GO GO GADGET
Google unveils Pixel 4 with ‘fastest face unlock’, voice-controlled Pixelbook Go laptop and more
GOOGLE has lifted the lid on a host of new gadgets – including new Pixel phones, a voice-controlled laptop and an improved Nest Mini smart speaker.
There were very few surprises as Google unveiled loads of gear that had already been extensively leaked in recent weeks.
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Google Pixel 4 smartphones revealed – huge iPhone rivals
The headline announcement was the unveiling of the Google Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL smartphones.
Google reckons they have the fastest face unlock on any smartphone.
These direct iPhone rivals boast 5.7-inch and 6.3-inch OLED displays respectively.
And they have ultra-smooth 90Hz refresh rates, which should make the phone perfect to use.
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They're also powered by Qualcomm's ultra-speedy Snapdragon 855 chip, come with 6GB of RAM, and are available in 64GB and 128GB storage variants.
One of the top new features is called Project Soli, which provides a 'Motion Sense' effect.
It works using radar, and lets you control the Pixel 4 without actually touching it.
You can wave your hands in the air to pause or skip songs, silence alarms and phone calls, and more.
The handsets come in three colours (Just Black, Clearly White and Oh So Orange), and start at £669 and £829 – depending on the model size you buy.
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Google Pixelbook Go laptop – powered by your voice
Google also showed off the new Pixelbook Go, a laptop running on the firm's Chrome OS software.
It has a bright and textured rear, a video-calling camera and dual front-firing speakers.
Processor options available include Intel Core m3, i5 and i7, while RAM variants on offer are 8GB and 16GB.
You can get 64GB, 128GB or 256GB of storage depending on how much money you want to spend.
And the Full HD display can also be upgraded to a 13.3-inch 4K Ultra HD Screen.
UK pricing is still pending, but the laptop is on sale in the US for $649.
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Google Nest Mini – an upgraded smart speaker
The Home Mini smart speaker has also been replaced with a newer model – now called the Nest Mini.
It remains Google's cheapest smart speaker option (at £49), and serves up virtual help from the Google Assistant AI.
This voice-controlled helper can answer questions, control other smart home gadgets and play music too.
Google has made extra noise about the audio improvements made to the Nest Mini.
Specifically, bass is said to have doubled thanks to a louder speaker inside the Mini.
Google has also added touch controls to the top of the device, so you can tap it to adjust volume or pause playback.
Oh, and you can wall-mount the new model too.
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Google Nest WiFi – boost your home internet
Next up is the Google Nest WiFi system, which is actually split into two separate products.
First up is the Nest WiFi router, which is designed to replace your current router – which, for most people, came from their internet provider.
This is designed to connect to the second product: the Nest WiFi point.
You can buy one or more of these and place them around the home, to boost signal in poorly-served rooms.
And all of the Points double up as Google Assistant speakers, which will work just like a Google Home.
Google promises 2x faster speeds and 25% better coverage using its WiFi system. That's nothing to sniff at.
The Nest router is £149 on its own, or £239 if you want a Point with it.
You can also buy additional Points for £129, but these are only available to purchase online.
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Google Pixel Buds – wireless audio
Google has introduced a brand new version of its Pixel Buds earbuds.
These wireless earbuds are designed to rival Apple's AirPods and Samsung's Galaxy Buds.
They've got integrated Google Assistant support with voice controls – so you can control songs and ask questions.
Google also reckons its Pixel Buds 2 will retain their connection even three rooms away.
Battery life is promised at five hours per charge, but this increases to 24 hours with the bundled battery case.
They're coming out in spring next year, and will cost $179 – UK pricing is unconfirmed.
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In other news, we reveal the secret Google Chrome game you can unlock by turning the internet off.
Here are some of the best Google Easter Eggs you can try today.
And check out the 10 secret Google Maps locations you're not allowed to see.
Are you tempted by any of Google's new gadgets? Let us know in the comments!
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