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5 Biggest Announcements From Google's Pixel Event

Prabhu TL October 05, 2016

Today's Google event was dedicated to how its new hardware and software will blend together. Google started off with an official Pixel phone unveiling, after weeks of rumors and leaks.

That kicked off a focus on software, especially the way Google's new Assistant software will power the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones and Google Home. Google also showcased its Daydream View, a cozy-looking VR headset covered in fabric. The new 4K Chromecast Ultra made an appearance, as did Google's modular Wi-Fi router system, and Google Home, the AI-powered speaker aimed at Amazon's Echo. We've got the details below, along with full coverage of

Google's hardware event right here.

Google Pixel and Pixel XL

After weeks of leaks, Google unveiled what we were all expecting: the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones. Both have a similar design and are differentiated mainly by the size of their screens. Google's Pixel includes a 5-inch 1080p display, and the XL features a larger 5.5-inch Quad HD panel. Both devices are built by HTC and are powered by the latest Snapdragon 821 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 32GB or 128GB of storage.

Google has included fingerprint sensors on the rear, and both Pixel smartphones run a specialized version of Google's Android software, which includes support for the Daydream virtual reality headsets and Google's new Assistant software. Google's new Assistant is a key part of the Pixel and of Google's keynote in general, and the search giant took a lot of time demonstrating what the Assistant can do, from answering traditional search queries to reaching into apps to make restaurant reservations or play music.

Google also focused on photography with the Pixel, boasting that DXOMark scored the Pixel camera 89, the highest ever for a smartphone. Google is providing free unlimited storage for Pixel owners so you can store full-resolution pictures and videos on Google Photos. Both Pixel devices will ship with the latest Android Nougat release, and updates will be available immediately. Pricing starts at $649 for the smaller 5-inch Pixel, available for preorder today. Google is also giving out promo codes for Daydream Views with Pixel preorders.

Daydream View headset

Google unveiled its first headset for the Daydream VR platform today: Daydream View. Compatible with any Daydream-supported phone, the new lightweight headset has been designed to be "soft and cozy," thanks to the fact it's made from the type of fabric you'd find in clothing. Google has worked with clothing designers to perfect the design, but apart from the fabric it looks like a regular VR headset. Google has crafted an area on the headset to hide the remote control away, and it slots neatly into the front of the device.

Like the Pixel unveil, Google spent a lot of time focusing on the software aspects of the Daydream View. There's Google Street View, YouTube, and Google Photos apps that are controlled from the remote. Naturally, you can watch 360 VR videos with the YouTube app, and explore around streets with a click of a button. Daydream View and the controller will go on sale in November for $79.

Chromecast Ultra

Chromecast got an upgrade with Ultra, a version that supports HDR, Dolby Vision, and 4K content. The basics of the Ultra are largely the same as its predecessors — a disc you plug into your TV — but it now has an Ethernet port integrated into the power adapter. It’s also more expensive, at $69. You can preorder the Ultra in November, and it ships in December. Google Play movies will also start streaming 4K content in November.

Google Wifi

After last year’s foray into router partnerships with OnHub, Google is now making routers itself. The new system, called simply Google Wifi, is a multi-point network similar to Eero, letting you place modular router points throughout your house for maximum coverage. The system manages your connection as you move through the house, optimizing which router you're connected to. You can also actively manage the network through the app — including, in the demo, the ability to kick your kids of the internet by pressing "pause." A single router costs $129, while a three-pack costs $299. Preorders start in November and it ships in December.

Google Home

Google Home goes on sale next month for $129. Google announced its smart home assistant at I/O in May, but today Google Home finally got a price and a release date. Home will ship on November 4th and cost $129, with a three-pack for $299. That's a very deliberate shot at the Amazon Echo (currently going for $179), and given Google's new smart assistant features, it will be interesting to see how the two products stack up. Home is also designed to work with multiple units in a single house, although the team is still working on support for multiple Google accounts. It also comes with a free six-month trial of YouTube Red.
-theverge.

10 Best apps of the week

Prabhu TL October 03, 2014

We’ve gathered ten of the best new Android apps and games that we found on the Play Store for the past week. If you are interested in having a glimpse at the past week’s roundup, go ahead as you’ll find there such titles as Painter Mobile, Surgeon Simulator, Ice Age Adventures and more. And here’s what we have or this week.

Swing Copters (Free)

Yes, the famous Flappy Bird game gets a sequel - Swing Copters, Dung Nguyen’s latest creation. Luckily for fans of the concept, the gameplay is pretty much the same. But we really wonder how many like this concept and how many hate it. The game comes with the tagline ‘flying with a propeller hat is not as easy as it looks’ and it’s really easy to play. You just need to tap to change direction and if you will get 4 medals, you will be able to unlock more characters.

WeTransfer (Free)

WeTransfer has launched its official Android app and you can go ahead and use it to transfer up to 10 GB for free. You just need to select your photos and videos, add your friends’ email addresses and that’s it. Your friends will then receive an email with a download link and there’s no need to sign up for the service at all! So, if you plan on sending files easily from your Android tablet or smartphone, then you need to check out this app.

TapSports Baseball (Free)

There’s plenty of baseball games on the Play Store, but you might find an interest in Glu Mobile’s new TapSports Baseball title which is available as a free downloaJd. You can choose your team and challenge other players in a mobile baseball game which featuers simple controls, amazing graphics, exciting homeruns and deep stats. You will get the current big league players, the ability to get social and play multiple games with your Facebook friends and the awesome chance to experience a realistic baseball game.

PocketLock (Free)

We always have to remember to lock our smartphones, if we don’t want to accidentally call someone or make some other unwanted things. With Pocket Lock, you can smarten this feature, as the app intelligently locks and unlocks your phone. All you have to do is just drop your phone in your pocket and it locks. So, when you take it out, it unlocks, preventing accidental activity in your pocket. In order to get the best results, you will need to put your phone in your pocket upside down and with screen facing you.

Doppler ($2.47)

Doppler is one of those Android games that are incredibly simple that manage to get us glued to the screen. Your mission is to maintain the charge of a shining electric wave that twists and turns towards you. You place one finger on either side to form a connection but the question is – how long can you last? The game comes with 3 modes – Infinite, Extreme and Time Attack and there’s also the Leaderboards and Achievements options for those of you who want to beat high scores.

Ignore No More (Free)

Kids these days are very well acquainted with the use of a smartphone, and seeing one playing around or talking on the phone is already something really normal. But when they play too much on their phones, they tend to ignore sometimes incoming calls. Wit the Ignore No More app, if your children ignore your repeated calls and text messages to reach them, you simply lock their phones until they call you back. The app works with one account which controls multiple “child” devices from multiple “parent” devices and it cannot be disabled.

Pirate Legends (Free)

As a kid, I was in love with anything about pirates and I kept that passion until today. So if you share the same passions as me, you’ll love Pirate Legends. This is actually a tower defense-type of game which come with 20 unique towers with special abilities and 2 upgrade paths. There are also 5 heroes with unique skills and 3 difficulty modes and for the bravest pirates. Your mission is to defend your ship against against 30+ different enemies and 4 terrifying bosses. The game also comes with unique soundtracks and character voice-overs.

Calc+ (Free)

Calc+ is a new Android app which adds more features to your calculator such as: touching to edit number and operator, reusing previous calculation result for the next calculation, sharing and storing results with the note app. Using this app, you can calculate numbers with operators and display each calculation on one line, reuse the previous result for continuing to calculate and allow editing numbers and operators when you input incorrect them at any position. Go ahead and download it for more features.

The Manhattan Project ($6.99)

The Manhattan Project is the official Android adaptation of the hit board game, The Manhattan Project by Brandon Tibbetts and Minion Games. The game is about managing the atomic weapons program in a deadly race to build bigger and better bombs. Your mission is to assign your workers to multiple projects: building your bomb-making infrastructure, expanding your military to protect it, or sending out spies. The game comes with three modes of play: single player against AI opponents; pass-n-play multi-player against human and AI opponents and online networked multi-player against human and AI opponents.

Mountain ($1.00)

Just like the name suggests, this game is about a mountain. As a matter of fact, you are the mountain and by downloading it you can “fulfill your dreams of being a mountain”. You can experience the weather, collect items and organize them, observe yourself from outer space and much more. An ingenious idea that has been met so far with enthusiasm by those who reviewed it.

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5 Biggest Announcements From Google's Pixel Event

10 Best apps of the week