Google is expected to unveil two new Nexus smartphones, its new mobile operating system and the next generation of its Chromecast streaming device at an event in San Francisco on Tuesday.
Agencies
Analysts will be watching closely, but not just for product updates: The event marks Sundar Pichai’s first presentation as CEO and investors will be looking for signals of a change in direction for Google’s business.
“[It] will be interesting to see if Pichai talks about any topics other than products. Will he discuss business or organizational goals for Google? [We] will be looking for signs of how active or distinct of a CEO he will be,” said RBC Capital Markets analyst Mark Mahaney.
Pichai is expected to unveil Google’s new flagship Nexus phones from LG and Huawei. The Nexus 6P is Huawei’s first Nexus device and, according to Android Police, will be available for pre-order on Tuesday in the U.S., U.K., Ireland, Canada and Japan starting at $499.99 and the device features a metal body, Gorilla Glass 4, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 v 2.1 processor and 3450mAh battery.
The Nexus line provides Google with the opportunity to show off the features of its new Android software. Most device makers and carriers customize Android, but Nexus phones run an unchanged version, allowing Google to showcase its vision for the new OS dubbed “Android Marshmallow.”
The two new Nexus phones Pichai is expected roll out are an important part of Google’s pitch to developers to get them to build apps on the platform. According to Comscore, Android has 51 percent of the US smartphone market share and an even greater share of the pie outside the U.S., where Apple’s iOS devices are less popular.
