October does not give truce and today is the day of Google.
In a quick 30 minute event, the company has announced several devices.
The Pixel 4a 5G, unsurprisingly, is an updated version of the Pixel 4a, which we recently tested with very good results.
The 4a 5G adds support for 5G networks (Sub6 and mmWave standards), has a slightly larger screen, and costs $ 499.
The Pixel 5 continues the 5G party with the same dual-camera setup on the back, a slightly smaller but better display, and more color options.
It also features water resistance and two-way wireless charging.
The new Chromecast finally has a remote control and it feels like a complete streaming device.
Use Google TV, which offers a completely new layout to present content with a Google Assistant based approach.
Lastly, there's the $ 99.99 Nest Audio smart speaker.
And you guessed it, better sound over the Google Home.
We will tell you everything point by point but if you want you can go to reserve the new products.
Nest Audio: A $ 99 Music-centric Smart Speaker
Google's latest smart speaker costs $ 99.99 and boasts good sound.
Nest Audio focuses on high-end audio and expanding its Nest ecosystem.
That means it works with the Nest Mini, Google Home, Google Home Max, and Nest Hub displays.
This is the successor to the original Google Home, and the company claims that it reproduces 50% more bass and 75% more volume compared to the old device.
Powering up the audio ecosystem is a 19mm tweeter for higher frequency sound and a 75mm midwoofer to bring in the bass.
We've only seen a demo through this event, so we'll report on the sound quality once we test it.
Nest Audio is made from recycled material and has a fabric finish all around.
At the front, you will find four LED points that make up the 'display', which is used to measure the volume and let you know when the assistant is listening.
It appears to be a tall, rounded speaker and is larger than a Nest Mini and Google Home.
It will also come in four shades: sage, chalk, sand, sky, and charcoal.
Nest Audio lands October 5 for $ 99.99 and can be pre-ordered now.
Chromecast: Remote control and a new operating system for $ 49.99
Google is finally giving the Chromecast the update we've been waiting for.
The new Chromecast with Google TV maintains the similar design but finally includes a remote control.
It can be ordered now for $ 49.99 in three fun colors: snow, sunrise and sky.
It is a circular piece of soft plastic with an HDMI cable sticking out.
Google includes the cable and a wall plug in the box.
Arguably, the big story is in the second half of the name: Google TV.
It's not a relaunch of Google's legacy service, but rather a rebrand of Android TV.
It's rolling out on this Chromecast first, and there's a chance it might hit other Android TV devices.
The interface is configured with different tabs and aims to give easy access to the content.
Along with deep integration with Google services, including Assistant, you can type searches or use your voice with the remote.
Yes, the Chromecast finally comes with a remote control.
It has a circular pad at the top with a built-in microphone to facilitate Google Assistant support.
There is a dedicated assistant button that you must press to request the content.
Of course, you can also ask non-TV related questions and inquiries.
There are dedicated buttons for YouTube and Netflix, along with classic control buttons.
And you guessed it: YouTube TV is built in here too.
There is a whole live television section that acts as a live guide.
It is emerging as a very pleasant interface for those who want to cut with traditional cable television.
You can even browse movies, TV shows, apps, and a full library of content, all from one device.
The Chromecast is compatible with Stadia, Google's cloud gaming service, directly on this device (you will only need a game controller).
Expected apps are here too: Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Peacock, AT&T TV, Sling, YouTube TV, YouTube, and many more.
Pixel 5: 5G and much more
Google's flagship cell phone is here.
The Pixel 5 lands on October 15 for $ 699 and brings some new features.
In particular, it comes in just one size: a 6-inch FHH + OLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. The face unlock feature is gone, and that means the notch, too.
Instead, like the 4th and 4th 5G, there is a pinhole notch in the upper left corner that contains an 8-megapixel camera.
On the other hand, Google is going to make a lot of people (including us) happy with a new ultra-wide sensor.
Yes, the Pixel 5 has a 12-megapixel main lens and a 16-megapixel ultra-wide lens.
The latter will be perfect for capturing a wider field of view without having to move.
It supports Night Sight, which is a mode that uses artificial intelligence, or AI, to magnify photos in low light.
Live HDR + (greater dynamic range in photos), Portrait Light (light to illuminate the faces of portraits) and Cinematic Pan (stabilization in video) complete the photographic experience.
Powering Android 11 on the Pixel 5 is a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor with 8GB of RAM.
This should be enough for a smooth experience, thanks to Google's hard work tweaking the software for this device.
There is also a fairly large 4,080 mAh battery inside, larger than those found in the 4th 5G and 4th.
For the first time, alongside Qi-enabled wireless charging, the Pixel 5 supports reverse wireless charging, the technology that allows other devices (Pixel Buds, AirPods, or even another Pixel) to be charged on the back of the Pixel.
The design is a bit more rugged too, with an IP68 rating for water resistance.
The Pixel 5 will be available in Just Black and Sorta Sage colors, both costing $ 699 and featuring 128GB of storage.
You can pre-order the Pixel 5 right now and it will ship on October 15.
Pixel 4a 5G: 5G and some updates on the 4a
We really enjoyed our time with the Pixel 4a, and the Pixel 4a 5G seems to be an improvement in many ways.
It will launch soon for $ 499, with 128GB of storage.
The 4a 5G has a 6.2-inch FHD + OLED screen compared to 5.8-inches on the 4a.
There is also an improved camera in the upper left corner.
It's an 8-megapixel lens that should come in handy for selfies and Google Duo calls.
It uses Android 11 and is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 765G processor with 6GB of RAM.
We expect that between Google's software customizations and this processor, the experience in 4th 5G will be quick.
The 4th has a 12 megapixel main lens (same as 4th) and a 16 megapixel ultra wide angle like the Pixel 5. The latter is the lens we wish was on the original 4 and 4XL from the start, but Google decided to go for a telephoto lens.
With the ultra-wide lens, you can capture a much wider field of view.
The classic Google camera features are here too: Night Sight and Live HDR +.
Completing the Pixel 4a 5G is a 3,885 mAh battery, the Titan M Security chip, a fingerprint reader on the back, a headphone jack and a USB-C port.
The 4th 5G will launch in November with pre-orders closer to the deadline.
Note: The above prices reflect the price at the time of publication of the article.