Google is expected to launch its next-generation Android L OS at an event later this month. The star of the upcoming event, the Motorola Nexus 6, was just spotted in use during a commute.

In Android's early days, Google was solely responsible for maintaining the OS and allowed Android licensees to modify it to their liking. We saw Samsung slap TouchWiz on its smartphones and tablets, HTC added some Sense to make getting around Android easier, and Amazon made Android unrecognizable on its Kindle Fire tablets and new Fire Phone. All of this openness led to Android fragmentation since devices could not be updated easily due to customizations from manufacturers.

Google decided to take matters into its own hands when it entered the smartphone world with the Nexus One in 2010. The Nexus brand would consist of devices that ran stock Android, the way Google intended. This also meant that whenever Google updated Android, Nexus users would receive the update direct from Google and not face months of testing by carriers and smartphone manufacturers. Nexus smartphones and tablets are among the most popular devices with Android fans because they come with the guarantee of receiving timely updates.

In October 2013, Google launched the LG-built Nexus 5 and it was the first device to ship with Android 4.4 KitKat. Google is expected to hold a media event later this month where it will release Android L (Lollipop) alongside an HTC-built Nexus tablet and Motorola Nexus 6 smartphone to showcase the new OS.

Android Police received an anonymous tip in regards to the Motorola Nexus 6 in the form of a photo of the smartphone in use. The image was reportedly taken during a commute and shows the smartphone inside a protective case.

The image shows the smartphone is running Android L as evidenced by the new, solid status bar icons and smaller, spaced out navigation buttons. The power button and volume buttons are located on the right side; its headphone port is situated at the top of the smartphone, and it also includes front-facing stereo speakers. The site also notes the heart icon in the status bar, which could be evidence of Google Fit support.

The Nexus 6 is expected to feature impressive specs, like a 5.9-inch 2560 x 1440 Quad HD display, 2.6-GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 805 processor, 3 GB of RAM, 32 GB of internal storage, 13-megapixel rear camera, and a large 3,200-mAh battery. The phablet will go head-to-head with Apple's iPhone 6 Plus and Samsung Galaxy Note 4 upon its release.

We'll be sure to keep you posted on any new Motorola Nexus 6 news as it happens.