Notch-equipped smartphone displays are all the rage, and Google isn't leaving anything on the table. The Mountain View-based search giant is reportedly seeking to upgrade its Pixel phone range, this time in collaboration with Foxconn instead of HTC and LG Electronics, according to a report from Bloomberg. The report also claims the same engineering team that Google acquired from HTC now has a major role in developing the hardware and software for the new Pixel phones.
Supposedly called the Pixel 3 and Pixel 3 XL, the next-generation devices will most likely arrive in October, with Verizon as the supposed exclusive carrier partner in the U.S. for the upcoming devices. Recent rumors also suggested that the new Pixel phones will be unveiled alongside three new Pixel-branded smartwatches in the fall.
Citing sources privy to the plan, Bloomberg claims the larger phone will ship with a notch at the top of its display and a nearly edge-to-edge screen punctuated by a bottom bezel called the chin to accommodate the stereo speakers on the front of the device. However, the smaller Pixel 3 isn't likely to include any of these features. It's understood that the Pixel 3 XL's notch will be taller than that of the iPhone X, though it won't be as wider. The idea of adding a cutout to the Pixel 3 XL display isn't entirely surprising given that Google's first Android P developer preview includes an option to simulate a notch.
The report also points to a dual front camera set-up housed inside of the notch and upgrades to the rear cameras of both phones. While the Pixel phone series has yet to adopt the dual-camera setup, the devices' single-lens shooter is still able to simulate the sharp zoom and blurry background, or bokeh effect, using software optimization.
Source: Bloomberg
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