In the next few weeks, Google will officially launch the newest generation of its Android operating system. Currently available as a developer preview, it’s known for now as the Android ‘M’ release, but it will soon adopt the name of a delicious treat beginning with the same letter, when the launch version is formally announced alongside Google’s ‘showcase’ devices for the new OS.
Last year, as part of its Android 5.0 Lollipop launch, Google also unveiled the Nexus 6 smartphone, Nexus 9 tablet, and Nexus Player media box, with the aim of showing off the best experiences available with the updated OS. Recent leaks indicate that Google plans to launch two new flagship-class smartphones to showcase Android M - one of which has apparently been caught on camera today.
Well-reputed tech video producer Marques Brownlee shared a photo on Twitter today, which appears to show a new Nexus handset. The device is clearly a pre-release prototype, with ‘NOT FOR SALE’ markings, but it seems that even Brownlee isn’t completely certain of its authenticity, stating: “Apparently this is the new Nexus.”
A dose of scepticism is always healthy when considering this kind of image, of course – but if we assume, for the moment, that the image is genuine, it’s worth pointing out the sticker at the top left of the phone in the photo. The image quality is far from perfect, but that pinkish circle looks an awful lot like the LG logo.
That would indicate that this photo is of the smaller 5.2-inch Nexus, which numerous reports have stated will be manufactured by LG. The device also appears to include a dual-LED flash, along with what could be LG"s laser-aided camera focus, which first appeared on its G3 flagship last year.
A larger 5.7-inch handset is also expected from Huawei, which would mark the Chinese manufacturer’s debut as one of Google’s Nexus partners. Both devices are rumored to include fingerprint scanners and USB Type-C connectors.