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Pixel 5, Chromecast with Google TV, Nest Audio: Everything Google just announced

Google unveiled the Pixel 5 phone, an improved Chromecast and other new products at Wednesday's virtual launch.

Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
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Karisa Langlo Senior Editor
Karisa Langlo has been writing and editing professionally for over 12 years, joining CNET with two writing degrees and bylines in Milwaukee Magazine, Louisville Magazine and The Masters Review. She started on CNET's mobile team before expanding to all tech and now works across categories to optimize the performance of all CNET advice and storytelling, from Wellness to Money, News and Culture. Karisa also manages strategy for CNET's Tips franchise.
Expertise Culture, How-To, Tech, Home, Wellness, Money, News Credentials
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Lori Grunin
Karisa Langlo
2 min read
Chromecast with Google TV
Juan Garzon/CNET

Google's big Launch Night In event Wednesday was the latest in a flurry of September tech announcements. The virtual event, which saw the unveiling of the Pixel 5 and Google's first entry into the 5G space, followed its unveiling of the Pixel 4A budget phone in August. That event confirmed the existence of Google's next flagship phone, the Pixel 5, and the Pixel 4A 5G. Both new phones were launched at Google's September event, along with a new Chromecast and a new Nest-branded smart speaker, the Nest Audio. There were few surprises, however, other than the Hold for Me phone feature, which puts those awful you're-on-hold-forever calls in Google Assistant's hands.

The Pixel 5 announcement, as with Google's previous flagship phones, has been leakier than ancient plumbing (or perhaps, as CNET's Lynn La suspects, the "leaks" are part of Google's marketing strategy).

Watch this: Everything just announced at Google's Pixel 5 event
Google

Google's latest flagship adds 5G support to Google's rota, and it went live on Google's store before the announcement. It starts at $699 (£599, AU$999). The camera adds Portrait LIght and Night Sight in portrait to the camera. And with the new phone, Google's added a big bundle of services called Google One, a la Apple One.

Read our Pixel 5 first take.

Pixel 4A 5G

Google takes its midrange phone up to 5G starting at $499 (£499, AU$799).

Read our Pixel 4A 5G first take.

Chris Monroe/CNET

The $50 (£60, AU$99) updated Chromecast has a new remote with an Assistant button, plus dedicated buttons for high-profile streaming services. "A more helpful TV" is Google's tagline for Google TV, which seems to be Android TV: The Next Generation. It updates the recommendation engine and delivers better search results, plus aggregates your streaming subscriptions. 

Read our Chromecast with Google TV hands-on first take.

Watch this: Chromecast with Google TV wants to help you find what to watch
Screenshot by CNET

More bass, value and skinniness seem to be the hallmark changes to the Nest smart speaker. It'll run you $100 (£90, AU$149).

Read our Nest Audio first take.