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Google’s new Nexus phones will be called the Pixel and Pixel XL instead

Nexus phones to be renamed

Ever heard about the word Nexus? If yes, then drink it in nice and slowly as Google reportedly has got some re-branding in the pipeline. More details after the jump!

What was the Nexus anyway? What does this mean and why did Google even choose this name? Nexus basically has two meanings; it either means a connection between two things and the center or focal point. Whichever meaning Google chose to make Nexus their own, it duly symbolizes what the Nexus smartphone series has been doing since its inception in January 2010.

Hows’s that so? This is because Google has always developed the Nexus smartphones in collaboration with another manufacturer. There goes meaning number one. Secondly, it really becomes the central point for pure Android lovers because of its supreme lag-free performance. Meaning number 2, check!

It’s been almost 6 years since the first Nexus phone came about and it is now being said that Google is planning to shake things up a bit. They’ve already done that by handing HTC another go at making the 2016 Nexus phones and now we’re getting some strong reports that the upcoming Google phones, previously rumored to be named Nexus Marlin and Sailfish, will no longer be called as such. Even the Nexus will finally see retirement and instead will be replaced by a new name; Pixel and Pixel XL.

Google phones in 2016-2017 will be called “Pixel” phones

Nexus has been the pure emblem of Google’s Android devices. Honestly, the name perfectly blends with what Google and its collaborative manufacturer presents us every year and it is quite surprising as to why is Google all set to rename its premium smartphone series. A lot of proposed theories have surfaced of which even the most credible ones seem really dubious.

One of the proposed theories about the possible re-branding is that the latest Pixel and Pixel XL are the most Google-ish phones to date so this was apparently the time when Google wanted to move away from the collaborative development stamp on the Nexus devices and rename them to make them their own. Other than that, we’re not quite sure as to what exactly is Google thinking.

You might be wondering as to why we’re banging drums on something that could be scrapped in an instant. In our defense, Google’s latest Android tablet has been officially named Pixel and Google’s newest home device, Google Home, in no-way shows any attachment to the name Nexus. This is sure to add fuel to all the speculation surrounding the now seemingly ex-Marlin and Sailfish smartphones.

Whatever the case, Pixel and Pixel XL are coming with supersonic specifications. Rumor has it that they’ll only differ in screen sizes while the rest of the specifications could pan out like this:

  • 5 inches or 5.5 inches 1080p AMOLED display with 440ppi pixel density.
  • 12 megapixel primary and 8 megapixel secondary camera.
  • 2.0 GHz Quad-Core processor with 4GB of RAM.
  • Rear-mounted fingerprint sensor.
  • USB type-C

The exact screen size and specifications of the Pixel XL is still unknown and it is likely that all of its specifications will be in excess of the ones mentioned above. This means that whatever name Google will choose for its upcoming devices, the smartphones would be extremely competitive. We’re a little sad about the prospect of seeing the name Nexus going away. Are you?

(via Android Police)

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