Google Pixel, Pixel XL release date, specs: Android 7.1 Nougat among features

Google's next pair of smartphone offerings will reportedly come by the name Pixel and Pixel XL instead of Nexus. New details about the features of the device were also revealed as well.

According to the well-placed tech insider LlabTooFeR, the Google devices will be launched with the Android 7.1 Nougat, an updated version of the new mobile operating system.

This build is also known Maintenance Release 1. The insider says that the current build number of Android 7.1 is NDE63B. Through this, the Google Pixel and Pixel XL will enjoy a new launcher, the new Google Assistant and Daydream Support.

For those who are not in the know, Google is not calling its upcoming smartphone offerings as Nexus. This was revealed in a benchmark listing, which listed the bigger of the two as Pixel XL.

There's no explanation behind the name change, at least not yet. But Slash Gear believes that the Pixel line where Google is more in control instead of hardware partners.

However, the fact that HTC is manufacturing the flagships suggests this might not be the case. Whatever the logic is behind the change, it definitely suggests a new direction in Google's smartphone endeavors.

The same leak revealed that the device will come with 4GB of RAM. Previous reports suggest that this will be accompanied by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor.

As Slash Gear notes, the only difference between the Google Pixel and Google Pixel XL is their size. The former will come with a 5.2-inch display while the latter will don a massive 5.7-inch touchscreen.

Save for the display, both devices will come with the same set of specs. In an earlier report, it was said that the smartphones will sport a 12-megapixel IMX378 Sony sensor.

The Google Pixel and Pixel XL are expected to be released on Oct. 4, where the Daydream VR headset and Android Wear updates will likely be unveiled.

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