Image via Complex Original
It's been almost a year since the Google/Motorola merger became official. The Internet giant acquired the hardware specialist for a cool $12.5 billion and strengthened its mobile portfolio by claiming ownership of the manufacturer's 17,000+ patents, all while continuing to upgrade its market-leading Android OS. However, besides releasing minor updates to the Droid RAZR series, Moto's smartphone catalog has failed to draw the public's interest and left the company falling far behind Apple and Samsung.
But the company has been mapping out its future and spent the last eight months producing its next wave of Android handsets, about which we've heard endless rumors. Several key Google and Motorola execs recently confirmed and teased updates regarding the brand's upcoming flagship products. And judging from what's been disclosed and hinted upon, the codenamed Google X is poised to become the next big mobile of 2013. Here's a breakdown of Everything We Know About the Google X Phone (So Far).
It's Indestructible
Motorola design chief Jim Wicks says the X phone will feature an unbreakable design capable of sustaining heavy wear and tear. Google CEO Larry Page also teased the possibility of a shatterproof display during Google’s Q1 2013 earning’s call, saying, “when you drop your phone, it shouldn't shatter.” This leads us to believe the X's panel will be constructed from Sapphire Glass—advanced screen technology three times stronger than Gorilla Glass.
Stonger Battery Life
Considering Moto's significant strides in battery innovation—including the introduction of its Smart Actions software and massive battery cells—it's no surprise the company continues to place a strong focus on further improving battery life. Page stressed this when discussing Google's new devices stating, "Battery life is a challenge for most people. You shouldn't need to carry around a charger to make it through the day."
The company is working on a solution that provides X users with two to three days of power without charging. What, exactly? That's unknown for now, though there are rumors of the device sporting a huge built-in 4,000mAh battery.
Will Not Debut at Google I/O 2013
Everyone had the X's coming out party marked for Google's upcoming I/O Developers Conference. According to Sidehtech, there are no plans to unveil the handset or even the Nexus successor codenamed the Nexus 5 at I/O 2013. Reports say to expect an updated version of the Nexus 4 that offers 32GB of internal storage, plus CDMA and LTE radio support. But who’s to say Google is not planning a stand-alone event for its next-gen smartphone?
The First Fully Customizable Phone?
"Wouldn't it be great if you could personalize your phone like this?" Motorola adviser Guy Kawasaki shared these exact words on his Google+ profile page, posting a video clip of the Porsche Exclusive, which is billed as the most personal car. The post has experts believing users will be able to make internal and external modifications to the device such as changing the color and increasing the RAM. Nothing's been confirmed as of yet, but it’s safe to say the Google X will be customizable in some way.
It Won't Be A Phablet
While companies like Samsung and LG have all indulged in the so-called "phablet" fad, Motorola has made it clearer than a Rihanna see-through top that it has no intentions of releasing a smartphone/tablet hybrid. Jim Wicks told PC Mag all plans are to design a phone that’s “just right” in regards to size. Good call.
No Bloatware
One of biggest complaints regarding Android devices is the massive amount of pre-installed programs supplied by mobile carriers. Google’s finally heard our cries and looks to offer a bloatware-free skin for all future smartphones and tablets, just like with the Nexus 4. Jim Wicks describes it saying, "It will be the unadulterated version of Android, and I feel really good about our embracing Android and being the best Android experience."
Key Lime Pie Will Be Served
With the previous Qualcomm roadmap leak mentioning two new Android devices supporting Key Lime Pie and the Google X being MIA at this year’s developer's conference—Google needs a big headliner for its upcoming I/O event.
That could very well be the official debut of the newest iteration of Android, Key Lime Pie. And since the company’s new flagship device is projected to come out within the same time frame as the upcoming OS, it only makes sense for Google to bring the two together for a huge launch.
We're sure Page and co. are thinking the same. Even if a software update follows after launch, Android's new OS is still destined to eventually come to the device.
Available On Different Carriers
Unlike the majority of Motorola devices, the Google X will not be reserved for the Verizon network. PC Mag took note of Motorola design chief, Jim Wicks, comments regarding the company’s goal to “build more cross-carrier brands.”
His words: "We are going to try to drive a more singular expression of our brand across multiple carriers. It's a fundamental change in the model."
This also leads to speculation that the X will become Moto's new flagship franchise and not be associated with the Droid series.
It Boast a Crazy Spec Sheet
Several tech sites have claimed to receive updates on the Google X’s spec sheet via anonymous tipsters.
Phone Arena’s source says, based on the recent prototype, the device will flaunt a 4.7-inch FHD 1080p display with an extremely thin bezel. Seeing as how Motorola gave its last series of Droid phones full HD panels, the odds of upping the ante with a more powerful and larger hi-def display are high.
The other notable hardware upgrade being discussed is Qualcomm’s upcoming Snapdragon 800 quad-core processor, which is scheduled for release around the same rumored time frame as the Google X. That being...
Release Date is Pegged for Second Half of 2013
Some analysts say July, others have it launching around the holiday season. All we know is Motorola has confirmed a release during the second half of 2013. Judging from the company’s track record, our money is on November.
