Every year since 2010, Google has launched a "Nexus" phone into the marketplace -- a device made by a third-party manufacturer, with the distinction of being the first one kissed with that year's version of Google's Android operating system. Nexus has since become synonymous with higher-end features in a package that's cheaper than Apple and Samsung's top phones.
This year, things are probably going to be a little different. Here's what we know so far, and what's rumored, about the next Google-branded phone.
There will be two and their names shall be Pixel (maybe)The word on the web is that Google is doing away with the Nexus brand and plumping for Pixel instead. Why? We don't know for sure, and it's only a rumor for now, but Google already has a Pixel C tablet, so the designation at least makes sense. If the rumors are true, we'll have two phones, the Pixel and Pixel XL. That would work out, too. Last year we saw double Nexus phones a s well, the Nexus 6P (made by Huawei) and smaller, lighter-featured Nexus 5X (made by LG).
You could be looking at the Google Pixel and Pixel XL.
Android PoliceI don't have any insider information here, but if I were to guess, I'd say Google might want to start fresh because the Nexus numbering is getting out of hand. Phones named 6P and 5X don't seem to belong to the same generation (but they did), and with the iPhone 7 phones, four Samsung Galaxy "7" phones and the ZTE Axon 7, another "7" phone would feel played out. There's also the matter of an existing Nexus 7 and Nexus 9; Google may be running short on names. This would also be a good opportunity to give the phones a new philosophy or price range.
October 4 launch date setWe can't say for sure that Google will definitely unveil its next phone, but something rectangular is being unmasked on October 4 in San Francisco. Google's site for the launch, its invitation to journalists, giant billboards and new TV commercials all show a phone-shaped rectangle accompanied by a Google "G" (and various morphing animations from the Google search b ar, on the video versions).
We'll be on the ground covering the event live.
What else do we know about the phones?Again, we don't know anything for sure, but we've heard plenty of rumors and leaks about phones that may or may not be called the Pixel and Pixel XL. The smaller phone might have a 5-inch screen; the larger one a 5.5-inch display. They could be made by HTC and start at $650 (that converts to about £500 and AU$860), with the Pixel XL costing more. There may also be a financing plan you can buy from Google and an extended warranty, similar to Apple Care.
The back may have an unusual glass panel.
@OnLeaks, Android AuthorityThe phones could come in three colors, according to Android Police: aluminum, black and bright blue colors. In the US, it's possible they'll sell through Google's Store and Verizon.
The possible specs, pieced together from leaks all over the internet, from Business Insider, Android Authority and Android Police are listed below.
Rumored Google Pixel specsDon't hold your breath for the Project Ara modular phone with swappable parts; that's stalled so much that Google has finally pulled it off the table, for now.
But here's what we do expect:
Rumors and leaks will hit a fever pitch as the October 4 event approaches. We'll update this story with the best nuggets we find, and we'll be sure to bring you all the goods from Google's big event.
Source: Google Pixel phones: Everything we know about the release date, price and specs of Google's rumored Nexus successors
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