Google Announces All Important News on Nexus and Chromecast Today
Google hosted an event today to announce the latest Nexus hardware. However, it wasn’t just the phones. Here are some of the most important and interesting things that Google has shared today.
There are two new Nexus phones to choose from
Google used to release one new Nexus phone every year if you want the latest and greatest version of Android. This time, however, you’ll have two options, the Nexus 6P ($ 499 +) and the Nexus 5X ($ 379), giving you the choice of an affordable device or more powerful hardware. Both come with stock Android Marshmallow. You can read more about 6P and 5X at Gizmodo.
Fingerprint support comes in tons of apps
When Google announced Android Marshmallow, we learned that Android would get support for fingerprint sensors. However, this is only part of the equation. You still need app support to get the most out of your apps. Google today announced that its fingerprint sensor launch partners will include major services like LastPass, 1Password, Mint, PayPal, Venmo, several major banks, and more. This should make it easier to keep your device secure.
Google Play Music now has a family subscription
Music subscriptions have become popular, which is great. The only problem is they are very personal. Sharing an account is not as easy as it is with Netflix. Google is changing that today by adding a family membership to Play Music . Now up to six people can use one plan for $ 15 per month. Each user will receive their own suggestions, so your library will not be ruined by your spouse or children loving different music.
Google Photos has shared albums, shortcuts to people, and more
Google Photos is already great for organizing your photos . It gets better now. Soon, users will be able to create shared albums so everyone can combine their photos from the event in one place. You will be able to subscribe to other people’s albums so you can see when your friends or family add new photos to the album. There’s also a new feature for tagging people, so Google Photos can tag them and make it easier to find photos with specific people. Finally, Photos are getting Chromecast support, which should make it easier to share your album with people in your living room.
Chromecast gets first update, plus new audio-only version
The original Chromecast was an unexpected breakthrough by making it easier to stream videos to your TV. The key is now being updated . The new HDMI version improves Wi-Fi for even faster and more reliable connections, and has a Fast Play mode that preloads your Chromecast apps when you open an app on your device, so you don’t have to wait all day for a connection. Google is also introducing Chromecast Audio, which can stream music to your stereo.
The Chromecast app has become the one-stop home for your content
Right now, you are probably only using the Chromecast app to set up your device and never touch it again. Google is changing this in many ways. You can now use the Chromecast app to search for content that you can stream to your device. It will show you tapes from all your Chromecast-enabled apps in one place. You can also search for a show and the app will show you all the places you can find it, even in apps or services that you haven’t installed. This update turns the Chromecast app from a customization utility into a landing page for all your entertainment.
Pixel C – Android Touchscreen Laptop
Previous Pixel laptops were expensive Chromebooks that almost no one wanted to buy, even if they were good ones. Google announced the new Pixel C today, only it runs Android. The device can work in both laptop and tablet mode and has a removable magnetic keyboard. It will cost a much more affordable $ 499, although the keyboard costs $ 150 extra. You can read more about it on Gizmodo here .
Apps can now connect to voice commands
Google voice commands have already become quite powerful in Google Now. With Marshmallow, developers can create their own voice actions that run in apps. Google demonstrated a demo of running NPR from Google Now. After opening the application, it could ask the user what he would like to listen to.