Google is reportedly planning to release a foldable smartphone, and word is the firm has settled on a name. The news follows reports the company is working on an Android-powered device codenamed Pipit that unfolds into a tablet form factor. The product is supposedly closer to the design of the Oppo Find N than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3, meaning it will probably be double-wide when unfolded.
Although Google is yet to acknowledge it is developing a foldable, the firm is all in on the format from a software perspective. Google has rolled out a beta build of Android 12L, which is engineered to work better with folding-display and dual-screen devices. And with companies such as Samsung finding success in the space, it was almost a given that Google would follow suit.
A source for 9to5Google indicates Google’s upcoming foldable will be dubbed Pixel Notepad. The company reportedly also considered calling it the Pixel Logbook but settled on Notepad. It’s worth noting the Notepad moniker is reminiscent of Samsung’s Galaxy Note line, but that might not be too much of an issue as the South Korean device-maker has seemingly nixed the brand.
Pixel Notepad Will Be Cheaper Than Galaxy Z Fold 3
9to5Google is also reporting the Pixel Notebook will cost less than Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 3. That device starts at $1,799, but it’s unclear at what price point Google will come in at. Still, for comparison, Google’s high-end Pixel 6 Pro launched at $899, which is several hundred dollars below the introductory price of the premium Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra.
At present, there’s no indication of when Google will release the Pixel Notepad, though one would think the firm doesn’t want to wait too long. Many smartphone companies are getting into the foldable arena. OEMs such as Honor are launching competitively priced devices. Indeed, there are also reports that Apple is putting together its own folding smartphone, which would certainly encourage others not to wait around for too long. Of course, with Android 12L already in active testing, it’s highly possible Google will announce the Pixel Notepad this year. The company might provide its first glimpse at its Google I/O conference, which typically occurs in May. Still, it might even hold off until the fall, which is when it usually announces new flagship products. Either way, it will be interesting to see Google’s take on the folding smartphone.
Source: 9to5Google