Google recently approved will host an event in San Francisco on October 4 to introduce its new Pixel Phones. After months of countless rumors and speculation, we now know exactly when the new Google Pixel will replace the Nexus brand. Everything potential buyers need to know and the latest images of the new phone are here.
Google has released Nexus smartphones and tablets that have been jointly developed by popular manufacturers for years. For 2016 though, the company will launch its own smartphones to take on Samsung, Apple and more. Thereupon, the company big announcement.
The teaser video of the Google Pixel Phone event doesn’t reveal much. It is enough to transform the Google Search bar into a tablet and finally a smartphone. We know that these phones will be introduced on October 4th at 9:00 am. Those looking for more details on exactly what to expect will want to read on after the break.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNnCtmyujLA
Earlier this year, we learned that Google is working on two new “Nexus” phones made by HTC. However, that doesn’t seem to be the case as these phones will be sold and marketed entirely made by Google. The company has launched a new website madeby.google.com that’s exactly what it means.
The webpage confirms nothing else besides pointing to a stunning new camera on both Pixel Phones. And yes, there will be two aimed at getting the iPhone 7 and Galaxy S7. Absolutely everything we know so far is here.
Google Pixel Phone Edition
Nexus phones and tablets are probably a thing of the past. From now on, Google will make and sell its own devices. We’ve seen many leaks of these new phones, and last night we got our best picture yet. Take a look below.
This is the 5.5-inch Google Pixel XL and the smaller 5-inch Google Pixel Phone
On October 4, Google will officially unveil both of these phones, and potentially many more. New hardware has come along with Android updates in the past and these will run the latest Android 7.0 Nougat or even Android 7.0.1 Nougat.
While we don’t have any information regarding an actual release date, they should be released in 2-3 weeks after being announced on October 4. Here’s what we know about the event and the phones.
Andromeda
First of all, a big report was released this weekend that could lead to big changes for Google, Android and Chrome OS. AndroidPolice claims They have confirmatory evidence that Google will merge Android and Chrome OS, powering laptops and desktops. Or at least blend all the most important aspects of Chrome OS and desktop features on Android.
It’s called “Andromeda” or Andromeda OS and may first be shown or teased on October 4th. To add more fuel to that fire, Hiroshi Lockheimer Senior Vice President of Android, Google Play and Chrome said this over the weekend.
8 years ago today we announced version 1 of Android. I have a feeling that after 8 years we will be talking about October 4, 2016.
— Hiroshi Lockheimer (@lockheimer) September 24, 2016
His comment strongly suggests that something big is coming along with Pixel Phones on October 4th. Something this big needs to redefine Android as a whole or be an entirely new operating system.
The idea of combining Android and Chrome OS into one unified and powerful operating system sounds great and is nothing new. The Wall Street Journal actually said exactly that in October of 2015. They said it will be shown in late 2016 and will be released in 2017. A similar date lineup has been announced by AndroidPolice and the first Andromeda device is a new Pixel 3. Laptop.
The implications here can be huge, and we encourage you to read it. all AndroidPolice report. Android could evolve into a powerful, versatile operating system that’s great for phones, even better on tablets like the Pixel C, and takes on Apple and Windows at the same time.
Google Pixel
AndroidPolice first reported Google’s new Nexus phones will be renamed “Pixel,” and they’ve been sharing additional details for months. According to their sources, both the Pixel and Pixel XL will be the same in all but three areas. All aluminum and glass, it has the same premium design, the same powerful features and more. The only differences will be screen size, battery and price.
Google seems to take the same two-pronged approach as Samsung and Apple. It is launching two high-end flagship smartphones that have a lot to offer. The smaller phone is rather a low- or mid-range device with a wallet-friendly price tag. In fact, AndroidPolice claims that the smaller 5-inch Pixel will retail for $649, and the larger Pixel XL will likely be $749.
Just days away from Google’s October 4 event, popular leakster @evleaks Evan Blass just shared First official press photo. This is the Google Pixel with new icons, Pixel Launcher, redesigned on-screen buttons, Google Assistant and more.
Pixel Phone Features
Both the Pixel and Pixel XL will feature a premium all-metal and glass design, fingerprint scanners, excellent cameras, possibly dual speakers (because it’s made by HTC), and much more. Above we can clearly see the Titanium Silver model. The strange discoloration is that half of the rear is covered with glass. The glass back is used similarly to the Antenna lines on the iPhone, as the metal does not transmit network connections, WiFi or Bluetooth very well. That said, here are the specs based on leaks and rumors.
Of course, everything can change and we will reserve our decision until October 4, when these phones will be introduced. From what we’ve seen, these look like excellent new smartphones 100% made and produced by Google. We hear that Verizon may have a special opportunity to sell them with unlocked models sold on the Google Store.
Google’s official teaser video and website point to a better camera than last year, and that should be on par with the iPhone 7 and Galaxy S7 series. Pixel Phones will run Android 7.1 Nougat. Yes Google has the first Android 7.0 update ready for release. There is no indication that these will see Andromeda now or in 2017.
Google Pixel XL Phone
The Pixel XL, the larger of the next two phones. Aiming to replace the popular Nexus 6P, it will be Google’s true flagship smartphone in 2016.
The new Pixel XL will be very similar to the Nexus 6P, but slightly smaller and overall improved. Having Android 7.0 Nougat with a smaller screen but the latest most efficient processor and the same size battery means it could be Google’s best smartphone to date.
Pixel Software
Google recently confirmed that they will be making some software changes and adding more unique features to Nexus phones. Instead of running stock Android. Below is a teaser of the new Pixel Launcher. There’s no app drawer, the bottom navigation buttons will be different, and the Google Search bar has been replaced with a “G” button that opens Google Search.
If true, Google will make some minor but probably useful software tweaks. These phones will also run the new Google Assistant shown at Google IO. Google brings the power of search, computer learning and voice controls to smartphones like never before.
We don’t know what’s new and different in the Pixel Phone version of Android 7.0 Nougat, but we expect some big changes to make these devices stand out as something truly unique and different from other Nexus or Android phones.
Huawei 7 inch Tablet
The first Android device made entirely by Google was the Pixel C tablet in 2015. All other Nexus tablets are made by ASUS, HTC and Samsung. While we don’t have any concrete details that Google will unveil a new Pixel tablet, the rumors point to exactly that.
Google’s 7-inch tablet with 4GB of RAM, manufactured by Huawei, is on its way to launch before the end of the year.
— Evan Blass (@evleaks) September 5, 2016
Above is a tweet from famous leaker Evan Blass that suggests Google has a new tablet in the works. Huawei may be doing this for the company, but it will be entirely designed by Google. Well, they want us to believe it.
To take things even further, the official Invitation and teaser from Google strongly recommends a tablet as well. Showing the Google Search bar transforming into a tablet and eventually a smartphone. We may see a new tablet and two new Pixel phones on October 4th. Another report suggests that the tablet could launch later this year, potentially being one of the first devices to run the new Andromeda operating system.
Other products
So what else could Google have planned for October 4th? If recent reports and rumors are true, it’s actually a lot. AndroidPolice and its highly sensitive resources believe Google will introduce a number of products.
We can expect to see a new 4K Google Chromecast Ultra alongside two new Pixel Phones and potentially a Pixel (or Nexus) tablet. In addition, the company can publish google homea new Google WiFi device and Dream VR. Two of them were introduced at Google IO. Other rumors suggest that Google is working on two new Android Wear smartwatches that could be the Pixel Smartwatch.
All of this comes together as one big event for Google. Recently revealed invite and promotional photos and videos focus on the new Pixel Phones, but we may see a lot more from Google on October 4th. It’s not clear yet if all of these will be released, but it’s definitely going to be a busy and even busier month 2017 for Google. The company is also expected to make announcements about the upcoming maintenance release (MR) software updates for the Nexus. devices and help Google develop Android 7.0 Nougat.
Things are about to change drastically if parts of Android and Chrome OS merge into what is now codenamed Andromeda. It could be a big announcement and we’ll get all the details.
Again, nothing has been confirmed apart from Google’s official teaser and some leaked information and photos. However, October 4th is almost here and everything will be revealed.