Nexus Exclusive

Google reportedly has two new Nexus phones planned for 2016 that will replace the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P as the company’s showcase smartphones for the latest version of Android. The new Nexus models will reportedly be built by HTC, which means we can undoubtedly expect top-notch software to complement Android 7.0 Nougat — if the new phones are anything at all like the HTC 10, Android fans are in for a real treat once the new Nexus models are finally made available. Of course, it’s not just the hardware that has fans excited. On Tuesday morning we told you about a new Android launcher that Google has reportedly created for the upcoming new Nexus handsets. It’s not clear if the new launcher will be a part of Android 7.0 Nougat when it’s released to the public in the near future, or if it was made especially for Google’s new 2016 Nexus phones. Here’s a GIF of the launcher in action: Whichever the case, it’s moot now because the new launcher has already leaked — someone...

A week ago, reports emerged after a Redditor that had claimed to be a ‘third level beta tester’ for Google revealed that Messenger will be gradually phased out and that both Allo and Duo will be default apps on Android 7.0. It was also said that Hangouts will be phased out on mobile. XDA-Developers has since been contacted by a trusted source close to the matter, who wished to remain anonymous. We endorse the veracity of the claim given the source’s relationship to both XDA and Google. This source has revealed several key pieces of information about the future of  Google’s messaging apps and the claims made on Reddit: There is no such thing as a third level beta tester. There are Googlers, trusted testers, and friends and family. Neither Hangout nor Messenger will be going anywhere. Allo only supports Allo messages at this time, there is no cross-app messaging, Google Voice or SMS support. Whether you’re a Hangouts and Messenger fan or no...