Google Shows Off New Nexus Smartphones, Chromecast Devices

— -- Google unveiled two new Nexus smartphones today at an event in San Francisco boasting internal improvements, including an additional security later allowing apps to use a fingerprint identification system.

The Huawei-made Nexus 6P is a full-metal bodied Nexus device with a 5.7-inch display, making it slight bigger than the iPhone 6s Plus. The LG-manufactured Nexus 5X follows up on the successful Nexus 5 and includes a 5.2-inch display weighing an astoundingly light 136 grams, according to specs announced by the company.

Both phones are available for pre-order today in the Google store in the United States, Ireland, United Kingdom and Japan. The Nexus 5X starts at $379, while the Nexus 6P starts at $499. The phones will ship unlocked at the end of October, company officials said.

Along with an improved camera and 4K video capabilities, the new devices will also come with the Android sensor hub, which VP of Android engineering Dave Burke said "takes literally just a couple of seconds" to learn a fingerprint, which can then be recognized in a few hundred milliseconds.

Both phones will run on the Android M software, which will also be rolled out to existing devices next year. What makes Android M stand out from its predecessors (also named for desserts, including the most recent KitKat and Lollipop) are performance enhancements, including an easier way to find information in apps and updates to Google Now, the Android virtual personal assistant.

A power saving mode called Doze will help keep the system in a sleep-like state in order to conserve battery life. Another feature is an app's permissions system, allowing users to approve or deny security settings for an app on a case-by-case experience.

Google also took aim at Apple Music during the event with the launch of a Google Music family plan, allowing as many as six people to share an account for $14.99 per month, putting it at the same price point as Apple's service.

New capabilities were also unveiled for Google Photos, including Chromecast support, shared albums and the ability to label people, making it easier to quickly find important memories.

A re-designed Chromecast dongle will also be available today offering an integrated HDMI cable and the capability to play mobile games on a television screen, among other features. Google also debuted Chromecast audio, a $35 device to connect existing speakers.

Google closed the event by teasing its new Pixel C, a $499 tablet sold alongside a $149 attachable keyboard, noting the device would be available in time for the holidays.

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