Recent rumors suggest that HTC will be developing two Android N devices for Google. While the rumors had their origin in a few Chinese media outlets, now reliable tipster Evleaks or Evan Blass has confirmed the same. However, it is not clear whether the devices will be handsets or tablets.
While Blass did not provide any hint regarding the possible launch dates of the two purported Android N devices, he did confirm that Google has internally codenamed them M1 and S1 and they will be manufactured by HTC this year. Quoting sources, another media outlet claimed that Google has codenamed these two devices Marlin and Sailfish, The Verge reported.
He further suggested that the devices may come with different screen sizes. The latest reports are in line with earlier rumors that suggested HTC will be manufacturing the next Nexus device. Many are of the view that the Taiwanese tech titan may incorporate the "Force Touch" technology into the purported handset.
While Google Nexus phone are not as popular as the Samsung or LG handsets, they are important as Google uses the Nexus program as a means to pair an Android OEM and display latest ideas for the Android ecosystem. Nevertheless, Nexus devices attract special attention from Android enthusiasts. As a result, every year there is a fresh cycle of rumors, speculations and leaks as a new generation of Android device comes to focus showcasing the latest the OS the Mountain View tech titan has to offer, Android Central reported.
At present, Google is tied up with Huawei and LG for the Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X, respectively. In addition, Google offers a 9-inch Nexus tablet, which is made by HTC, which also made the original Nexus One. This year, most of the rumors relating to the 2016 Nexus phone(s) hint that HTC will be making the device(s).
Apart from the credibility of the individual reports regarding the next-gen Nexus device is concerned, there are several coherent business reasons why HTC may want to join the Nexus bandwagon again. Those familiar with the happenings at HTC know that this Taiwanese tech titan is gradually moving toward a partner-centric approach in all its business areas, Perhaps, this is the company's natural response to its unstable financial position.
At this stage the reports should be considered as mere rumors, because neither Google nor HTC have confirmed or denied them. In such a situation, fans have little to do but wait for Google I/O conference in May, which things are expected to unfold officially.
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