Ars Technica reports that the invites, sent late on Friday, promise some tantalising “tasty new treats and much s’more.” The specific mention of “hands-on time to follow” the 9 a.m. keynote presentation indicates the presence of new devices, if there was ever any doubt regarding the purpose of the event.
This year, Google will be tempting buyers with the choice of two different desserts, instead of a set menu. New versions of both the Nexus 5 and Nexus 6 are set to be announced with the latter being built by Nexus-newcomer Huawei. Motorola, manufacturer of last year’s Nexus 6, seems to have been ousted but the same is not true of the Nexus 5.
By popular demand and in a move likely to satisfy fans, Google is known to have returned to LG to build the new Nexus 5, allegedly named the Nexus 5X. LG’s original version, launched in October 2013, proved to be the most popular Nexus handset to date, blending affordability and premium specifications into one handy 5-inch form factor.
This could not be replicated by last year’s Motorola-made Nexus 6. The phone was a powerful and luxurious device but its massive six-inch display deterred many previous fans from upgrading their Nexus 5. This year, Google is providing a choice: stay with the phablet form-factor, now commanded by Huawei, or finally get an upgrade for the ageing Nexus 5.
The new phones could prove to be a hit with the Nexus 5X in particular expected to gain popularity among fans. Sales may be helped by people on two-year contracts with the original Nexus 5 who will soon be eligible for upgrade and will be able to make an easy leap between their current phone and the 2015 Nexus 5X.
The Nexus 5X will be slightly larger than its predecessor at 5.2-inches. Meanwhile, the new Nexus 6, apparently known as the Nexus 6P, will be slightly smaller than what Motorola built, coming in at a more friendly 5.7-inches that should open its audience a little to attract more buyers.
The event may be the first public appearance of Sundar Pichai since he became Google CEO earlier this year. Besides the new Nexus 5 and 6, the company is expected to unveil a new Chromecast streaming device and officially launch Android 6.0 Marshmallow. Google will be live-streaming the event on its own YouTube account so anybody can tune in and watch.
