The Coolest Announcements From Google’s Nexus Event

Slick new Nexus phones and a squishy new version of Android

Most of the announcements from yesterday’s Google Nexus Event had already been leaked online, but the official unveiling of new phones, specs, and prices still comes as a happy leap forward in the world of Android.

The two biggies you need to know: we’ve got two killer new Nexus phone models and a fluffy-sweet new version of Android.

The next Nexii: Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X

The Huawei-produced Nexus 6P is being lauded as Google’s “most premium phone yet.” The 7.3mm-thick metal body comes in frost white, aluminum, and graphite, and includes a brand spanking new fingerprint sensor on the back of the case dubbed the Nexus Imprint. The back camera sports a whopping 12.3 megapixel Sony sensor, while the front twin boasts a respectable 5. The port is now a USB Type-C (as opposed to the old Micro USB) - which will require a new cable, yes, but should charge to full twice as quickly as the iPhone 6 Plus. Pricing begins at $499, and preorders open today in the US, UK, Ireland, and Japan.

The Nexus 5X is the direct successor to the much-beloved Nexus 5 from LG. The screen has been boosted to 5.2 inches, and the back also includes the Nexus Imprint fingerprint sensor (which is designed with Google Pay compatibility in mind - you’ll be able to verify your identity at checkout with a simple tap on your phone). The port has also been upgraded to the USB Type-C. This is the more affordable option for those not ready to splurge on their device, priced at a budget-friendly $379. Just like the 6P, it’s now available for preorder in selected countries.

Both phones will start shipping in October.

Fluffety, puffety Android Marshmallow rolls out next week

Hope you had your fill of lollipops, folks, because a fluffier version of Android is rolling out your way starting next week. Android 6.0 Marshmallow’s most talked-about feature is probably Now on Tap, which integrates all the functionality of Google Now searches and voice interaction into individual apps. This feature is available for third-party devs as well, meaning more conversational-type interactions will be possible in apps across the board.

Watch for improved battery life, more consistent notifications, and the ability to fine-tune your privacy controls. Nexus users should receive the updates first as usual; the rest of the Android brands will make their own tweaks and then shoot it out to users in the coming weeks.

All the rest: Project Fi, Chromecast, The Pixel C

A few leftover bits and pieces that you may or may not get excited about:

• Project Fi, Google’s own wireless network, has already been offering ultra-reasonable $20 monthly text/calling plans plus $10 per additional GB of data - but, up until now, exclusively for the Nexus 6. Looks like the two new models, the 6P and the 5X, will also be able to connect to Fi.
• The brand new Chromecast 2 is way faster than its predecessor, and it’s been optimized for wi-fi streaming. The price point of $35 hasn’t budged.
• Google releases its first surface tablet with the Pixel C, which features a 10.2 inch screen and includes the option of a detachable keyboard. Priced at $499 (plus $149 for the keyboard), it should be available for purchase around the holiday season.

So I want a Nexus 5X. Been using an iPhone 5 for the better part of 2015, and I'm ready to swap back to the world of Android. Anyone else planning on preordering? Tell me what'll be in your stocking in the Comments below.