It’s finally here, Android 5.0 Lollipop, what Google calls it’s sweetest release yet. There has been a lot of buzz around Android L after it was announced at Google I/O 2014, which you can watch below. ASUS’ Nexus Player packs an Intel Atom processor and AC Wi-Fi. In the box you also get a voice enabled remote control with the option of a Gamepad, purchased separately. It’s also rumoured the device will be similar priced to the Apple TV as well.
Along with the official announcement of Android 5.0 yesterday, Google also announced new ‘Nexus Treats’. As pictured, the rumours have indeed been proven true with HTC making the new Nexus 9 tablet and Motorola making the massively-sized Nexus 6. One device that hasn’t really come to light until now is the Nexus Player, made by ASUS. The Nexus Player you could say is Google’s second attempt at the Nexus Q, however this time the media player runs the new Android TV whereas the Nexus Q ran typical Android. Many would agree normal Android isn’t well suited to TVs, Kogan’s Android TVs are a great example of this.
The Nexus Player will be the first device to run Android TV and will be compatible with existing Android Apps on Google Play. What differentiates the Nexus Player from the Nexus Q is the focus on being able to play full 3D games in an immersive experience, with the ability to start where you left off on other Android devices.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wk-PY2dBKaA&list=PL-t6ViojWR4x_IZMCGAxpwnHscqfBNk_v
Google is not the only ones having a second shot, remember the HTC Flyer? Those who do, will remember it was a flop in terms of sales. The Nexus 9 can also be seen as a second shot by HTC, this time in the form of a Nexus device and with the partnership of Google. It’s also only the second time HTC has manufactured a Nexus device, the last time was way back in 2010 with the Nexus One, the first Nexus device. The Nexus 9 should give HTC the much needed boost it needs after losing significant market share to rivals such as Samsung and Apple.
HTC’s Nexus 9 features an 8.9-inch IPS display, HTC Boomsound Front Facing Speakers, 64-bit NVIDIA Tegra K1 processor , LTE and AC Wi-Fi with MIMO. The tablet will ship in 16GB & 32GB varients in 3 different colours.
The final device, nicknamed Shamu, is the Nexus 6. A 6 inch phablet, manufactured by Motorola. This is the first time Google has been able to use Motorola as Nexus OEM, as doing so before selling Motorola off to Lenovo, would have created a conflict of interest with existing OEMs. The Nexus 6 features a 5.96″ QHD AMOLED display, a13 MP rear camera with image stabilization and Dual LED flash, front-facing speakers, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor, AC Wi-Fi, NFC and an interesting feature called Turbo Charge.
Turbo Charge gives you 6 hours of use from only 15 minutes charging with up to 24 hours from a full charge. This is achieved by utilising a 3220 mAH battery and a Motorola Turbo Charger. The Nexus 6 will come in 32GB & 64GB variants in 2 colours.
For those who don’t like the Nexus 6 will be pleased to know, for the time being, Google will be continuing to sell the Nexus 5.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TRmgMe2STL0
Finally along with the Android 5.0 announcement, Google launch a new Android marketing campaign dubbed ‘Android: Be together. Not the same.
The Nexus devices will be available for Pre-order from the Google Play Store.