Google’s October 4 press event is set to keep technology evangelists and fans of all things Google on their toes -- and then some. It certainly does look as though we will be treated to a slew of new devices. If you would like to be there virtually, make sure you head to Google’s YouTube page at 9am Pacific Time for a live stream.
Pixel And Pixel XL Smartphones
It looks like the two new smartphones from Google will be known as the Pixel and Pixel XL, which carry the code names Sailfish and Marlin, respectively. Along the way, it might mean bidding adieu to the Nexus name. These handsets will see Google jostle for its market space in the highly competitive smartphone market, and one can tell from such a release that they have Apple in their crosshairs. The Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones will be manufactured by HTC, although Google reportedly has maintained a very tight grip over the design and manufacturing process. and will likely ditch the Nexus brand for Google Pixel.
So far, rumors and leaks have pointed to the Pixel smartphone arriving with a 12MP shooter at the back with an 8MP front-facing camera, dual stereo speakers, a fingerprint reader at the back, and plenty of aluminum and glass in its construction, with a 5-inch display in tow. As for the Pixel XL, its name suggests a 5.5-inch display instead.
Pricing is expected to start from $649, which would see it compete against the iPhone. This is certainly a change in strategy compared to its earlier Nexus devices that barely crossed the $500 barrier. The lack of waterproof capability in the Pixel and Pixel XL might be a negative aspect, since the flagship iPhone and Galaxy S7 are comfortable swimming in a shallow pool of water for a while.
Evan Blass’ tips
This is the 4K Google Chromecast Ultra https://t.co/mvRTqcsMn3 pic.twitter.com/5DUO91Z0a8
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) September 26, 2016
Bring home entertainment to the next level with Chromecast Ultra, a 4K Chromecast device. The Chromecast Ultra, if it makes it to the market, should retail for more than double the original Chromecast at $69 a pop. Evan Blass also tipped that there might be a 7-inch Huawei tablet (the Nexus 7?) revealed as well.
Google's Huawei-built 7-inch tablet, with 4GB RAM, on track for release before the end of the year. — Evan Blass (@evleaks) September 5, 2016
Google Wi-Fi Router
There is also a possibility of a Google Wi-Fi router arriving at the Google October 4 press event, where Android Authority’s source points to a a Wi-Fi mesh device in the vein of the Eero or Luma.
Google Home
Amazon Echo might have to look in its rear view mirror with the purported Google Home device in tow. The Google Home device is said to feature a microphone and a Bluetooth speaker, where it will be able to function as a smart-home device which is capable of performing basic functions such as music playback, setting your Nest thermostat, informing you of the weather conditions outside, the works. First announced in May this year at the Google I/O Conference, expect more details such as pricing to be released this October 4.
Daydream VR
More information concerning Google’s Daydream VR headset should be in the pipeline, where it has been touted to arrive this Fall. Touted to be Google Cardboard’s next evolution, it should be able to deliver higher quality and a more immersive VR experience.
Andromeda
Will Google unify their Chrome and Android operating systems with Andromeda? We will find out this October 4th. Does this mean the Pixel 3 laptop will come with Andromeda right out of the box? So many questions, and all it takes is just a little bit more patience to discover everything that Google has in store for Andromeda.
Pixel 3 laptop
Ah, this laptop known as the Pixel 3 with a rumored Andromeda operating system will certainly turn heads. Carrying the code name Bison, the Pixel 3 should only see retail availability some time in late 2017, hence a future launch event is a very real possibility after its announcement this October.
Are you stoked by what is in store from Google at the Google October 4 press event?