Google is working on an upgraded Pixel smartphone line to launch this autumn, including a model with a nearly edge-to-edge screen, people familiar with the matter told Bloomberg. The company is planning at least two new models, likely to be dubbed the Pixel 3 and “Pixel 3 XL.
The larger phone is designed with a nearly edge-to-edge screen, except for a thicker 'chin' at the bottom of the phone. The display also will have a notch at the top, to house a speaker and camera. The smaller model will look similar to the Pixel 2 and won’t include the notch or edge-to-edge look, said the report.
Google plans to roll out the new phones in October, about a month after Apple typically announces its new devices. Verizon Wireless, for the third year in a row, will be the exclusive US carrier partner for the new Pixels, according to the report.
Google has discussed building its phones for the first time with Hon Hai Precision Industry, also known as Foxconn, the same manufacturer that assembles iPhones, one of the people said. In January, Google acquired parts of HTC, and the engineering talent it got in the deal is heavily involved in the hardware and software development of the new devices, one of the people said.The bigger Pixel will include two camera lenses on the front of the phone inside of the notch, one of the people said. Both models will include upgraded, single-lens cameras on the back, with optimised software for bokeh effect.
Google shipped less than 4 million Pixel smartphones in 2017, according to IDC.
