Gadget Debuts at 2013 Google I/O: White Nexus 4 with LTE & the AT&T-Exclusive Motorola X-Phone
Google traditionally gives away gadgets to attendees of its annual developers gathering. For 2013, the package could include a white Nexus 4 or even the rumoured Motorola X-Phone, new reports said.
The white Nexus 4, according to Gotta Be Mobile, was recently spotted, courtesy of a Filipino owner, who claimed the smartphone was obtained through an online seller.
Its reappearance sparked speculations that the Nexus 4 variant is being primed for a re-issue this year, with Google using the I/O event as a launch pad. The rumour is supported by earlier talks that the tech giant is repackaging the Nexus 4, providing it with an LTE radio signal for a more focused distribution this year.
Seen earlier this year in numerous blog reports, showing a back and side in white, this other Nexus 4 was reported for a possible commercial availability but melted away without explanation.
It was though that it became a casualty of the supply chain issue that hampered Google's global distribution of the original black Nexus 4, which also faltered as buyers turned to other handsets due to scarce supply.
Now it appears that LG actually manufactured the white version and Google had the stocks reconfigured a bit for its eventual re-release. The lucky first recipients would be the ticket holders of the 2013 I/O event, set to unfold a few days from now.
It is possible too that the giveaways would include the often whispered Motorola X-Phone, a trace of which was recently discovered by the AndroidGuys.
The blog site pointed to a filing before the U.S. Federal Communications Commission describing an Android handset that bears the model number Motorola XT1058. All indications seem to suggest that it is the same Motorola XFON that was leaked a few days ago.
The smartphone is reportedly headed to U.S. carrier AT&T, hence the prior scrutiny by the FCC.
There is a chance that Google will also uncloak the X-Phone this month and I/O participants will get the privilege of test driving the handset first. This, despite the reports last week that Google has decided to withdraw from its active involvement in the so-called X-Phone project.
Last year, Google sent away the I/O attendees with smile on their faces, having the then unreleased Nexus 7 tablet as part of their event souvenirs. Will it be the Nexus 4 LTE this time or the Motorola X-Phone?
Or Google will be overgenerous and unpack the Nexus 5 and the second-gen Nexus 7?