As it turned out, Google's Nexus 5 was nowhere in sight on Oct 15 yet the LG-assembled smartphone, according to new reports, will surely come out later in the month, its release date to happen weeks before this year's Black Friday.

The predictions vary, some would place the unveiling on Oct 22 but it is unlikely too that Google would want to share billing with Apple as the latter is speculated to uncloak three key products on the same day - the iPad 5, the iPad Mini 2 and the Haswell-powered MacBook Pro 2013.

What is sure, according to CNET, is the nearly 5-inch Nexus 5 will crash the scene before October ends, setting up the device for a November 2013 release date, with the countdown likely to begin on Nov 1.

This projection is backed by the obvious Google aim of getting its upcoming hero phone to distribution channels before the start of the current year's holiday shopping season.

Specifically, Google would want to see the Nexus 5 attracting consumers' attention during the yearly American retail feast - the Black Friday, which for 2013 falls on Nov 29, CNET said on its report.

And as the earlier speculations missed the mark, another batch swirled around this week, the most notables of which are listed below:

Unified Android messaging service to debut with Nexus 5

There were whispers that Google is planning to merge all its messaging applications into a super-app that according to Android watchers will be packed into the Google Hangouts. Unified means that within the platform, texting, chatting, emailing and even voice call will be integrated, making it easier for users to access the service or services as needed.

This major revision is made possible as Google guns to end the notorious Android fragmentation with the 4.4 version or KitKat, which is expected to come right out of the box with the Nexus 5.

Nexus 4 rebirth

Also, built by LG, this handset instantly inspired a huge following when it was outed in October 2012 but the Nexus 4 appeared to have ended its life-cycle last month as Google Play labelled all the variants as out of stock, with its maker not showing any signs that the online store will be replenished.

It appears now that the Nexus 4 show is not yet over as blog reports insist that Google is resurrecting the device, this time with LTE capability and will be offered alongside the Nexus 5, sticking with its introductory price of $300 for the 16GB model and $350 for the 32GB build.

More expensive Nexus 5

It is true the Nexus devices are not exactly cheap as Google ensure that they only carry the best components available. The retail price, however, of the products are far from being pricey as its basic $300 price tag is way cheaper compared to major rivals like the Galaxy S4 from Samsung and iPhone 5S from Apple.

But if CNET is to be believed, the Nexus 5 that are to see in the weeks ahead will not be as affordable as the Nexus 4 before it. Citing a Rumanian tech blog as its source, the tech site claims that initial asking price for the vanilla Android gadget has been upgraded to $400 for the 16GB variant while the 32GB commands a $450 sticker price.

All these rumours, however, are waiting for their confirmation on the supposed LG Nexus 5 release date, which Google should allow to take place between late October and early November 2013.