MWC 2017 | Google pledges second-generation Pixel smartphone

The Pixel, Google’s 2016 flagship smartphone was a critical and commercial success when it released in October of 2016. Critics praised the phone’s premium construction and internals, as well as its software, even though the phone’s design was controversial due to a strong resemblance to Apple’s iPhone 7. Targeting the higher end of the smartphone market was a new direction for Google, which had previously focused on producing affordable devices that provided good value for money, leaving the premium section of the Android market to other manufacturers like Samsung. The Pixel also debuted a collection of new features, including the Siri-like Google Assistant AI and Daydream VR support that is expected to eventually make their way to other Android phones.

It seems that Google’s decision to go premium with the Pixel paid off, and as a result, the company intends to release a follow-up device in 2017. Speaking to Android Pit, Google’s SVP of Hardware Rick Osterloh confirmed that Google intends to release a premium follow up to the Pixel in 2017, even if the exact date has not been confirmed.

It is unclear at this time if Google intends to offer a larger, “XL” version of the Pixel follow-up as they did with the original phone. Regardless, fans of the original Pixel should have a new premium phone from Google to look forward to in 2017.

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