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New in our buyer's guide: The iPhone 6s, Surface Book and much more
Sorry we haven't updated the buyers's guide in a couple months -- we've been too busy pumping out reviews of all the new devices. Now that things have finally started to slow down (fingers crossed), let's take a step back and look at all the awesome stuff we've had a chance to test this fall. For starters, there's a bunch of excellent smartphones that we absolutely need to add to our guide. Namely: the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, the Nexus 6P and 5X, and the Moto X Pure. On the tablet side, we're inducting both the iPad mini 4 and the Surface Pro 4. Microsoft makes another appearance in the laptop section, where we've added the Surface Book, along with Dell's Chromebook 13. Rounding out the list, we threw in a few miscellaneous items, including the new Xbox One Elite Wireless controller, the redesigned Sonos Play:5 wireless speaker and Google's $35 Chromecast Audio.
Google explains why some Nexus 5X pictures are upside down
If you recently splashed out on a brand spanking new Nexus 5X, you might be wondering why some of the images you take aren't the right way up. It turns out that it's a quirk of how the device was manufactured, thanks to a little insight from Google's Eino-Ville Talvala. After users began to complain about the issue on Reddit, the engineer popped up to explain where the problem comes from, and how to fix it.
Google is giving out 'instant' Project Fi invitations for one day
If you've been jonesing to ditch your existing phone carrier and try Google's invitation-only Project Fi service, now's the time to act. Google is marking the launches of the Nexus 5X and 6P by giving away "instant" Project Fi invitations over the course of 24 hours -- if you want to sign up, you're in. You'll still need to use the right phone (either of the new Nexus models, or the Nexus 6) and live in an area where either Sprint or T-Mobile provides coverage. So long as those aren't hurdles, though, this is your best chance yet at seeing how Google's simple, multi-network cellular access works in practice.
Google's Nexus 5X phone is now on sale in the UK
Google's successor to the much-loved Nexus 5 smartphone has arrived. The LG-developed Nexus 5X is now available via the Google Store in the UK, starting at £339 for the 16GB model. There are three colours to choose from -- carbon (black), quartz (white) and ice (mint) -- with the option to double your storage for another £40. To save a little cash, however, you might want to order through Carphone Warehouse instead, as the retailer is selling both the 16GB and 32GB models SIM-free for £40 cheaper. The new not-quite-flagship, if you need a reminder, boasts a 5.2-inch 1080p display, a Snapdragon 808 processor and the marshmallowy goodness of Android 6.0. While not as luxurious as the Nexus 6P, it's capable and should appeal to those still resisting the phablet trend.
Nexus 5X review: Google's triumphant return to smaller, cheaper phones
While the Nexus 6 received plenty of praise when it debuted last year, it also got its fair share of flack. Why? Because it was just too big. For many, the Nexus 6 was the size of a tiny giant, with its 5.96-inch display and 10.1mm-thick profile that dwarfed smaller hands. Additionally, it started at $649, whereas the previous-gen Nexus 5 cost just $349. Not wanting to disappoint its customers, Google decided to release two handsets instead of one this year: the pricier 5.7-inch Nexus 6P (made by Huawei and starting at $499 for 32GB) for those who do indeed want a larger phone, and the cheaper 5.2-inch 5X (made by LG and starting at $379 for 16GB) for those who wanted a sequel to the original 5. While it may certainly be the smaller and lower-end device of the pair, I found the 5X to be far better than I anticipated, delivering plenty of value for the money.
The Lumia 950 vs. the competition: A battle of flagships
The smaller of the new Lumias is quite the powerhouse on paper, but how does it stack up against the latest iOS and Android devices? At first glance, Microsoft's newest flagship, the Lumia 950, seems plenty powerful with its 1.8GHz hexa-core Snapdragon 808, 3GB of RAM and 5.2-inch Quad HD AMOLED display. However, we've got the face-off after the break with a side-by-side comparison between the Lumia 950, iPhone 6s and Nexus 5x so you can decide for yourself which one best suits your needs.
Nexus 5X won't ship with a USB-C cable that plugs into older USB ports
Google appears to be going all in for the USB Type C future with the Nexus 5X. The LG-made phone ships with a USB-C to USB-C cable, but it won't include a USB-C cable that plugs into most computers and chargers today (which use USB Type A). You'll have to shell out for a separate USB-C to USB-A cable (starting around $13) if you actually want to do that. It's a particularly surprising decision from Google, since USB-C isn't exactly common these days, and since it's also including both sets of USB-C cables with the Nexus 6P. Sure, it saves Google a bit of money, but the omission of a cable compatible with typical USB ports will likely frustrate many upcoming Nexus 5X owners. Even if you don't plug your phone into your computer, it'll make charging much more difficult. So consider this a PSA: If you're planning to get the Nexus 5X, make sure you've got an order in for a USB-C to USB-A cable in as well.
Ask the Nexus 5X and 6P developers anything right now on Reddit
The team behind the Nexus 5X and 6P will be on Reddit today starting at 11AM PT, answering all kinds of questions about the new smartphones. The 6P, you'll recall, is Google's sturdy, sophisticated collaboration with Huawei, while the 5X is a smaller LG model with some seemingly nice upgrades.
Google and LG's 5X is the Nexus for the rest of us
When Google (and Motorola) showed off the Nexus 6 last year, most nerds were excited. Others, making up a surprisingly vocal minority, reacted as though the companies dropped ice cubes down the backs of their shirts. Bigger isn't always better, and they were more than a little concerned that the days of easy-to-grip Nexus phones were nearly over. They were wrong. To go with the big-screened Nexus 6P, Google once again teamed up with LG on a Nexus 5 -- the 5X this time -- and it's shaping up to be the successor that N5 fans have been hoping for.
The Nexus 5X vs. the competition: Smaller is still powerful
If last year's Nexus 6 was too big for your hands, this year Google and LG have scaled things back a bit with the Nexus 5X. It sports a more manageable 5.2-inch screen size, while also dropping some new features into the mix like USB Type-C and Nexus Imprint. But are these added bells and whistles enough to carve out a space for LG's new Nexus among smaller flagship handsets? We've stacked up the 5X versus the similarly-sized Galaxy S6 as well as Apple's latest 4.7-inch iPhone to find out.
UK pricing for the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C and new Chromecasts
It's Android day today, with Google announcing a whole host of new products including the Nexus 5X, Nexus 6P, Pixel C and two new Chromecasts. Whether you're interested in some, or all of the company's latest devices, we've got all available UK pricing right here.
Nexus Protect is Google's answer to AppleCare
Alongside the Nexus 5X and 6P smartphones Google unveiled today, the company announced a new program intended to give butter-fingered customers a little peace of mind. In addition to the one-year warranty every Nexus smartphone is covered by, the Nexus Protect program covers repair and replacement costs for mechanical breakdowns and accidental damage for two years. Basically, it's Google's version of AppleCare, and should the extra-clumsy destroy their phones somehow, they can expect a replacement as early as the next business day. Obviously, these guarantees come at a price, but if you're a serial screen smasher, then it could be worth your while to Nexus Protect your 5X for $69, or your new 6P for $89.
Google's Android Sensor Hub knows how your Nexus is moving
In addition to its new Nexus 5X and 6P handsets, Google also revealed a low-power secondary processor during its September 29th event. This added chip resides in both models. It's called the Android Sensor Hub and acts to monitor the device's movement, not unlike the co-processor in the new iPhone 6s. The dedicated processor connects directly to the camera's sensors to reduce the phone's overall power consumption. This chip allows the phone to run advanced activity-recognition algorithms that, say, notice when you start a run or hop on your bike -- even if you haven't turned on the screen. This feature also will allow users to subtly check their notifications. With the Sensor Hub, the phone knows when it's been picked up and will automatically display notifications in a low-power white-on-black text until the screen has been properly activated.
LG is making another Nexus: meet the Nexus 5X
The rumors are true: LG is back to build Google's 5.2-inch Nexus 5X. Leaked repeatedly over the last few weeks, the specs aren't much of a surprise -- or outpacing the also just-announced Nexus 6P -- but it's still packing quite a bit of power, featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 808 CPU, 2GB of RAM and a 12.3MP rear camera that's capable of shooting 4K video and boasts laser-assisted autofocus and dual flashes. There's a 2,700mAh battery inside, and it's going to be available in both 16GB and 32GB versions with colors including black, white and ice blue. Nexus 5X pricing starts at $379; it will begin shipping in late October and two years of Nexus Protect coverage is available for $69. Update: Pre-ordering for the Nexus 5X (and all the other new hardware) is live now.
Live from Google's Nexus event!
Now that Apple had its day in the sun, Google's ready to take the stage for an event of its very own. And just like how the folks in Cupertino announced a couple of new phones, we're expecting the Alphabet company to reveal two of its own handsets as well. Leaks suggest we'll see the Nexus 5X and 6P -- the 5X appears to be made by LG and features a 5.2-inch display, while the 6P seems to be a Huawei handset with a larger 5.7-inch screen instead. Both are purported to have fingerprint sensors and will ship with Android Marshmallow, which, whaddya know, has support for fingerprint sensors right out the gate. We're also expecting a couple of new Chromecast announcements; it looks like a second-gen Chromecast could make an appearance tomorrow along with a brand new Chromecast device for audio (Intriguing!). Check out all those details in our preview and join us right here at 9 AM PT / 12 PM ET for our liveblog to see if it all turns out to be true. [Image credit: Shutterstock]
Here's how to watch Google's Nexus event
We've barely recovered from Apple's "Hey Siri" event a couple of weeks ago, but already we've got another huge press conference on our hands. Today, Google's taking the floor, with two new Nexus smartphones expected to be the biggest announcements. A second-generation Chromecast is also in the cards, and we'll undoubtedly be hearing more about Android Marshmallow, the latest iteration of Google's mobile OS. We'll be liveblogging the whole event when it starts in just over half an hour (at 12PM ET), of course, but you can also follow the live broadcast below if you want a front-row seat.
What to expect from Google's Nexus and Android event
What better way to close out the busy month of September than with a Google event? Nearly three weeks after Apple announced its latest smartphones, the iPhone 6s and 6s Plus, the search giant is preparing to do the same, with a keynote of its own tomorrow in San Francisco. But while the event will likely focus on a refreshed set of Nexus handsets and the upcoming public release of Android Marshmallow, there are signs that Google is also planning to deliver a couple new Chromecast products -- including one that's all about audio. We also wouldn't be surprised to hear more about Android Wear, especially since we've seen a number of new devices introduced over the past month, like Motorola's second-generation 360 and the Huawei Watch. All will be revealed tomorrow, but for now, let's break down the leaks and rumors.
Google's Nexus 5X hits the FCC with support for all big US carriers
Google's Nexus phones haven't had the best cross-carrier support in the US (ahem, Verizon), but that might change when the Nexus 5X and 6P roll into town. The Nexus 5X has just swung by the FCC for approval, and one filing is for a model that appears to support all four major US carriers in at least some capacity -- there are concerns that it might not handle T-Mobile's existing 3G, but this does include Verizon support. There's also a second variant of the LG-made device that removes some frequency bands and appears destined for other countries. There's not much to see beyond this, although the FCC's measurements back rumors that the 5X will have a 5.2-inch screen. Will this Nexus actually work with every major US network when it launches? It's hard to say for sure, but you'll likely get the full scoop at Google's event in a few days. [Image credit: Android Police]
Nexus '5X' and '6P' boxes leak out ahead of Google's Android event (update)
Names, specs and pictures of the next Google-brand phones have already been floating around, and now Android Police has what it says are the retail boxes for the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. If you'll recall, these are the rumored LG (5X) and Huawei (6P) devices that Google will introduce at its Android-flavored breakfast meeting one week from today. Of course, most of our speculation is about what else might be there (new Chromecast?), but this peek can help you get an idea of how the eventual unboxing process will begin. Update: Need a better look at the actual phones? Android Police has also obtained a fairly clear render of the Huawei-built 6P, with its odd back and rear-mounted fingerprint scanner.
Google's next phones will reportedly be the Nexus 5X and 6P
We've seen a few snapshots of the upcoming Nexus phones and now we may have an idea what they'll be called. Droid Life reports that the pair of Google phones, one made by LG and the other by Huawei, will carry the labels of Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P (yes, six pee), respectively. The LG device is said to house a 5.2-inch display while the Huawei handset is rumored to carry a 5.7-inch inch screen, hence the 5 and 6 designations. We won't have to wait too long to find out, though, as reports indicate that Google is hosting event on September 29th where the duo is expected to be revealed alongside a new Chromecast. And, of course, a look at the latest version of Android Marshmallow. Hopefully we'll also find out what Huawei has tucked under that camera hump, too.
