Google released two Pixel devices – the 5-inch Google Pixel and the 5.5-inch Google Pixel XL – towards the end of last year. These two devices combined high-end hardware with a pure Google interface, a class-leading camera, and a premium design for a high price tag. However, the market is already considering what a second generation Google Pixel might mean. This question, and others, is what Google’s Pixel boss, Rick Osterloh, answered at MWC 2017.

Although Osterloh would not commit to a timescale for the Google Pixel 2, he did explain that the smartphone industry has an annual cycle and that Google may release a second generation model towards the end of 2017. His exact words were: “You can count on a successor this year, even if you don’t hear a date from me now.” This is good news for customers who prefer to buy a second generation device rather than the first.

Osterloh also explained that the current Google Pixel models are still in short supply because Google was finding it difficult to source the necessary components. As he did not clarify what exact parts are in short supply, we cannot say, but we must hope that the second generation model will be available in greater numbers.

Osterloh also confirmed that the Google Pixel was set to “stay premium” despite a number of rumors within the industry explaining that Google would be releasing a less expensive model. Although not implied, we believe Google wants the Pixel brand to resonate as “high-end” with the consumer base it built up with its several million-dollar advertising campaign. Let us remember that Google created Pixel with a different mindset than for Nexus.

Google will leave the less expensive parts of the market to other manufacturers. This is something we have already seen with Nokia deliberately targeting the “Pixel software experience” with their three new Android devices. The Nokia 3, Nokia 5 and Nokia 6 do not offer the same high-end internal hardware but all use a completely stock Google Android software build. Presumably, Google does not wish to release less expensive models to avoid unduly upsetting hardware manufacturers.

Click here for more of our MWC 2017 coverage.

SOURCE [AndroidPIT]