'Nextbit' smartphone release date Sept. 1: specs, features to expect

U.S.-based startup Nextbit has announced plans to unveil its first ever smartphone product on Sept. 1. The company consists of former Google, Apple, HTC, and Amazon employees, according to reports.

Nextbit

According to CNET, the startup began as a software company focusing on cloud-based tools. This time, it is planning to shift its focus towards developing smartphones and enter the smartphone business.

The new phone is expected to be a premium device, according to reports, and will run on the Android mobile operating system (OS).

According to an interview with CNET, former Google employee Tom Moss, who is now the Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of Nextbit, said in regards to the new phone, "Your phone will perform better over time and function at a higher level because of this software enhancement."

"Phone fatigue is a real thing," Moss told CNET. "That's why we're doing something different," he added.

As of this time, nothing is known yet about the new phone in terms of its specifications and features. However, Moss hinted that the phone will cost around US$300 to US$400.

In addition, Nextbit's Chief Technology Officer and co-founder Mike Chan said the company plans to address the issue of storage capacities. He said their new smartphone is expected to work with cloud-based technology that will increase the storage capacity.

Increasing the storage capacity means users would be able to store a large amount of apps, videos, and images. Nextbit intends to use their expertise in software technology, particularly in operating systems, to enhance the hardware side.

In the past, both Moss and Chan had worked with Google's Android team. Also, another expert onboard the team is Scott Croyle, former head of design at HTC Corporation, and now Nextbit's Chief Product Officer.