Google Nexus 7's no-show at Pixel event; release date, specs rumors,Andromeda OS

By Menahem Zen / Oct 12, 2016 02:44 PM EDT
(Photo : Getty Images/Justin Sullivan ) The new Nexus 5X phone is displayed during a Google media event on September 29, 2015 in San Francisco, California. Google unveiled its 2015 smartphone lineup, the Nexus 5x and Nexus 6P, the new Chromecast and new Android 6.0 Marshmallow software features.

When Google introduced Pixel smartphone last week, there was no appearance of Nexus 7. Some speculations about the Google flagship product arise. including that it may have Andromeda OS, an integration between Android and Chrome OS.

Google Nexus 7 is rumored to come with Andromeda OS, as well as the Pixel smartphone. The first rumor came early this October from Neuro Gadget, that reported leak from Google campus about the 2016 version of Nexus 7 will come with Andromeda OS, the new operating system from Google.

Until now, Google has two operating systems which runs on separate form factors. Android for smartphone and tablet, Chrome OS for notebook. Android is the most famous operating system for smartphone and tablet, while Chrome OS has to struggle in the desktop arena which has two kings at the mountain, Microsoft Windows OS and Apple iOS.

Andromeda OS is a portmanteau of two Google operating systems, Android and Chrome. Google planned to build those new operating system to combine into one multi-purpose operating system for all Google devices. There is also possibility that Google will drop the name Nexus in its tablet, and use Pixel as its brand name to mark the transition from Android OS to Andromeda.

The new operating system is expected to combine elements of Chrome with Android, according to  Recode . It will have Chrome desktop capabilities and Android smartphone which enable the OS to work across multiple devices from smartphones, tablets and notebook.

Google will have to integrate its operating system strategy in order to be abe to compete with Microsoft and Apple. So far, it has been successful in collaboration strategy with phone manufacturers such as Samsung, LG, Huawei and ASUS to manufacture its Nexus brand,

Google Nexus 7 tablet has been a hit it was first launched in 2012. One of its advantage is because it provided a decent alternative for mid-end market, to the likes of more expensive tablets - Samsung Galaxy Tab and the Apple iPad. Thereforem users expected the new 2016 Google Nexus 7 to come out with a same vibe like its predecessors.