What Google revealed at its big event: Pixel 4, Nest Mini, and more

Googlefest 2019 was only short on surprises 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.

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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.

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Here's what Google debuted at its hardware event.

1. The Pixel 4 and Pixel 4 XL, baby!

That orange tho.Credit: Google

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.

Credit: google

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.

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2. A millennial pink laptop with a grippy bottom 🍑

It's all about the bottom.Credit: google

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"?

3. True wireless Pixel Buds

Round and round they go.Credit: google

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.

4. A growing Nest product family

P. cute, guys.Credit: google

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.

5. Google Stadia is comin' round the mountain

It's one console-free controller to rule them all (Google hopes).Credit: screenshot: haidee chu / mashable

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...

6. A cool hundred and fifty million dollar pledge to 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.

TopicsGoogle

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