Google Nexus 6 to come this fall from Motorola, codenamed ‘Shamu’?
Alexandra BurlacuA new-generation Nexus smartphone from Google may be in the cards after all and it may arrive from Motorola, if a new report turns out to be accurate.
It's well-known that Motorola is no longer a Google company, as it has been acquired by Lenovo. However, although Google and Motorola went their separate ways early this year, it seems that the two companies still have at least one more exciting collaboration.
According to a new report from Android Police, Google and Motorola may be gearing up to release a Nexus 6 smartphone, which for now is codenamed "Shamu."
"The rumor this time is simple - according to information made available to us, Motorola is working on a device with Google code named Shamu. The device is supposed to be targeted at major US carriers, and unspecified carriers in other parts of the world, which would probably include the markets that currently have access to Nexus devices, though this detail is still unclear," reveals the publication.
It's worth pointing out that some heavy speculation earlier indicated that Google will no longer launch a new Nexus smartphone this year, as it was preparing to ditch this project in favor of a new one - Android Silver. The rumor mill nonetheless continued to churn in anticipation of new Nexus devices, and Google's Dave Burke later confirmed that the Nexus lineup is not going anywhere.
Previous rumors already indicated that Google was planning to launch a new Nexus tablet codenamed "Volantis" in collaboration with HTC, and now the latest report suggest that a new Nexus smartphone is in the pipeline as well.
Not many details are currently available regarding the specs of this purported "Shamu" Nexus 6 from Motorola, but Android Police did manage to find out that the device will sport a massive 5.9-inch display and boast a fingerprint sensor for extra security. Android Police further mentions that the device is targeted for a November release, but notes that it is not something set in stone.
"While we aren't yet confident enough to say Shamu will definitely materialize as a Nexus phone this fall, we can make an educated assertion. Besides the fact that our information mentions Volantis and Shamu in tandem referring to Android's L release, the device is currently running a Google-built kernel, something that is definitely not an established pattern for non-Nexus devices."
In conclusion, all signs seem to point to the fact that the Nexus program is still in place and more devices will join the lineup this year, but it remains to be seen just which devices will hit the market. LG has previously said that it will no longer be in charge of making the next-generation Nexus smartphone, but reckoned that Google may team up with another company for the Nexus 6. If this new report turns out to be accurate, that new partner may be Motorola and the Nexus 6 may launch this fall. Until official confirmation, however, take everything with a grain of salt.
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