Google did not announce any new Nexus devices on Thursday, though that’s hardly surprising considering its recent Google I/O history. However, the company’s newly unveiled Android M offers some clear hints at what to expect from this year’s Nexus handsets.
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Many reports this year said that Google wants to launch two Nexus smartphones, which would be a first for the company, including a 5.2-inch LG Nexus smartphone and a 5.7-inch Huawei phablet. Some of these reports mentioned certain specs for the handsets, including processor and screen choices, but nothing is confirmed yet.
However, Google on stage detailed two major Android M features that should be available on next-gen Nexus devices, including fingerprint sensors and fast-charging USB-C ports.
Android M will come with native fingerprint support required for Android Pay wireless payments but also for unlocking the device and logging into apps and online services.
The operating system will also support USB-C ports which should significantly increase battery charging times on Android devices. The company said during its event that USB-C ports should offer anywhere from three to four times faster charging than other ports, and that various new Android phones should come with USB-C ports.
Google did not specifically say that its next Nexus devices will get these features. But because Nexus handsets are supposed to be able to offer developers and users access to all the new features that Google includes in brand new Android releases it would be more than logical to assume that LG and Huawei will include fingerprint sensors and USB-C ports in their devices this year.
