Background information

Are these Google's new Nexus smartphones and smartwatches?

7.7.2016

Translation: machine translated

With the final release of Android 7.0, Google will also introduce new hardware. The first images and specifications of the Nexus smartphones have already surfaced. More surprising, however, are rumours about two alleged Google smartwatches.

In order to present the performance and functions of new Android versions in the best possible way, Google produces its own hardware every year with the help of third-party manufacturers. Last year, there were two smartphones, the Nexus 6P from Huawei and the Nexus 5X from LG. On top of that, there was even a tablet, the Pixel C, which was manufactured by Google itself. This year, there are increasing rumours that the search giant wants to get even more involved in the manufacturing process.

The information comes primarily from the American tech blog Android Police, which is a very reliable source for such leaks and was also the first to report in detail on the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X last year. Android Police itself rates the veracity of the following rumours as very high.

The image is a so-called mockup that the blog created itself from the existing information. Source: AndroidPolice

Nexus smartphone no. 1: codenamed Marlin

The very first Nexus smartphone, the Nexus One, was made by HTC. Now the Taiwanese are to get a double chance. The larger of two Nexus smartphones is to be created under the name Marlin. Apart from the display size and resolution and the battery, they are said to be practically identical. If these rumours turn out to be true, Google would be following the same path as Apple with its iPhones or Sony with the Z series. The specifications are as follows:

Manufacturer: HTC
Processor: Quad-core Qualcomm
Display: 5.5 inch QHD (2560x1440) AMOLED
Connection: USB-C
Camera: 12MP rear, 8MP front
Fingerprint scanner on the back
RAM: 4GB
Battery: 3450mAh
Speaker: One at the bottom
Memory: 32 or 128GB
Bluetooth: 4.2

This would make the Marlin slightly smaller than the Nexus 6P with its 5.7-inch display. Android Police is not yet sure about the processor and is wavering between Snapdragon 820, 821 or even 823.

Nexus smartphone no. 2: codenamed Sailfish

The smaller of the two devices will be aimed at fans of the Nexus 5 and 5X. The only compromises will be in terms of resolution. Despite the smaller battery, the battery life could still be good thanks to the lower resolution.

Manufacturer: HTC
Processor: Quad-core 2.0GHz 64-bit
Display: 5 inch FullHD (1920x1080) AMOLED
Connection: USB-C
Camera: 12MP rear, 8MP front
Fingerprint scanner on the back
RAM: 4GB
Battery: 2770mAh
Speaker: One at the bottom
Memory: 32GB, other sizes not known
Bluetooth: 4.2

Appearance

As the picture shows, the devices bear little resemblance to HTC devices. Neither an HTC nor a Nexus logo is visible. Instead, Google's "G" is emblazoned on the back. Of course, this could still change. Nevertheless, the question inevitably arises as to whether the smartphones might be produced by Google itself as part of the Pixel series, which is known for its high quality standards. It is therefore not surprising that the devices are said to be made of an aluminium casing. The shiny part of the back could be made of either plastic or glass. There are also antenna strips. According to Android Police, the image should correspond to both the Sailfish and the Marlin - simply in two different sizes.

Smartwatches from Google

The image is merely a symbol image from Android Police and does not reflect the actual appearance of the watches. Source: AndroidPolice

While two new Nexus phones are no big surprise, another leak is causing a stir. Android bloggers claim to have discovered that Google is planning to release two smartwatches of its own. In round form with one to three physical buttons and two different sizes. Angelfish, the larger model, could have similarities with the Moto 360 or LG Urbane 2nd Edition LTE. At 14mm, it wouldn't be the thinnest and with a diameter of 43.5mm, it wouldn't be the smallest fish in the tank either. However, in addition to GPS and heart rate monitor, it also includes a 4G module. This means it could benefit from the new Android Wear 2.0 functions, which allow apps to be used independently of the smartphone. It has three buttons on the right-hand side and supports Google's interchangeable MODE wristbands.

The MODE bracelets with practical quick-release fastener.

The smaller model is called Swordfish and is strongly reminiscent of the Pebble Time Round. Unlike the Angelfish, it only has a single button on the right-hand side. With a diameter of 42 mm and a thickness of between 10.6 mm and 0.8 mm, it is thinner than the Moto 360. 4G and GPS are also included. Android Police remains sceptical about the heart rate monitor.

Both models are intended to place a special focus on Google's new smart assistant, which also understands complex multi-step questions. It was extensively presented during the Google I/O developer conference. In addition, there will be several special watch faces designed to provide faster access to notifications, information and media control.

The Swordfish is said to look similar to the Pebble Time Round - but without the bold black frame.

Reaction to dissenters

The reason why Google is suddenly focussing more on in-house production could be due to the fact that numerous manufacturers such as Samsung and Huawei are increasingly favouring their own operating systems. And as watches with Android Wear in particular have not yet taken off, Google could try to boost demand with its own models.

When the devices will be available is still uncertain. Google has announced that Android 7.0 or Android Nugat will be released at the end of the summer. And as Google has presented the new hardware at the same time in the past, it should be ready as early as August. <p

19 people like this article

Philipp Rüegg

Senior Editor

Philipp.Rueegg@digitecgalaxus.ch

As a child, I wasn't allowed to have any consoles. It was only with the arrival of the family's 486 PC that the magical world of gaming opened up to me. Today, I'm overcompensating accordingly. Only a lack of time and money prevents me from trying out every game there is and decorating my shelf with rare retro consoles.

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