Verizon/Gizmodo
Google is getting ready to launch a pair of new smartphones, and the leaks are coming thick and fast.
The latest, via Gizmodo: That they will come with something called "Google Magic" - whatever that is.
On Tuesday, the Californian technology giant is hosting a big event where it is expected to announce and launch a slew of new devices. This includes the Daydream virtual reality headset, the Google Home connected home hub, and the Pixel - a new smartphone that comes in two sizes.
In the run-up to the launch, pretty much every alleged detail about the Pixel phones have been leaked in advance. Bear in mind that none of this has been officially confirmed yet, but this is what people are saying:
- It will come in two sizes - the Pixel and the Pixel XL. The smaller one is believed to be around 5 inches.
- It''ll be made of aluminium and glass.
- It's being made by HTC, to Google's specifications.
- The camera on the back is 12 megapixels, while the selfie snapper is 8 megapixels.
- It'll run Android 7.0 Nougat, the latest version of Google's mobile operating system.
Google Pixel (bottom) and Pixel XL (top) for Verizon Wireless, in blue and silver pic.twitter.com/o1phG9esbP
- Evan Blass (@evleaks) October 4, 2016
Perhaps most interestingly, there have been reports (via Android Police) that Google will be building its own software layer on top of Android, similar to what other Android phone makers like Samsung do. Historically, Google's flagship phones have just offered the pure, "stock" Android experience - but it sounds like there's a change in store this year.
At a guess, this supplemental software will be what Verizon is calling "Google Magic" in accidentally leaked product listings of the new phones, which were first spotted by Gizmodo.
Google hasn't been commenting on the leaks and rumours ahead of the big reveal, so don't expect any early answers from them on Google Magic.
"Google Magic" UH WHAT?!? https://t.co/o25BDIfnqb
- Will Cocks (@wheelsee) October 4, 2016
WTF is Google Magic? #Pixel
- Aswin Lutchanah (@aswinlutchanah) October 4, 2016
So what's this Google Magic thing? It must be what Google will use to convince me that I need to rush out and buy a #Pixel or #PixelXL.
- Jonathan Morris (@jmcomms) October 4, 2016
But it's now only hours until we'll know the truth. The event will be held at 9am Pacific Time (which is 5pm