Google’s 2016 smartphones will reportedly be called the Pixel and Pixel XL
The official name of this year’s Nexus lineup has been called into question ever since early renders/mockups of the device showed it without the usual “NEXUS” emblazoned on the back. With rumors that Google was taking more control over both the hardware and software of their next device(s), the world was left wondering: just what will Google call their new smartphones now?
Well, for those that don’t remember, Google called the Pixel C “the first Android tablet designed and built from start to finish by Google.” With big G allegedly taking the same approach with this year’s phones, Pixel seemed like a good enough candidate. Turns out, as reported by Android Police, that’s exactly what Google is planning for their new smartphones. Apparently, the smaller 5-inch model (Sailfish) will be called the Pixel, while the larger 5.5-inch (Marlin) gets the title of Pixel XL. Makes enough sense.
Despite being manufactured by HTC — and carrying a very similar design aesthetic to existing HTC devices like the 10 and A9 — the Pixel and Pixel XL wont carrying any official HTC branding. Instead, a small G logo will probably be all that you see on the devices, with an OS experience that’s said to be uniquely Google’s.
The biggest question we have is where the Nexus is left in all of this. Will Google continue to launch another developer-centric smartphone offering a bare-bones “stock” Android experience? I guess that remains to be seen. Should be an interesting year.