There were some worrying – and puzzling – rumors about the latest mobile devices coming by Google in their Nexus line, codenamed Marlin and Sailfish. More specifically, it was claimed that they would not ship with Android 7.0 out of the box, leading many users to scratch their heads wondering what Google could be thinking. Flagship devices without the latest version of the OS make no sense, after all, and they could actually harm the image of the company to a great extent.
Thankfully, it seems like this was just a matter of miscommunication, as recent reports indicate that the devices will actually ship with Android 7.1 instead. Which, of course, should be perfect for all Android fans who want to get their hands on the latest release of the operating system. We don’t know if there will be any special modifications in place for the devices, but that’s not very likely. Google have traditionally kept the Nexus like “vanilla”, as part of its purpose is to demonstrate the capabilities of pure, base Android.
This prompted some fans to wonder when the release of Android 7.1 might be planned for, as it should arrive shortly before the device is launched, or along with it in the latest. Reports claim that Google are planning to release the newest version of the operating system according to a schedule similar to last year’s, so the release should be here soon.
It should arrive with some interesting updates, including extra features on the Home button, as well as an improved launcher and organizer-like capabilities. Google have been moving in a certain direction with their work on Android recently, as they’ve been making the operating system smoother and more convenient for power users who like to keep their lives organized with the help of a smartphone/tablet, and the latest version should reflect that even more.
It’s interesting to note that both Nexus devices coming up seem to have the same hardware specifications, with the exception of their screen sizes. It looks like Google are trying to target different segments of the market without compromising anything, as people have started to have some strictly defined preferences for their screen sizes lately. This is definitely not a bad move, as we’ve already seen from other manufacturers in the past. The only other difference is in the storage space available in each device, and all in all it looks like the Marlin is aimed at heavier users who want more screen real estate and more storage for their data.
The reported price differences between the two phones have been criticized by some as exploitative by Google, as not everyone is convinced that an extra $150 justifies an increase of half an inch in the screen size, and a larger storage capacity. This has been a common strategy on the mobile market recently, much to the dismay of many users on it, so Google should approach this release very carefully if they don’t want to get some negative reputation in the coming months.
All in all though, it looks like the company is preparing a solid pair of devices for their 2016 release, and the Nexus line is here to stay. People were somewhat skeptical of the initial Nexus devices, such as the 2012 tablet (even though in the end it was received very positively), but recently the brand name has become very popular, and many people are actively following Google’s progress with it.