The latest rumors are suggesting that the Google smartphones to be released this year will drop the Nexus brand, and instead be named Pixel and Pixel XL.
Pixel and Pixel XL
Since 2010, Google has named all of its Android-powered smartphones under the Nexus brand. Last year saw the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P. But this year, Android Central is reporting that this will no longer be the case, with the new names being confirmed by various sources.
Google working with HTC
The latest releases, which has seen Google link up with HTC to help manufacture the phones, will be the 5″ Sailfish, known as Pixel and the 5.5″ Marlin which will be branded as the Pixel XL. We know that HTC is involved in the manufacturing because of two FCC filings mentioning the company, but interestingly, HTC is not expected to be seen anywhere on the smartphones.
The reasons for this change in branding are unclear. One theory is that the new devices will be the most heavily Google-influenced in terms of design and so to signify this, a name change was necessary.
All of this flies in the face of what Google CEO Sundar Pichai said at the beginning of the Summer. He stated that Google were not building their own in-house phone and would be investing even more into Nexus. This latest information certainly seems to discredit those statements.
Price information
It is not the just the name that appears to be changing, with the prices also rumored to be set for an overhaul. The 32GB Pixel is expected to be sold for $449, a $50 increase on the 32GB Nexus 5X. Last year’s 32GB Nexus 6P cost $499 but the 32GB Pixel XL will likely set you back a cool $599.
Announcement likely to be October 4th
The official announcement is expected to be made in the next few weeks about the latest devices. Although unconfirmed, various sources are suggesting that October 4th will be the day we can finally all know for sure what to expect from the tech giant.
As well as the smartphones, Google is expected to release details about the Google Home, and the Daydream VR Headset.
