Australia Blog
News and notes from Google Down Under
Never miss your favourite artist on tour again--see tickets for live shows right on YouTube!
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Over one billion fans come to YouTube each month to connect with their favourite artists and discover new music. And now, we’re making it easy for Aussies to go from experiencing music online to seeing live performances through partnerships with Ticketmaster and Eventbrite.
Starting today, Australian fans watching videos from Official Artists Channels will see ticket listings for live music performances throughout Australia. With one easy click on the “Tickets” button, they’ll be able to purchase directly from ticketing partners such as Ticketmaster or Eventbrite, and more partners in the future. Australia is one of the first countries to have this feature outside of North America.
Live events continue to be a major source of revenue for artists, so we want to help artists keep fans updated on their upcoming shows and sell more tickets to live performances. YouTube’s global audience also lets artists find new fans, with 24% of Millennials and 33% of teens claiming they discover live music events through the platform, according to a
Nielsen
report from 2018.
The new feature aims to connect fans with not only the
global artists they love
, but also will give them a chance to discover more intimate events with breakthrough Aussie talent like
Tash Sultana
,
Rüfüs Du Sol
,
Alison Wonderland
,
The Jungle Giants
,
Lime Cordiale
or the
Teskey Brothers
.
YouTube is the space where many Australian artists first built their online platform. We’re excited to continue furthering the power of video discovery on YouTube by bringing those artists and fans closer together through live shows.
Posted by Ruuben van den Heuvel, Head of Music Content Partnerships (South East Asia, AU/NZ), YouTube.
Nest Mini brings twice the bass*
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
It’s only been two years, but already, millions of people around the world have received hands-free help from the Google Assistant in any room in their home, all thanks to Google Home Mini. Back in May, we brought together the Google Home and Nest teams under the Google Nest brand. And now, we’re bringing you the second-generation Google Nest Mini, which is re-engineered to make everything you love about the original even better.
A new speaker with powerful sound
We know that people love listening to music on their Google Home and Nest devices. Since launching the original Google Home, people have listened to billions of hours of music. So with Nest Mini, we upgraded the hardware and software to make it sound even better, and it really brings the bass.
Nest Mini provides bass that’s twice as strong as the original Google Home Mini (measured from 60-100 Hz at max volume). Our expert audio engineers developed proprietary audio tuning software, allowing us to get the most out of the hardware with a full, clear and natural sound at every volume level.
If you’re listening to music, podcasts and other types of media on Nest Mini, thanks to ultrasound sensing, LED lights will light up as your hand gets close to the device, indicating where you can tap to adjust the volume. We’ve also improved Mini’s ability to hear you in noisy environments.
Whole home audio
You can connect Nest Mini to your other Nest speakers to build a sound system for your whole home. If you have more than one Google Home or Nest smart speaker or display, simply create as many different groups as you’d like in the Google Home app, and enjoy music, podcasts and more throughout your home.
And with
stream transfer
, you can fill your home with sound by moving your music, audiobooks and podcasts from one speaker to another just with your voice. Even transfer music or podcasts from your phone when you walk in the door. For example, If I’m hosting a dinner party, once I’m done cooking in the kitchen, I just say, “Hey Google, move the music to the living room speaker” to keep the party going.
The power of whole home audio goes beyond music, and it can be a helpful way to stay in touch with family and friends. We’re enabling an intercom feature on all Nest smart speakers and displays which lets you talk to anyone in the home from your phone or another Nest smart speaker or display. You can also call home right from the device your Google Home app, and your Nest Mini will ring. With Duo, Google’s communications app, you can call anyone with a Duo account on Android or iOS devices, as well as PC’s with Chrome.** It’s hands-free, so just say, “Hey Google, call Mum.” You can also call specific devices in your home from the Google Home App when you’re on the go. And if you’re a
Telstra customer in Australia
you can voice call any contact, business or 000 when your hands are full or your phone is out of reach.***
Your Assistant will keep getting better
The new Google Nest Mini has all the things you loved about the original version – ask it questions, tell it to do things, get news updates, control devices around your home and more. Up to six people can connect their account to one Nest Mini, so if you ask your Assistant for help, it can distinguish your voice from other family members or housemates. As the Google Assistant adds functionality over time, Nest Mini will automatically update its software so you don’t have to lift a finger while it keeps getting better.
Sustainably and safely designed for your home
Nest Mini has the same iconic design as the original Mini, with soft rounded edges that blend in with your home. It comes in four colours: Chalk, Charcoal, Coral and a new colour, Sky, which was inspired by Lake Como in Italy.**** We’ve also incorporated wall mounting capabilities into Nest Mini, because you told us that you needed creative ways to incorporate Nest Mini into your decor and save precious counter and shelf space.
Like so many of you, we’re committed to helping the planet, so the fabric covering on Nest Mini is made from 100 percent post-consumer recycled plastic bottles (meaning plastic bottles that have already been used and recycled). A single half-litre plastic bottle makes enough fabric to cover more than two Nest Mini devices. The external enclosure is also made from 35 percent post-consumer recycled plastic. Now, all
Nest products
launching in 2019 are built using varying amounts of recycled plastics.
Like our entire Google Nest range, Nest Mini has been designed with your privacy in mind and, per our
privacy commitments
, there’s a switch for you to disable the mic. You can also access, review and delete your queries at any time via
My Activity
.
You can buy Mini in Australia for RRP $79, and starting today, you can pre-order from the
Google Store,
JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys. You’ll find Nest Mini on shelves at those retailers and more from October 29.
Once you set up Nest Mini, just say, “Hey Google, what can you do?” to get started. And once you do that, say “Hey Google, play bossa nova” and get ready to party.
Posted by Mark Spates, Product Manager, Google Nest
* As compared to Google Home Mini.
** To make Duo calls, Google Duo accounts are required for you and the call recipient. Emergency calling is not supported.
*** Requires a Telstra mobile service with credit on a smartphone, a powered Google Nest Mini connected to an active Wi-Fi network and activated through iOS/Android Google Home app. Data charges may apply. Call charges will be in accordance with your Telstra mobile plan. To call E000, say “Hey Google, call Triple Zero.”
**** Not all colours are available in all stores.
Posted by Mark Spates, Product Manager, Google Nest
Boost your home's signal and style with Nest Wifi
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Homes weren’t built for Wi-Fi, so when we introduced Google Wifi in 2016, we built Wi-Fi to work for anyone, in any home. With
Nest Wifi
, we’re taking everything you love about Google Wifi and making it even better, with a powerful router and a Wifi point that includes the Google Assistant, bringing you more help at home.
Whole home coverage
The Nest Wifi system is actually two separate devices: The Nest Wifi router plugs directly into your modem, forming the basis for a strong and powerful home network, and the Nest Wifi point expands your coverage where you need it most.
Nest Wifi is more powerful than Google Wifi, delivering up to two times the speed and up to 25 percent better coverage. A 2-pack Nest Wifi router and point is great for most 1-2 bedroom homes while the 3-pack can cover most 2-3 bedroom homes.* The system is scalable, so you can add more points later to make sure you’re covered. And if you’ve already got a Google Wifi network, you can easily add Nest Wifi to it for additional coverage.
Simple setup and control in the Google Home App
Setting up Nest Wifi is easy. Plug it in and download and open the Google Home app, which will guide you through setup in minutes. Once you’re set up, you can manage your network in the app alongside your other supported connected devices.
The app makes it easy to share your Wi-Fi password with guests, prioritise devices (like when you’re on a video call), test the speed of your network, set up a guest network or change your password. Plus, if you have a Nest smart display like the Nest Hub Max, you can share the guest network and password right on the display—and scan the code with your phone to get online.
You can also manage separate homes in the app. I’m the tech expert in my family, so with their permission, I also manage my parents’ network. This way, when I get a call that the Wi-Fi isn’t working, I can quickly check what’s wrong or let them know if they need to call their internet provider.
My sons are in middle and high school, so while I want them to go offline at certain times during the week, I don’t mind if they stay up later on weekends, playing video games or streaming their favourite shows. With Family Wi-Fi features in the Google Home app, I can easily set my sons’ devices on a Wi-Fi schedule, pause the Wi-Fi to their devices at any time and block adult content on their devices.
Hands-free help with the Google Assistant The Nest Wifi point also has a speaker with the Google Assistant, which means it can do everything that
Nest Mini
can do; it’s really two devices in one. We’ve even incorporated the same speaker as Nest Mini, so you can add it to a speaker group and rock out to your favourite playlist throughout the house.
And if you’re like me and sometimes have trouble getting your kids’ attention, just say “Hey Google, pause the Wi-Fi for Dylan’s device.” You can also use the Assistant to get more info about your Wi-Fi network. Just say, “Hey Google, what’s my internet speed?”
Designed for your home
Many routers are hidden in a closet or cabinet, where the signal is blocked and can be reduced. Nest Wifi has a beautiful design with soft, rounded edges and unobtrusive lighting. It’s meant to be placed out in the open, where it’ll perform at its best and will naturally blend into your home.
Nest Wifi is built using sustainable materials. The router enclosure is made from 45 percent post-consumer recycled plastic, and the point enclosure is made from 40 percent post-consumer recycled plastic.
Smart home support
We also built the Nest Wifi system to provide the foundation for your future smart home devices. It has local home connectivity, which means that some devices can connect directly to the system without needing a hub, so you can easily set up the most popular lights and plugs right from the Home app.
Peace of mind
Nest Wifi has been designed with your privacy in mind and per our
privacy commitments
, there’s a switch for you to disable the mic on the WiFi points. You can also access, review and delete your queries at any time via
My Activity
. With Nest Wifi, you’ll also never have to worry about whether or not your router is up to date. We automatically push security and performance updates to your Nest Wifi devices, to help keep your network safe and working at its best.
Nest Wifi is available for preorder today and will be on sale in Australia from November 5. You can get a two-pack with one router and one point for RRP $399, or a three-pack with one router and two points for RRP $549 at the
Google Store
, JB Hi-Fi, Harvey Norman, The Good Guys and more retailers in the coming months.
Posted by Sanjay Noronha, Product Manager, Google Nest
* Home size, materials and layout can affect how Wi-Fi signal travels. Mid size to larger homes or homes with thicker walls or long, narrow layouts may need extra Wifi points for full coverage. Speed of signal will also depend on your internet provider.
Pixel 4 is here to help
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
With a camera that helps you get the perfect photo every time, a new way to use your phone
without touching it,
and a fast and responsive display, Pixel 4 packs new technology into a striking new design. Best of all, Pixel includes the latest version of Android and Google’s best software, which gets better with each update.
Get the perfect photo with Pixel 4
Pixel 4 brings Pixel’s largest camera upgrade yet. There are now two cameras on the back of the phone, including a new telephoto lens. When you combine this new hardware feature with our Super Res Zoom software, it gives you exceptional image quality—even from a distance.
Night Sight already helps you take beautiful photos in full darkness, and now, we're turning to the stars. You can use Night Sight for shots of the night sky, the stars, and even the Milky Way when you find a clear night.
Pixel has delivered outstanding photo quality ever since we introduced always-on HDR+ (High Dynamic Range) in the original Pixel. With Pixel 4, you can fine-tune the brightness and amount of detail in the shadows, helping you balance difficult shots like sunrise portraits. Pixel 4 also brings Live HDR+ in the viewfinder so you know exactly what your photo will look like, even when you're using the new controls in tricky lighting.
Caption: Sunrise photo captured using dual exposure, taken by Uge from Aquabumps on Pixel 4
A phone that senses what you want it to do
Pixel 4’s Motion Sense* feature uses a miniature radar sensor to understand what’s happening around your phone. It can sense when you’re reaching for the phone and will initiate face unlock, or turn off your screen when you’re not around. New Quick Gestures let you skip your music when you’re doing something else: cooking, running on the treadmill or even when you’re in another app or if your display is off. Just wave your hand to snooze alarms, dismiss timers, or silence your phone. Motion Sense will be available in Australia when Pixel 4 hits the shelves.*
Built for performance and security
With 6GB RAM, a 90hz display,** and Pixel Neural Core, Pixel 4 is fast and powerful. Pixel Neural Core is the engine for on device processing, always-on computing, and machine learning, meaning more tasks are done on the device for performance and privacy.
Pixel 4 also includes Google’s custom-built Titan M security chip*** to help protect your most sensitive data and ensure the integrity of the operating system. Combined with the latest version of Android 10, monthly security updates, and access to Google’s advanced security services, Pixel 4 was designed to keep your data secure.
New built-in apps
Pixel’s new Recorder app brings the power of search and AI to audio recording. When you open the Recorder app and start a recording, you can keep track of meetings, lectures, jam sessions — anything you want to save and listen to later — and the app simultaneously transcribes speech and tags sounds like music, applause, and more. Then, you can search your recordings to quickly find the part you’re looking for. All Recorder functionality happens on-device, so your audio never leaves your phone. We're starting with English for transcription and search, and we'll be rolling out to more languages soon.
A new Google Assistant is on the way
Thanks to a deeper integration into Pixel 4, we’re making improvements to the Google Assistant to bring you a faster way to get more things done. The new Google Assistant will launch in Australia on Pixel 4 in summer via a software update to your phone. By asking the Assistant, you’ll be able to multitask across other app, search your phone, and more. Stay tuned to hear when the new Google Assistant is live in Australia!
Pricing and availability
Beginning today, you can
pre-order
a Pixel 4 – from RRP $1,049 and Pixel 4 XL from $1,279. Pixel 4 comes in three colours, including Clearly White, Just Black, and a limited edition, Oh So Orange**** – and will be available from October 24 at Telstra, Vodafone, Optus, JB Hi Fi, Harvey Norman, Officeworks and the Google Store.
Posted by Brian Rakowski, Vice President, Product Management
* Not functional in Japan. Motion Sense functional in the US, Canada, Singapore, Australia, Taiwan, and most European countries. Not all phone features are controlled by Motion Sense. For more information see g.co/pixel/motionsense
** Not available for all apps or content. Display automatically adjusts to optimize for best viewing and battery performance.
*** See g.co/pixel/security for additional security information.
**** Oh So Orange is available in 64 GB only.
Grow with Google brings digital skills training and tips to Burnie businesses
Friday, October 11, 2019
Grow with Google
has continued on the road, this time heading to Burnie in Tasmania for the first time to host digital skills workshops for businesses and locals. We were joined there by Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie who officially opened the event.
Caption: Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie with Google Australia
Public Policy Manager Hannah Frank
Today’s event was held at Weller’s Inn and attended by more than twenty local businesses who picked up tips on how to grow their presence online and be found by more customers, where to gain customer insights, and general digital tips and tricks.
Grow with Google
aims to provide all Australians with access to digital skills training online and in-person, to help them make the most of the Internet - including within our fast growing digital economy.
We know that digital tools can open up new opportunities for regional communities and businesses - and help level the playing field. But many people and businesses are unsure where to begin, which is why we created Grow with Google to help close this gap.
A
report
released by AlphaBeta in September found that Google’s advertising and productivity platforms were helping more than a million Aussie businesses and had helped deliver business benefits of $35 billion so far this year - including supporting 2100 Tasmanian jobs.
The report also
highlighted
Tasmanian business success story Bridestowe Lavender, which has used digital marketing to help turn an old lavender farm into a popular tourist destination.
Since 2014, Google has trained more than half a million people across Australia through online and in-person digital skills training, as well as curriculum integrated through school and partner programs.
Grow with Google
aims to create opportunity for all Australians to grow their skills, careers, and businesses with free tools, training, and events. It includes an
online learning hub
accessible from anywhere, on any device, with hundreds of handy training modules. The next Grow with Google event will be held in Melbourne on 24-25 October. Find out more at:
http://g.co/GrowMelbourne
.
Posted by Hannah Frank, Public Policy Manager, Google Australia
Google Street View Dives into the Largest Fringing Coral Reef in the World
Monday, September 30, 2019
On the west coast of Australia is an ocean paradise home to 300 species of coral, 500 fish species and megafauna such as whale sharks. It’s the Ningaloo Coast, and this is where the Google Street View team has spent the last 10 days capturing imagery -- adding to the more than 170 billion images from 87 countries already collected.
The Ningaloo Coast is World Heritage listed and was named a
Hope Spot
by Mission Blue this year, meaning it’s critical to the health of the ocean. The good news is much of the reef is currently still healthy. This Street View capture is a chance to document its current condition and keep track of how it's evolving. And by raising awareness and making sure that as many people as possible see this natural wonder, and get to understand its significance, we hope to do our bit to help protect this incredible place.
Kerstin Stender from Parks and Wildlife Service WA captures Turquoise Bay with Google Street View Trekker.
Street View imagery is gathered in a number of ways: some places are captured by the Street View car, others by the Trekker, or we can dive beneath the waves with 360-degree cameras. Partnering with
Parks and Wildlife Service WA
and not-for-profit
Underwater Earth
, we captured Ningaloo from every angle, collecting imagery above, below and along the coast.
Kerstin Stender from Parks and Wildlife Service WA and the Google Street View Trekker keeping an eye out for whale sharks as they cruise the Ningaloo Coast.
We trekked hundreds of kilometres of National Park lands and beaches. On the water, we watched for whale sharks, humpback whales, turtles, and more. Then, we swam in the pristine waters of the Indian Ocean to capture images and learn about this unique part of the world.
Christophe Bailhache from Underwater Earth says G'Day to a leopard shark as he captures the Ningaloo Reef for Google Street View.
Whether you’re in Newcastle, Naples, Napa or Nairobi, in the coming months you’ll be able to experience and explore the magic of the Ningaloo Coast on Google Street View and Google Earth, without getting your feet wet.
Posted by Kristine Arnott, Communications Manager, Google Australia
Photo credit: Sam Venn Photography
Bringing digital skills to Wagga Wagga
Friday, September 27, 2019
Today,
Grow with Google
came to Wagga Wagga for the first time, helping local businesses, community organisations, teachers and students, and locals pick up vital new digital skills.
The
Grow with Google
program aims to provide all Australians with access to digital skills training online and in-person, to help them make the most of the Internet.
Caption: Googler Hayley Yu shares small business tips with Wagga businesses.
At today’s event held at the International Hotel in Wagga Wagga, more than 100 local businesses learned how to grow their presence online and engage customers, teachers gained tips for engaging students in learning opportunities, and individuals at all stages of the digital journey picked up new skills.
They were joined at the workshops by Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack and Google Australia’s Country Director Mel Silva.
Caption: Google Australia Country Director Mel Silva with Deputy Prime Minister and Member for Riverina Michael McCormack.
There are tremendous opportunities for those who take advantage of digital tools, especially in regional communities where it can help level the playing field. But many people are unsure how to go about it, which is something we’re helping to address through Grow with Google.
Since 2014, Google has trained more than half a million people across Australia through online and in-person digital skills training, as well as curriculum integrated through school and partner programs.
A
report
released by AlphaBeta earlier this month found that Google’s advertising and productivity platforms were helping more than a million Aussie businesses and had helped deliver business benefits of $35 billion so far this year.
Caption: Wagga Wagga Chamber of Commerce Board Member Rhys Bower with Google Australia Country Director Mel Silva.
Grow with Google
aims to create opportunity for all Australians to grow their skills, careers, and businesses with free tools, training, and events. It includes an
online learning hub
accessible from anywhere, on any device, with hundreds of handy training modules. The next Grow with Google event will be held in Burnie Tasmania on Friday 11 October. Find out more at:
http://g.co/GrowBurnie
.
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