Google is all set to launch an event on October 4th this year. The recent leaks hint that Google will announce several highly anticipated devices at the event. On October 4th, Google will unveil new Pixel smartphones, a newer version of Chromecast and will also likely highlight its Google Home and Daydream VR viewer products, reports Forbes.
New Chromecast
Going by the leaks, the new version of Chromecast is likely to have 4K support and will be called “Chromecast Plus”. “Chromecast Ultra” is also an equally probable name for the newer version. The 4K support is mainly for the benefit of consumers that have upgraded to TV sets supporting 4K. The Amazon Fire TV already supports 4K Ultra HD, but the Apple TV doesn’t. This is likely to give Google a strategic advantage over Apple. The price of the new 4K version of Chromecast is unknown. Presently, Chromecast and Chromecast audio devices are priced at $35.
New “Pixel” Smartphones
It’s time to forget the Nexus brand. Google is expected to announce two “Pixel” branded smartphones – one will be a 5-inch variant called the Pixel and the other 5.5-inch variant called Pixel XL. Internally, these phones have been named “Sailfish” and “Marlin” respectively. If the new phones will be named Pixel, then it means Google is doing away with the Nexus brand. Pixel and Pixel XL are both expected to come with Android 7.1 Nougat installed and will sport Sony IMX179 8MP front sensor and IMX378 12MP rear sensor. The 32GB Pixel will likely be priced at $449 and 32GB Pixel XL at $599.
Google Home
Google is also likely to announce the Google Home product at the October event. Google Home is a voice-activated home product that allows you and your family to get answers from Google, stream music, and manage everyday tasks. It will respond to commands like “turn the lights on in Jack’s bedroom” and will assist you in search queries to answer questions like “How many planets are in our solar system”, “What’s on the calendar for today” and things of that sort.
Google Daydream VR
With Virtual Reality increasingly making its presence felt in everyday lives, VR platforms have been gaining solid momentum of late. Google gave a sneak peek of its Daydream VR platform at I/O back in May. If leaks are to be believed, the Daydream VR will be called “Daydream View” and the app support on the VR platform includes YouTube, MLB, and HBO Now.
The venue for the October 4th event is likely to be New York or San Francisco. Many rumors are hinting at 4th October as the announcement date. However, the date of announcement is unofficial and may change.