Google Updates for the 12th of March 2015
Google today updated the Chromebook Pixel and introduced the new Google Store which now separates the hardware and software side of things made by Google slightly. Also, the widely-loved Google Nexus 5 is dropped from the official Google store!
Introducing the new Chromebook Pixel 2
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The new Chromebook Pixel 2 has most notably the new USB Type-C connection port. The new USB Type-C port enables charging, high-speed data and display adapters to be used over the same, one USB Type-C port. So effectively, it is a one-port-does-most. I expect more and more devices to come with this port, as it is more universal and easy to use/plug in.
Of course, the Pixel is also great on the inside. It’s got a powerful Intel Core i5 with 8GB RAM and a 32GB SSD. If that’s not enough for you, we’re making an LS (yup, that stands for “Ludicrous Speed”) version that’s even faster.
And even with the new charger, you probably won’t be carrying it around much, since the new Pixel has 12 hours of battery life. When you do need to top up, it’s fast—you’ll get up to two hours of battery life with just 15 minutes of charging.
The display features 239ppi, 2560×1700 resolution and Intel HD graphics.
The battery life is according to Google. With not much resources on Chrome OS as there is on Windows, I do expect the Chromebook Pixel’s battery life to be significantly more than Windows’ laptop which has around 3-4 hours of average use battery life.
By looking at the new pictures of the Chromebook Pixel 2, and that it is crafted in an aluminium form, it does look to be on the ‘heavy’ side of laptops.
The Chromebook Pixel is available for purchase starting today in the U.S. on the new Google Store for $999 and $1299 for the LS version. Judging by those prices, It will probably be way over $1000 NZD if it lands in NZ!
The New ‘Google Store’
Google Store is where you can now find all of Google’s products and where you can learn all about Google’s products like the Android Wear. Google has decided to dump Google Play Devices, instead opening what is now called ‘Google Store’.
At store.google.com, you can shop Nexus phones and tablets, Chromecast and Chromebooks, learn more about newer technology like Android Wear, Nexus Player and Nest, and stock up on accessories like cases, keyboards and chargers.
You’ll see how the Google apps you already know—like Search, Maps and YouTube—work seamlessly with all these products. The Google Store is available on your phone, tablet, or laptop, and right now you’ll get free shipping on everything (consider it our way of saying hello).
The new store seems to automatically know what country you’re in, so will/should show prices in your country’s currency. It did for me right now!
Google continues to say that Google Play will still be the hub of all apps, games, music, movies, TV shows and more.
Nexus 5 Dropped from Google Store
After the launch of Google’s new, revamped store, the Nexus 5 seems to have been removed completely from its products list. I’m still using it as my daily driver! This makes sense as Google will eventually want customers to buy their newer Nexus device, the Nexus 6. However, coming in at a price of $1,099? It seems to have banished Google’s motto for Nexus devices: Affordable But With Great Hardware!
