Google’s new Pixel smartphones could boot into a “desktop mode”

As the date of Google‘s big announcement draws closer, we find ourselves with several fascinating pieces of information about the new Pixel smartphones as well as a look at what could be the new Chromecast Ultra.

Does Andromeda ring any bells?

Let’s start with the big daddy, the Google Pixel and Pixel XL. Serial leakster Evan Blass (@evleaks) recently dropped a photo of what he claims is the front of the brand new Google Pixel.

The photos seem to confirm all the rumours about the smartphone’s design, especially the enormous black glass/plastic panel on the back of both smartphones. Rumour has it that these back panels are there for more than just to allow wireless signals to pass. Instead, they could apparently be touch sensitive panels themselves.

SlashGear seems to suggest that these touch-sensitive panels are part of a larger scheme from Google to allow these devices to boot into a desktop mode via their USB Type-C connectors. Sounds absurd right? Well, not entirely because here’s where Andromeda comes in.

Awhile back, Android Police published an article (based on a report by The Wall Street Journal) detailing the future of Chrome OS and its integration into Android. That project was codenamed Andromeda (the “Andro” from Android and “rome” from Chrome) — and signified the “folding” of Chrome OS into Android.

This theory is further strengthened by a tweet from the Senior VP of Android, Google Play and Chrome Hiroshi Lockheimer:

Now what on earth could be as big of (if not bigger than) the first announcement of Android? Well, it could be Andromeda.

Of course, this is all just speculation and theory crafting so do take all of it with a grain of salt. All we know for certain is that we’re mighty excited for Google’s big event on the 4th of October 2016. If the rumours are to be believed, not only will we see the new Google Pixel smartphones, we could also see this brand new 4K Chromecast Ultra.

It looks fairly similar to the current New Chromecast with the same puck shape and magnetic flat cable. The biggest design change, design-wise, would be the now apparently glossy front finish and Google logo. Love it or hate it, at least it doesn’t look like the Beats by Dr. Dre logo anymore.

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