R.I.P. Google Nexus, Long Live Pixel, Pixel XL with Android 7.1 Michael Kwan September 6, 2016 News We have known for some time now that HTC would be responsible for the next generation of “Nexus” phones. These new devices have carried the codenames of the HTC Marlin and the HTC Sailfish. We’ve since learned that Google is killing the Nexus brand, but what name will take its place? Apparently, we know that now too. The HTC Sailfish and HTC Marlin will be known as the Pixel and Pixel XL, respectively. Google has used the Pixel name before, of course. We already have the Pixel C Android tablet and the Chromebook Pixel, both of which represent the most premium product in their respective categories. Given this, the expectation is that the new HTC-made Pixel smartphones should also represent the top of the line, demonstrating what is capable with the platform. And to this end, even though no phone has yet to ship with Android 7.0 Nougat yet, the upcoming Pixel phones will reportedly ship with Android 7.1. The assumption is that this is only a minor update to 7.0 with only a few small changes. It’s possible that Android 7.1 could be exclusive to the Pixel line too, helping to further differentiate the Google phones from those made by other partners. We have heard that “vanilla” Android could be a thing of the past. Additional leaks have indicated that both phones will get a Sony IMX378 12MP camera in the back and a IMX179 8MP camera in the front. As previously reported, the Sailfish (now Pixel) and the Marlin (now Pixel XL) will sport 5.0-inch and 5.5-inch displays, respectively. Expect both Android smartphones to drop on October 4th. Via University Herald and BGR Share This With The World!
