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According to a report from Android Police, Google is rumored to unveil a number of new products at an event being held October 4th. Among them are the Chromecast 4K, Google’s own in-house design of a Daydream VR viewing device and full specifications for Google Home. But the devices that seem to be grabbing the most attention are the two new phones being released by Google. Codenamed Marlin and Sailfish, these two phones were initially announced as the newest in the line of devices produced by Google under the Nexus name. Produced by HTC, FCC filings released have confirmed the devices and preliminary specs.
This is where the story starts to go a little awry.
Last week Android Police announced that they had received news from two independent sources that Google would in fact be dropping the Nexus name and releasing Marlin and Sailfish as Pixel branded handsets. While the reports have yet to be confirmed by officials from Google, Android Police seems confident that they are reliable. Why Google may have decided to back-seat the Nexus brand remains to be seen. The previous Nexus phones, the 6P and 5X, seem to have found themselves very comfortable among major flagship phones. Google’s move to rebrand them as Pixel seems like a curveball that has created a media field day.
Here is where we move from “off the beaten path” to “previously uncharted territory”
What if these two new Pixel phones were, in fact Chrome OS, devices?
That’s the question that is now being asked across countless web communities as well as news sites. Some news outlets have even report that the devices are expected to be released with a dual boot of Android and Chrome OS. That, my friends, is a little bit of a stretch.
Actually, it’s pretty much made up.
While the rumors of a Chrome OS and Android merger have been rampant, I have seen nothing to corroborate claims that anyone has EXPECTED these to be Chrome OS phones (except for the guy that wrote that article).
Our friends over at ChromeStory make a pretty good argument as to the plausibility of Chrome-OS-based devices becoming a reality. The concept isn’t that far fetched. For some time now there have been rumors and rumblings that Android would be the Chrome OS killer. Recent events seem to put those speculations to rest as Android Apps are being brought into the Chrome OS environment. With the ability to access both operation systems inside one ecosystem, Chrome OS and Android seem to be learning to coexist as opposed to compete.
With that being said, I want to address the facts and the facts alone. In future articles, we will touch on how the environment of Chrome OS and Android could evolve. We will also discuss what we know so far as it pertains to current development of the two operation systems.
The Facts
First, Android Police clearly stated that the rebranding of the Nexus phone to the Pixel brand was cited as being two independent sources. While I tend to put a fair amount of stock in Android Police, this is not an announcement from Google. Do not get the two confused. The Pixel C was reported as being a new Chromebook device right up to the point Google announced it’s release date and the fact that is was an Android convertible. So, until Google makes it official, it’s not official.
Next, I am of the belief that Google is definitely working on something that will create a seamless atmosphere for the two operating systems to live in harmony. That however, is a huge undertaking. I would be left speechless if developers have gone from Android apps on a Chromebook (which is still having the kinks worked out) to announcing a full-fledged Chrome OS smart phone.
Granted, I am not a developer. Not even close. But, I spend hours upon hours reading commits and code looking at all the shiny new things that the Chromium OS team is up to. I have found no evidence that these new devices will be running Chrome OS.
Does that mean Chrome OS phones aren’t happening?
I wouldn’t say that. I just don’t know if that time is upon us yet. Who knows? I could be completely wrong. But, I will be speechless if we are watching the big announcement on October 4th and we see a Chrome OS Pixel phone. And believe me, speechless isn’t really my thing.
That remains to be seen and we will discuss that at length later this week. So, keep an eye out for that and more news from the world of Chrome.
While you’re here chime in. We’d love to hear your thoughts on Google’s new devices and what you think about the possibilities of Chrome OS coming to smartphones. Leave a comment below or drop us a line at info@chromeunboxed.com.
