Google Pixel fans are in for good news as the company's senior vice president Rick Osterloh, in a private meeting at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2017, said that there will be a successor to the popular smartphone, which may get launched in the latter half of 2017.

Osterloh, who was the former president of Motorola, was hired almost a year back in April 2016 to head Google's hardware department and unite the company's different hardware projects. The company's impending Google Pixel 2 has been rumored for a while and Osterloh inadvertently confirmed the same.

Google Pixel 2: A "Premium" Smartphone

In talks with Androidpit, Osterloh shared that the tech hardware industry follows an annual rhythm and Google fans around the world can expect the same from the company. With these words, Osterloh confirmed in simple terms that there will be a device launch from Google's end this year.

"You can count on a successor this year, even if you don't hear a date from me now," teased Osterloh when asked about the tentative date the Google Pixel 2 may get launched. It also clarifies the fact that Google Pixel smartphones were not a one-time wonder and are here to stay.

Osterloh further added that Google is not very keen on launching budget smartphones and the company will make sure that "Pixel stays premium." Thus Pixel lovers and interested buyers it seems will have to shell out quite a few bucks if they want the Google Pixel 2 in their hands. The Google SVP also noted that the company will leave the segment of budgeted smartphone for other OEMS.

Google Pixel 2 Rumors And Leaks

Given the fact that the Google Pixel 2 is a direct competitor of the iPhone 8, it is not very surprising to see the smartphone been subjected to various rumors and leaks. It has already been established that the expected smartphone will be unveiled to the world in the latter part of 2017 and will fall in the premium price category.

Rumors are rife that the latest Google smartphone may come with waterproofing certification and an improved camera module. Rumor has it that some Google Pixel 2 prototypes are undergoing tests for improvement in camera using two types of chipsets from two different suppliers.

For the production of a highly efficient Google Pixel 2, the company is rumored to be experimenting with prototypes of the phone with partners, different chipsets and other components. Consumers can expect Quick Charge 4.0 in case Google Pixel 2 houses a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chipset.

Photo: Maurizio Pesce | Flickr