Google Pixel created quite a buzz when it was released in 2016.
The phone was highly promoted and laid its claim with an advanced camera. Sales have been steady but have posed no real threat to industry titans like Apple's iPhone and the Samsung Galaxy.
Some believe Pixel's sales failed to challenge the larger players due to a design that was nothing special and the price rather large at around $ 650.
Still many in the industry believe Google's attempt to chip away at the Android market was a nice first step and have high expectations that the tech giant will release a new, improved version sometime this year.
Experts point to Apple and the mishaps and improvements it has made with each and every new phone release. They expect nothing less from Google.
What to expect? First think waterproofing. This is becoming an industry norm, found in iPhone 7 and Samsung's Galaxy S7. Many believe the next version of Pixel will be both water and dust resistant. The company did not in include it in its first model but it should be a feature when "2" roles out.
Reports indicate Google wants to improve the camera. Already one of the top smartphone cameras available, the company may be focused on improving low light performance and adding a few new features.
Pixel fans may have to pay more. According to a report at 9to5Google the price could be higher. Major improvements would have to be necessary to justify a top of the market price tag.
Conversely the same report said Google is testing lower end Pixel devices as well, perhaps for a release to countries outside North America. These would have fewer features and a smaller price. Yet it would make sense if a lower end device was offered in the US enabling Google to cover more ends of the market.
More power could be on the way. A higher-powered Snapdragon chip could be employed. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 was used in the first model. Rumors are the company is testing a Snapdragon 830 and / or 835 processor. Some Intel chips may also be considered.
Pixel has become the staple of all things Android and the first phone had the full release version of Android Nougat. The new version could have Android 0 (8.0) to continue on that path.
Phone size matters and little has been said about a Pixel XL 2. While many may have trouble locating an original Pixel XL, it would seem Google would want to continue the model, especially with the success of Apple's larger iPhone 7 Plus with all of its extended features.
When can you count on seeing the Pixel 2? Many believe it will come this fall, about one year following the release of the original version.
How Google plays the release card will be interesting to watch as the new Apple iPhone 8, Samsung Galaxy S8, and LG G6, should all be ready for market about the same time.
George Rosenthal
