Google Nexus 2016: Pre-Order Pixel X, Pixel XL In October; To Come With Unannounced Android OS?

News broke last week about the possible cancellation of the much-anticipated new Google android phones, Nexus. It turned out that the tech giant was just dropping the name and rebranded the HTC Sailfish and Marlin into Pixel X and Pixel XL, respectively. When are these new phones coming out?

According to reports, pre-orders of Google Pixel X and Pixel XL could be available as early as Oct. 4, the same date that the new devices are expected to be officially announced. This speculation is backed by a report from Ausdroid, as cited by Phone Arena, which revealed that Telstra will start taking pre-orders for at least one of the Pixel phones beginning on the said date. The report added that the Pixel handsets will be launched in Australia on Oct. 20, which is likely to be the same time for other markets.

Meanwhile, according to BGR, the formerly known Google Nexus 2016 devices are likely to come out of the box with a brand new Android operating system that has not even been announced. With that, Pixel X and Pixel XL are anticipated to sport Android 7.1 Nougat. The latest released Android 7.0 Nougat came out last month, and given the security update releases, it would not make sense for Google to release its flagship devices with a two-month-old OS with outdated security features.

The publication noted though that there's not much difference to expect from Android 7.1 Nougat. In fact, the feature bumps could only be small. The new features reportedly would include a new launcher and a new Google Assistant in the new home screen, as well as a hidden customization menu.

In terms of prices, rumors have it that the premium Pixel XL would cost $599 while Pixel X will be around $499, a little higher than their predecessors. Google's move to change its new phone's branding is part of an effort to bring Google's brand at the forefront.