The HTC-built Nexus smartphones (the Nexus Marlin and Nexus Sailfish) are expected to make their debut sometime in September, but a new report our of India claims that Google is planning to launch two new devices in early September which will be Google-branded. The devices as said to feature 5.5-inch and 5-inch display and will be equipped with 128GB and 32GB of internal storage. The resolution of the display and other specifications have not been shared, but the source of this new rumor claims that the phone will run on Android Nougat and that Google Assistant will be prominently featured.
Based on what we know, the devices referenced in the new rumor will likely be the Nexus Marlin and Nexus Sailfish. It’s not clear if Google will be doing away with the Nexus brand completely or if the Google branding on the phone will only make an appearance is certain markets.
Nexus Sailfish shown off in more leaked photos
Google has been releasing phones under the Nexus brand since the HTC-built Nexus One made its debut at CES in January of 2010. While the Nexus name is highly respected among Android enthusiasts, it doesn’t have a lot of brand recognition among the general public. Making the brand switch from Nexus to Google could give the device a lot more visibility and allow Google (and HTC) to sell a lot more phones. Making the switch may also be tied to the launch of the new Google Assistant which the company is hoping will give its devices an incredible advantage over the iPhone.
Do you think a Google-branded smartphone would fare better than a Nexus device?
Source: Gadgets 360
How do Google Assistant and Nexus branding are connected? Why name dropping is tied to Assistant at all?!