Nexus2015
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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.
Google's next Nexus flagship is the 5.7-inch, Huawei-built 6P
We knew with near-certainty that (one of) the next Nexus flagship phones would be a Huawei-built device called the 6P, and now Google has just made that official at its event in San Francisco this morning. Naturally, the new phone is running the latest version of Android: 6.0 Marshmallow. Surprisingly, the device is a little bit smaller than the Nexus 6 it's replacing -- the Nexus 6P has a 5.7-inch screen running at 1440p resolution. That works out to 518 pixels per inch, an absurdly high ratio that's becoming commonplace on plenty of flagship devices. Also of note is the device's high-end construction: Google says that the phone is made of "aeronautical-grade aluminum."
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.
