This week we are expecting some major announcements from Google. Although official details are scarce, we have collected bits and pieces of information over the last couple of months. This is everything you can expect from Google at the event on the 29th of September.
Nexus 5X
Every year around this time, we are chomping at the bit for the new Nexus device. Ever since 2009 Google have used the Nexus smartphone line to show off the latest and greatest capabilities of the Android software and ecosystem.
Since then, it has become a legitimate hardware line as well, with many fans eager to get their hands on a phone with stock Android and (up until last year) top-notch specs at a more affordable price.
This year, however, we are expecting two Nexus smartphones for the first time. Google seems to be making another phablet device (as we saw with the Nexus 6), but have also gone with a more traditionally sized phone in the form of the Nexus 5X.
It will be built by LG and will share many characteristics with the last Nexus device they built, the Nexus 5. It will have the addition of a fingerprint scanner this time around, as the capability has been baked into the latest version of Android. Here are the expected specs from leaks and rumours:
| LG Nexus 5X | |
| Dimensions | 146.9 x 72.9 x 8.5mm |
| Display | 5.2-inch FHD or QHD IPS LCD |
| SoC | Snapdragon 808 (6 x 1.8GHz) |
| GPU | Adreno 418 |
| RAM | 2 or 3GB |
| ROM | 16GB model confirmed |
| Cameras | 13-megapixel *Sony IMX278 with OIS and laser autofocus* rear / 5-megapixel front |
| Battery | 2700mAh |
Nexus 6P
As stated earlier, we are also expecting a phablet sized smartphone in the Nexus line (hence the P moniker in its name). It will be built by Huawei this time around, which is sure to garner more interest in the brand in regions it hasn‘t made much of an impact, like North America.
It is also expected to have a fingerprint scanner and come with a USB Type-C port. Below are the expected specs:
| Huawei Nexus 6P | |
| Dimensions | 159.4 x 78.3 x 6.6-8.5 (curved) mm |
| Display | 5.7-inch QHD |
| SoC | Snapdragon 810 |
| GPU | Adreno 430 |
| RAM | 3GB |
| ROM | 32/64/128GB |
| Cameras | 11-megapixel rear / 7-megapixel front |
Android 6.0 Marshmallow
At this year‘s Google I/O event we got our first sneak peak of the new version of Android, and since then some developer builds have been released. The biggest changes when it comes to aesthetics come in the form of Material Design, which has been pushed throughout the entire operating system.
There are some interesting new features in the form of alphabetical-prioritized list browsing for system menus, “œDo Not Disturb“ in the drag-down toggle menu, better copy-paste execution, and native Wi-Fi calling.
Google Now on Tap is also set to change the way we interact with third party apps on Android (especially if you already take advantage of the immensely powerful Google Now capabilities).
Stay tuned for the latest developments from Google in the days and weeks to come.
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