, iHeartRadio, Play Music (duh), and TuneIn Radio & Spotify
• Control It From Android Screen and Android Wear – What the bold words said to the left…
• Guest Support – Allow people without your Wifi password to control it.
• Multi-Room Sync – Support for multiple rooms syncing to play the same music coming later this year (competition for Sonos and the likes with that feature).
• Release Date & Pricing – Today and $35

Pixel C

The latest addition to the Pixel world, the Pixel C has been announced running Android with a detachable keyboard similar to the Surface Pro. See below for the key points.

• Adjustable, detachable keyboard – Can be adjusted from 100-135 degrees and, of course, detached. Connects via Bluetooth. Can be attached to the back of the tablet like a cover for storage. Tablet charges the keyboard via wireless charging so no need to charge it separately.
• Runs Android (weird, but good?)
• No Kickstand – The keyboard just holds it up in place.
• Display – 10.2″ Screen with 2.5K resolution
• USB Type C
• Processor/RAM – Nvidia X1, Maxwell GPU, 3GBs of RAM
• Four Microphones – for being able to talk across the room
• Price – $499 (for the 32GB) or $599 (for the 64GB) + $149 for the keyboard (ouch to everyone who bought a Nexus 9 recently)
• Release Date – “Available in time for the holidays”

Other Google Services

Google Music –

$14.99 Family Plan Coming Later this Year – For those of you that don’t use Spotify or any other streaming service already there is now Google Music for up to 6 people for $14.99/year.

Google Photos –

• Sharing of Albums – You can share a link with people and they can easily add photos to an existing album and it updates live.
• Add Labels to People – Name people so you can find them easier in searching. Cool, but not as cool as automatically finding them like it tries to do normally without me needing to label anyone (who has time to label people, I ask, who?!)
• Chromecast Support – Um, support for photos on Chromecast, basically.

There you go! Let me know if you like this type of coverage from me in the comments below or what else you’d like to see from me on here!