Google Pixel 6a Coming This July For $449

The Pixel 6a should come as no surprise. The phone, which was introduced at Google's I/O 2022 keynote, is powered by Google's first "Tensor" AI processor, similar to the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. When it hits stores on July 28th, it will cost $449. 

The Pixel 6a has the same two-tone casing as the Pixel 6, which makes it stand out in a sea of dull smartphones. Google has reduced the screen size to 6.1 inches, down from 6.34 inches on the 5a. Google claims it is around the size of the Pixel 5 as a result of this decision, as well as reduced enclosure materials. 

Most notably, Google's Tensor processor provides all of the same capabilities as the more costly Pixels. There's 5G support, Titan M2 security, and enough processing power to handle complicated tasks like Google's Live Translate. The Tensor processor is a "huge deal for a phone at this price," according to Rick Osterloh, Google's SVP of Devices and Services. It's certainly more amazing than the older Snapdragon CPUs that are often seen in mid-range phones.

The Pixel 6a, like the 5a, has twin rear cameras, but now includes a 12-megapixel ultrawide sensor in addition to the 12-megapixel primary camera. It retains the same 8MP front-facing camera as before. The Pixel 6a has an improved version of Google's Magic Eraser picture editing tool, as well as a Real Tone feature that will better capture the nuances of skin tones.

Google promises five years of security updates for the Pixel 6a, making it a good buy if you don't plan on upgrading frequently. The Pixel 6a phone will be available in charcoal, chalk, and sage cases, and pre-orders will begin on July 21st.

Google Pixel 4a Goes On Sale In Late August

Google has announced the Pixel 4a. The phone features a 5.8-inch OLED screen and a  Snapdragon 730G chipset with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of internal storage. It also packs a headphone jack and the same AI-augmented 12MP camera Google has been using in its flagship phones for years. There is one potential catch however, the Pixel 4a only comes in black. The Pixel 4a costs $350 and goes on sale on August 20th. You'll be able to buy unlocked models from Best Buy and Amazon in addition to Google itself, or from carrier partners US Cellular and Verizon.

Here’s Everything You Need To Know About The Recent Google Event

During Google’s Made by Google event, the company revealed a ton of new products, including the Google Pixel 4 / Google Pixel 4 XL, Google Pixel Buds and a new Google Home mini, now called the Nest Mini. Here’s everything you need to know.

The Google Pixel 4 and the Google Pixel 4 XL and they both are the first smartphones to feature radar capabilities with Google's Motion Sense. This allows users to use their phones without touching them by sensing through materials and improving the gesture experience. It will know when you are reaching for your phone and can initiate face unlock, it can turn off your screen if you are not near the phone, swipes can skip music for you, and you can even wave your hand to snooze an alarm.

The Google Pixel 4 features 2 cameras and a new telephoto lens. Night Sight can now also be used for taking shots of the night sky. The Pixel 4's new Recorder app also "simultaneously transcribes speech and identifies sounds like music and applause." Google Pixel 4 features 6GB RAM, a 90hz display, and Pixel Neural Core, and Google's custom-built Titan M security chip. Google Pixel 4 will be available for $799 USD and the Google Pixel 4 will be available for $899 USD in three colors: Clearly White, Just Black, and the limited edition Oh So Orange. Both devices are available now.

Google Pixel Buds give its user instant access to Google Assistant and it features translations to foreign languages, Adaptive Sound that will adjust the volume depending on how loud the surroundings are. Google Pixel Buds also pair with Bluetooth 4.0+ laptops, tablets and iOS devices, and feature 5 hours of listening time on a single charge, with "up to 24 hours with the wireless charging case." They are also sweat and water resistant.  Google's wireless Google Pixel Buds will be available in Spring 2020 for $179.99 USD and arrive in four colors: Clearly White, Oh So Orange, Quite Mint, and Almost Black.

The Google Home Mini is now the Nest Mini and features a few upgrades from 2017's Home Mini. The Google Nest Mini has improved sound and bass that's "twice as strong as the original Google Home Mini." The Nest Mini also has LED lights that will only show when your hand gets near to indicate where you need to tap to adjust volume. Nest Mini will also dynamically adjust the volume of Google Assistant depending on background noise and can connect to other Nest speakers to build a whole home audio system. Stream transfer is also available and will allow users to move their music, audiobooks, and/or podcasts with them as they move around the home. The Google Nest Mini features the same design as the Google Home Mini and comes in four colors: Chalk, Charcoal, Coral, and Sky. Google Nest Mini is available now for $49.99 USD.

Google Announces The Pixel 3a And 3a XL

During the Google I/O keynote, Google announced the Google Pixel 3a and 3a XL smartphones. The new Pixel 3a and 3a XL models will start at $400 and come in three colors; Just Black, Clearly White, and Purple-ish, and will be available for all U.S. carriers. The Pixel 3a and 3a XL include an OLED display and support Bluetooth 5.0 and USB-C digital audio. It features a 12.2 megapixel, double pixel rear camera, and an 8-megapixel front camera, and both versions see the return of the 3.5 mm headphone jack. The 3a includes 64 GB of storage and an adaptive battery with up to 30 hours on a single charge. Google also announced the Pixel 3a/3a XL charger  should also be able to provide up to 7 hours of power with just a 15-minute charge. You can find out more about the Pixel 3a and 3a XL by going here. 

Google Announces Its Media Event Will Happen On October 9th

Google has announced that its upcoming hardware event will take place October 9th in New York City at 11AM ET. The company is likely to reveal the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL phones, though a slue leaks. They suggest that the display will have a notch, and the phone will probably have an all-glass design. Other leaks suggested that the Pixel 3 will have a 5.5-inch screen, with a 2160x1080 resolution and a 2:1 aspect ratio. What do you think ? 

Android 8.1 Rolling Out To Nexus And Pixel Devices

Google has started pushing Android 8.1 to Nexus and Pixel devices, and expects to complete the rollout over the next week. If you have one of Google's latest handsets, 8.1 unlocks the Pixel Visual Core chip so that third-party apps can take advantage of the Pixel 2's AI-powered photography. In theory, any app that uses the standard Android camera platform can take richer photos and spare you from having to switch apps. You don't need one of the newer phones to see the other benefits. Android 8.1 includes a neural network toolkit that lets apps run TensorFlow Lite and other AI frameworks on-device, instead of leaning on a distant server. Apps can make better use of autofill forms, and there's an obligatory round of bug fixes.

Google’s New Laptop Rumored To Be Called The Pixelbook

According to Droid Life, the rumored Pixelbook will be a 2-in-1 that will start at $1,200. The Pixelbook will reportedly come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB storage options, with the latter two priced at $1,400 and $1,750, respectively. Unlike the earlier Pixel laptops, the new model folds flat like a tablet. It also has a new stylus, the Pixelbook Pen, sold separately for $100. We'll see just how accurate this report is when the Google has its event announcing its new flagship phone on October 4th.

Google Rumored To Announce Next-Gen Pixels on October 5th

Samsung has announced there next android phone, the Galaxy Note 8 but what about Google themselves ? According to rumors the tech giant will be revealing the second generation of its Pixel phones on October 5th. Both the regular-sized and XL versions will be powered by Qualcomm's upgraded chip, the Snapdragon 836. Other possible features include 1440p screen resolution, 4GB of RAM and up to 128GB of storage. Thoughts ?

Android 8.0 Is Android Oreo

Google has unveiled the next version of its mobile operating system and its competitor to Apple’s iOS 11, introducing Android 8.0 “Oreo”. Some of the highlight features include a redesigned notifications system with both a visual and functional overhaul, new “adaptive icons”, improved sound quality and battery life, and multi-display support. A new Picture-in-picture multi-window mode brings enhanced multi-tasking capabilities. Google will pushing updates to its Google Pixel/Nexus devices soon followed by other devices from its manufacturing partners.

Google I/O Announced For May 17th To 19th

Google has announced that its annual I/O conference will be held at Mountain View's Shoreline Amphitheater from May 17th-19th. You can count on a keynote presentation about the future of Android and Google products and maybe even a peek at the new version of the Pixel and Daydream at the event.  Thoughts ? We saw Android Nougat last year, so there's a good chance will see the follow up as well.

Here Are The Most Searched For Terms On Google In 2016

Here’s Everything You Need To Know About Googles Latest Press Event

During Google's press event, the company revealed a number of new devices, including its new smartphone, Pixel. Google is saying that Pixel has the best rated cameras in a smartphone. If you pre-order one now, Google will also throw in its new Daydream View VR headset for free. Pixel is the first smartphone to have Google Assistant part of the device, using voice prompts and a tap of the home button to get information, schedule appointments and more. Google Photo functionality will help free up storage space by automatically syncing pictures to the cloud. The Pixel smartphones is said to have 7 hours of battery life on only a 15-minute quick charge, due to USB-C connectivity. The Pixel will feature a 5-inch display and starts at $649 USD while the 5.5-inch Pixel XL starts at $769. Both are available for pre-order now. 

Next up is The Daydream View VR headset, which is designed to fit smartphones compatible with the company's Daydream VR platform. The Daydream View is covered in a cotton fabric that looks like soft sweatshirt material. According to Google, using the headset is extremely simple, it just requiring you to open a simple hinge and drop in your smartphone. A wireless remote is also packed in, allowing for motion detection for applications and games. The Daydream View VR headset will release in November for $79. 

Google also announced its own home automation/assistant, Google Home. The device is similar to Amazon's Echo, it allows you to access music, weather, and yes even Google searches by voice. Multiple Google home bases can be connected throughout your home for easy voice access and even seamless music in any room. Google Home is available now for $129.

Also announced were the new Google WiFi routers, featuring total coverage for your living space with smart "Network Assist". The routers are available solo for $129, or as a 3 pack for $299. There's even a companion app for easy management.

Last but not least, the Chromecast Ultra with 4K streaming capability will launch in November for $69. Google has added an ethernet port on the device, just in case your wifi can't handle a 4K stream, Google also claims that the Ultra is 1.8X faster than the regular Chromecast. At launch, you'll be able to stream 4K content from Netflix, YouTube, and Vudu. Thoughts on all these new Google products ? Google Wifi seems the most interesting to me.