This week definitely held more than we expected. While we were somewhat prepared for most of what Google had in store for its next Nexus devices, seeing the new smartphones for real was a different experience all together. And although we already had an inkling about it, little did we know how the LG V10 would have turned out. Suffice it to say, we have quite a few interesting smartphones this last quarter of the year and we’ll be looking back at them in this latest edition of Android Community’s Weekly Digest, covering the period from September 28 to October 4, 2015.
Nexus, Pixel C, and Chromecasts, oh my!
This week held Google’s big Android day and we came in almost fully knowing what to expect and still Google managed to surprise us in a few things, mostly pleasantly at least. Perhaps aside from that most likely contentious bump at the back, the Huawei-made Nexus 6P turned out to be quite the star. Imagine all the Nexus goodness and latest hardware now wrapped in a premium-looking aluminum body. Yes, the Nexus has finally entered the metal age. Sadly, the Nexus 5X was somewhat left behind, but that’s mostly OK. Google seems to intend this refresh of LG’s third Nexus as sort of a budget option to be used in tandem with Project Fi.
We’ve also seen the Chromecast leaked before so there wasn’t much to shock us. There are indeed two new Chromecasts to be had, one a second gen Chromecast and another a more Audio oriented version. Both, however bear the same new puck shape that is probably going to keep heads turning. Of course, it’s not all completely for show, as the new Chromecasts promise better performance, especially when Wi-Fi is involved.
It is perhaps the new Pixel C that stole the show, mostly because of its rather controversial nature. Dubbed by some as Google’s response to the iPad Pro and the Microsoft Surface tablets, the devices slaps Android, not Chrome OS, inside a Chromebook Pixel shell. Same classy design, different OS. But now a tablet more than a laptop, but with an optional keyboard as well, with an admittedly novel way of latching on to the tablet. Some hail the product while others question its raison d’être. Either way, we will likely see soon what Google has in mind for this product.
Be sure to check out our brief hands-on of the Nexus 6P, the Nexus 5X, and the Pixel C to get our first impressions of Google’s new take on Android devices.
LG wows with LG V10 and Watch Urbane 2nd Edition
We’ve seen hints of the LG V10’s existence before, but when LG finally revealed the full picture, let’s just say that it got our interest piqued. We’re still unsure of the wisdom of putting it at the very top, far out of reach with one hand, but LG’s Second Screen idea is probably what users of the Samsung Galaxy Note Edge wished they had last year. It’s a multi-functional, always on display that can change its purpose depending on the context. Hopefully, LG will open up that functionality to third party developers, too. The LG V10 also improves on the LG G4’s camera prowess by putting the same manual mode controls in video recording. The dual lens front facing camera, however, might feel more of a gimmick, but we’ll have to see its full potential before we can fully judge it.
On the other hand, the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition was an unexpected surprise. This new Android Wear smartwatch bears a lot resemblance to LG’s webOS-powered Watch Urbane LTE, and for good reason. This smartwatch is also capable of 4G LTE connectivity on its own. But unlike the Watch Urbane LTE or Samsung’s Gear S and Gear S2, this one runs on Android Wear, making it the first to have such a capability. How it will play out in the Android Wear scene is something we have yet to see, but consider us curious. After all, an Android Wear smartwatch with a classic premium-looking design and network independence is a good thing, right?
Read more about the LG V10 in our hands-on, complete with videos! We also have one for the LG Watch Urbane 2nd Edition as well so be sure to check that one out too.
Sony reclaims its camera throne
Sony didn’t reveal a new smartphone this week, but that’s OK, because what it already has seems to be plenty already. The long-awaited DxOMark verdict on the Xperia Z5 camera is out and now Sony really has something to boast about again. After a few generations of being snubbed in the photography department, Sony is finally back on top, finally unseating Samsung as the long-time title holder.
That said, Sony would later issue an official statement that kind of detracts from that good news, at least for its Xperia Z5 Premium model. While the smartphone does boasts of the world’s first 4K display smartphone, Sony admits that it doesn’t utilize that full capacity all of the time. One is for battery reasons and another is because there isn’t much content available for that resolution anyway. In short, when buying an Xperia Z5 Premium, you are more investing in a “futureproof” device than something that is completely useful today.
Bits and Bytes
New devices weren’t the only things Google revealed this week. It also also outed a new family subscription scheme for Google Play Music, its attempt at trying to curb the Apple Music fever. It also revealed its Nexus Protect warranty option that extends coverage to two years and up to two replacements within that period. And finally, Google is also whetting the Android faithful’s appetites with the new Marshmallow micro-site that summarizes in easy to understand language what to expect from the next major Android update.
In the meantime, BlackBerry has been quite busy playing up to that Android fanbase. It has finally acknowledge that it is indeed making its first fully Android smartphone, the BlackBerry PRIV, which stands for both privacy an privilege. CEO John Chen even tried to demo it, and sadly stumbled on the Android interface. At least it has a keyboard, right? BlackBerry has also released some official renders of the smartphone which will surely keep smartphone users a wee bit interested in what the company will be offering soon.
Wrap-up
Most of the smartphone and tablet news may be behind us, but it ain’t over yet. Later this month, we will get to see what HTC has been cooking up to try to save its business from falling apart. Interestingly, its October 20th event won’t be happening in front of a live audience but only online, as if taking a cue from OnePlus’ recent event. And speaking of OnePlus, we might actually see yet another smartphone from the Chinese startup this month as well. So take a short breather before we continue our journey in Android land.
Hello! I have an ME173X tablet that will not see my network at the office , when it worked fine previously. It is a private network dedicated to only the office.In settings, my net is recognised but no connection. Nothing has been changed unless I’ve been hacked. Has anyone else had their wireless go down like this?