Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL) have announced the release of two new Nexus phones and the first completely Android built tablet, in the company’s latest attempt to take market share from rival Apple.
The Nexus 6P is the first all-metal-body Nexus phone, and was built in collaboration with Chinese phonemaker Huawei. Initial reviews have been promising, with engadget.com labelling it “shockingly svelte”. The 5.7” phone is made of aeronautical-grade aluminum, with a powerful 64-bit processor, and a 12.3 MP camera starting from $499; slightly cheaper than the iPhone.
The announcement also included the launch of Android Pay – primarily only in the U.S. – after the launch of Apple Pay a few months ago.
Branching further into tablet technology, the company have made their first Android tablet built end-to-end by Google, bringing together “the benefits of a full-size keyboard with the portability of a tablet”.
The markets reacted well to the news, sending share prices up after it was announced. However, rivals such as Google and Samsung have consistently struggled to match the success of Apple, and whether new similar features will help bridge the gap remains to be seen.
