Rick Osterloh: “Pixel 2” Coming in 2017; Successor to Remain Premium

Google is launching a new Pixel smartphone this year and it will be a premium device.

For instance, the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 was the first fully VR ready mobile processor and it debuted with the Pixel and the Android Daydream View headset which was for Google’s VR platform.

However, if you’ve still got you hopes up for a budget Pixel device, we’ve got some good news for you today.

In keeping with past strategy, Google may be set for multiple releases, with the company reportedly planning to release more than one Pixel 2 device.

For Google to fully justify the Pixel 2’s high price, however, a number of improvements on the smartphone must be initiated, according to a Forbes report.

Brian Rakowski of Google said the phone was “designed inside and out to be smart”. Thoughts? Let us know what you think in the comments section below and stay tuned. Google really wants the Pixel brand to be known for its smartphones for now.

These words, along with the current non-availability of the Pixel laptops on the Google Play Store, did seem for many as a definite end for Google’s Chromebook. There hasn’t been any detail on Pixel 2 specs and release date but Google’s official announcement has made it clear, it is coming, and it is expensive. The devices come with Google Assistant integration, and other exclusive Android features – really marking the arrival of a pure Android smartphone. This is the biggest entry of Google into the hardware market.

Meanwhile, it is noticeable that Google has seen a shortage of devices to deliver with an increasing demand for Pixel series phones. It is the successor of the Nexus 6 and part of the Nexus line of Google that was released on September 29, 2015 along with Nexus 5X.

That said Google does need to drastically improve two aspects of the Pixels for 2017: to compete with the Galaxy S8 and iPhone 8 redesigns, Google must greatly slim down the Pixels huge top and bottom bezels. The upcoming Pixel 2 will remain nestled within the “premium” category of smartphones, no negotiating around that. On the other hand, it will really help Google capture various other markets (including India) if they happen to release a cheaper variant in the Google Pixel range.