Google Pixel 3 Release Date Details Suggest Codenames For Three Models

Details about the Google Pixel 3 may already be surfacing if a new report is to be believed. Phandroid has detailed Google may release three smartphones in 2018 and that the codenames for the future flagship may be ‘crosshatch,’ ‘albacore,’ and ‘blueline.’

Google is known for giving its smartphones codenames after fish and ocean life. The codename ‘crosshatch’ has already surfaced within Android Open Source Project code and developers have connected to possibly being a future Pixel device, according to Phandroid. Google has not confirmed any details about future products at this time.

The tech blog also noted that pre-release rumors for the Pixel 2 devices suggested that Google was supposed to release three models. However, the tech giant released just two 2017 devices in a standard and XL models. Google releasing three devices in 2018 may now be more plausible after Apple unveiled three iPhone models at the same time: the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and iPhone X.

Google introduced the Pixel line in 2016 as a premium addition to the smartphone market. Subsequently, the company retired its Nexus line, which primarily consisted of more cost effective devices. The last Nexus devices were the Nexus 5X and the Nexus 6P, which released in 2015. The Nexus 5X was a mid-range model while the Nexus 6P was a premium model.

Currently, reviews of the Motorola Moto X4 compare the device to Google’s Nexus line, in terms of affordability for a pure Android smartphone. The Moto X4 is currently the only non-Pixel or Nexus device compatible with Google’s Project Fi network. The device is also a part of Google’s Android One program, which offers devices with quality and possibly premium level specs and features at affordable prices.

Whether Google could be reintroducing an affordable level smartphone to its lineup remains to be seen, but such a product would likely be welcome among tech enthusiasts. The Nexus line was seen as hardware intended to showcase pure Android software without any OEM customizations. Now, Pixel line has a mission of propelling AR and VR. Though the Pixel line runs pure Android, primarily showcasing its software doesn’t appear to be Google’s main focus for smartphones.