Google Nest Mini review: Smart speaker offers better connectivity, audio quality

With Pixel 4 and 4 XL, Google took the phone-interaction experience a notch higher. The tech company claimed that these devices have the fastest face unlock feature, and is the first smartphone to have a radar sensor. The motion sensor detects the proximity of the user, and reacts accordingly.

It has a 12MP + 16MP dual rear camera and a 8MP front camera which comes with the computational photography feature. The camera has a Live HDR+ capability which allows it to capture extremely bright or dark images. What’s more? Night Sight feature allows us to take magnificent pictures and dusk shots.

While it was not announced during the launch, TOI reported that Pixel 4 XL was unveiled as well. It comes with a 6.3-inch OLED screen. The Pixel 4 has a 2800 mAh battery, while the bigger sibling is backed by a 3700 mAh. Both are powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 855 and 6GB RAM. Both will be available in 64GB and 128GB variants.

Pixel 4 comes in 3 colours - Just Black, Clearly White and a limited edition Oh-So-Orange. Both available for pre-order starting today.


Also Read: Google Pixel 4 launched at $799, won't come to India

The new Pixelbook Go has state-of-the-art design. It is made up of light magnesium which gives it a smooth matte finish. The device has a rippled, wavy bottom which makes the laptop easier to hold. Google is offering a 15% larger battery so users can spend longer hours away from the charging point. Pixelbook Go is available only in Black, and the Pink colour-variant will be available soon.

The next generation Google Nest Mini is made up of 100% recycled plastic bottles, of course, without any compromise on the aesthetics and functions. It comes in pastel colours, including the new Sky Blue which helps it blend into the home decor easily. It comes with a third microphone so rest assured, you will be heard even in noisy environments.

It has a dedicated machine learning chip, and a home intercom, home alert system and a home phone, which allows you to call anyone in the world with Google Duo. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it?

The Nest WiFi is a standalone router which, much like Nest Mini, is available in different colours. The Nest router plugs into the modem and expands the WiFi coverage at home. It increases the speed two times and provides 25% more coverage. Now that’s one helluva upgrade to Google WiFi!

Ambient technology or technology that fades into background was a major theme at the Google event. As a result, the second-generation Google Pixel Buds has gone completely wireless. They are like ‘floating computers’ in your ear, as Google termed it at the event. They are powered by long-range, bluetooth technology that allows the earbuds to stay connected to your phone as long as three bedrooms away.

The best part about the buds is that they provide a hands-free access to the Google assistant. Google has also worked on its battery life. The buds provide 5 hours of listening time on a single charge, and makes good use of on-device machine learning chips. Pixel Buds 2 will be available next year in spring.

Google introduced all the gamers to its cloud generation gaming platform, Stadia, that will launch on November 19. The platform will allow users to play games wherever they want. As a part of Google's go green initiative this year, gamers require on only a controller and screen which will minimise the hardware usage while playing.