Googlefest 2019 was only short on Sistersurprises because we basically knew everything that was coming already. That didn't make the cheerful, matte pastel products any less neat if you're a Google hardware devotee.
In New York City Tuesday, Google unveiled new phones, computers, earbuds, and smart home products. Head of products and services Rick Osterloh continued to bang the drum of "ambient computing," which basically means that computers integrated into your home and life can "help" you out whenever you need.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Google's "tech as help" ethos manifested with Nest products that have Google Assistant deeply integrated into them, smart features in the earbuds, and some security-oriented and/or creepy home connectivity and surveillance features. The company also debuted some truly cool new tech, like ultra long range Bluetooth in the earbuds, and gesture controls on the Pixel 4 powered by a tiny radar chip.
Also, Annie Leibovitz was there.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Here's what Google debuted at its hardware event.
New phones, who dis? This year's line of Pixels looks pretty nice, with a relatively unobtrusive square camera bump and finishes in black, white, and a limited edition color Google's calling "Oh So Orange." The Pixel's biggest selling points are its faster, "deeper integration" with Google Assistant; new built-in apps (including one that live transcribes); what they're describing as a super fast facial recognition security system; beefed up Night Sight in the camera; and touch-free gesture control powered by a tiny radar chip.
At 5.7 and 6.3 inches each, they're comparable in size to the new iPhone 11 Pros — for a few hundred bucks less. The Pixel 4 starts at $799, and the XL starts at $899.
If there's any laptop out there that now evokes the peach emoji, it's the Pixelbook Go. As a laptop designed for portability, it's basically a redesigned, re-branded Chromebook, but with more technical chops. However, it is inherently a bit limited, since it runs on ChromOS, which is not as compatible with as many apps as macOS or Windows.
However, the machine's new design — which includes a ridged bottom along with a rad keyboard, as well as the ability to soup the model up with stronger processors and more RAM and storage — could be enough to turn heads. It also comes in a "Just Black" color, but literally what is the point of that when you can get it in "Not Pink"?
2017's Pixel Buds came with a neckband, but the 2019 versions have been set free. The round in-ear earphones come in some nifty colors and have a new round charging case (which carries 24 hours of battery life). They also have long range Bluetooth and ambient noise control, which means they'll adjust the volume based on your surroundings. Look out, AirPods.
Google has consolidated Google Wifi and more Google Assistant functionality under the Nest banner. First up, there's a new Nest Mini that can be wall mounted, supports Google Assistant, and has local processing, a third microphone, and better bass than a Home mini. It also only costs $49, with fabric made from recycled plastic bottles that comes in a variety of pretty pastels.
Google's mesh wifi system, Google Wifi, also got a Nest redux. It's now called Nest Wifi, and the Nest Wifi router and Nest Wifi point (enabled with a speaker and Google Assistant) supposedly provide full coverage for 85 percent of homes.
Google hopes that its new gaming controller, supposedly inspired by the design of a high-end kitchen knife handle, will be the last one you ever need. A gaming controller without a console (it shows games on Pixel 4 and through Chromecast), it will be available November 19. From a sustainability standpoint, Google emphasized that it designed the product for long-term use (but still hopes you'll buy its product, first). Speaking of sustainability...
Google has come under fire recently for its connection to Big Oil and climate denial organizations. But no one mentioned that at the event. Instead, Google announced that it's incorporating more recyclable materials into production (like making Nest products out of recyclable plastic). It's also pledging $150 million to renewable energy projects, which is meant to be a one-for-one offset of the energy used manufacturing Google products.
Topics Google
The Twitter bots that make the internet a little bit nicerDick appointment makeup tutorials are the only good beauty guru niche leftKid delivers perfect scowl on picture dayApple M2 MacBook Air teardown reveals an odd detailStephen King blasts Trump with 1 of his most uncompromising tweets yet7 easy ways to not annoy your teammates when gaming online with a microphoneHow to edit your Lock Screen in iOS 16Twitch's new moderation feature lets users share banned troll accounts with other channelsSDCC 2022 Mondo exclusives: See Marvel posters, records, and statuesSomeone tried roasting Alexandria OcasioDonald Trump dropped a big 'Schitt' after mocking a US hero's service11 gift ideas for those trying to lose weight in the New YearThrow some cheese on your dog because the internet said soEnjoy this adorable gang of otters crashing a marriage proposal photoTesla sold most of its Bitcoin, but none of its DogecoinA reminder from the Jan. 6 investigation: Deleting a text may not mean it's gone forever.Apple M2 MacBook Air teardown reveals an odd detailTwitch's new moderation feature lets users share banned troll accounts with other channelsElizabeth Warren, Congressional Dems are coming for crypto minersA firefighter rescued a cat from the Paradise fire and she won't leave him alone CATL to announce new factory in Europe this year: executive · TechNode Meituan doubles down on AI in 2025 strategic plan · TechNode Xiaohongshu’s US user base plummets amid TikTok ban suspension · TechNode Xpeng Motors prepares for ADAS available outside of China: CEO · TechNode Xiaomi CEO Lei Jun’s live stream suspended on Douyin for streaming while driving · TechNode Xiaomi PR chief says Xiaomi Glasses Weibo account was registered years ago · TechNode OpenAI’s first AI chip to tape out at TSMC in first half of the year: report · TechNode Tencent and 2K team up to launch mobile game NBA 2K All Star on March 25 · TechNode USPS resumes acceptance of packages from China one day after suspension · TechNode Li Auto shares surge after teasing its first all Xiaohongshu renamed 'rednote' across app stores · TechNode China’s Geely, Dongfeng to be first automakers to embrace DeepSeek · TechNode Former Cainiao Group CFO joins Ant Group as new CFO · TechNode BYD to recruit 20,000 factory workers in China as part of Q1 hiring spree · TechNode Drone food delivery orders rise in China during Spring Festival · TechNode BYD was top Apple M5 series chips enter mass production with TSMC N3P (3nm) process · TechNode China may face an AI talent shortage of four million by 2030 · TechNode China’s Lunar New Year box office tops $390 million on second day of holiday · TechNode TSMC announces additional $100 billion investment in US chip expansion · TechNode