Young leaders from across Australia came together in Canberra last week to explore democracy and the media at the Museum of Australian Democracy (MoAD).

The News Champions Forum aimed to give young people the opportunity to discuss the role of news in democratic processes, as well as how they are represented in the media.

In the lead up to Global Media Literacy Week, 21 young people took part in the forum to discuss how they can actively engage with news in Australia, capturing their thoughts in interviews with ABC Education. Participants also lead a national discussion on how news can support and engage young Australians.



The forum was part of the Advancing the News Media Literacy of young Australians research project, led by Dr Tanya Notley from Western Sydney University and Associate Professor Michael Dezuanni from Queensland University of Technology.

Google Australia helped support this workshop, along with MoAD, Western Sydney University, Queensland University of Technology and ABC Education.

We’ve also invested to help Western Sydney University to develop a digital news literacy learning framework for the News and Democracy exhibition at MoAD and to map opportunities to incorporate media literacy education into the Australian Curriculum.

This work complements our grant of $1.2m to the Alannah and Madeline Foundation to develop new digital media literacy tools for school students, and is part of our broader efforts to help Australians explore and engage with the diverse range of news and information available on the web. 

Congratulations to all the students who took part and shared their experiences to help us better understand how young people interact with news and engage with information online.

Posted by Sanjay Kumar, Public Policy Manager, Google Australia

Are you interested in a STEM career but don’t know where to start? Jobs in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are growing.

Whether you’re interested in becoming an engineer, or a forensic scientist, there’s someone who can tell you all about their STEM career. That’s why we support Careers with STEM: Code - a guide to showcase the great variety of careers that exist in tech.

Careers with STEM: Code magazines are delivered to every High School in Australia to inspire young people interested in technology and provide with role models. Check out some of our STEM superstars below.

Katie Walker, Software Engineer, Google Australia 
Katie applied for an internship at Google in Sydney when she was studying computer science at the University of Adelaide. Katie now works in the Google Photos team. Find out more here.

	Photo Credit: Lauren Trompp

Tom Wright, Engineering Manager, Google Australia 
Tom, a self-taught coder, ensures Google products like the Google Cloud operate smoothly. Tom said people are his first priority and he’s on-call as a first responder for incidents affecting Google services. Find out more here.

Kathy Zhu, Security Engineer, Google Australia 
When Kathy was in high school she didn’t know that a job like hers existed. She loved STEM subjects but didn’t do any coding until she started university. Today she is a security engineer who ensures that Google’s products and tools are safe from cyber attack. Find out more here.

	Photo Credit: Lauren Trompp

Combining problem solving and coding skills with a passion has inspired these great careers. We hope their stories inspire you to do the same!

Posted by Marie Efstathiou, Program Manager, Computer Science Outreach and University Relations

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.

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

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.

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.

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.