Andy Rubin’s Essential Phone release date is still a little fuzzy.
Essential, the consumer electronics startup run by Google Android’s co-creator missed its initial launch date for Essential Phone. Andy Rubin, the founder of Android Inc., showcased Essential Phone at the Code Conference in May and announced the launch date – June.
Since then, the company is pushing hard to hit the market, though no confirmed release date is being given by the company.
After missing the initial deadline, two top executives’ departure might add to a further delay in release. Brian Wallace, Vice President, Manufacturing and Andy Fouché, Head of Communication, have both left the company.
As revealed earlier, Essential Phone may not hit the US market in June, but it is already looking to spread its wings to the UK, Europe, and Japan, according to a new report.
Essential Phone is said to be equipped with flagship level hardware, but it is unclear how the stock Android device will set itself apart from competitors.
The device will offer high-end specifications, with an edge-to-edge display, including a 2,560 x 1,312-pixel display and a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 processor.
It will also come with a modular attachment – a 360-degree camera – backed by 4GB of RAM and 128 GB of internal storage.
A voice-controlled speaker-like device for smart home devices is likely to be launched. The front camera sports 8 megapixels, while the rear facing camera packs 13MP. The device will be sold in “Black Moon”, “Stellar Grey”, “Pure White” and “Ocean Depths”.
The Android handset will be priced at $699. The device will be sold unlocked through the Essential website. In the US, it is partnering with Sprint and, in Canada, with Telus. The company is working on similar agreements with carriers in Japan and Europe.
In an interview with the Financial Times, chief operating officer Niccolo de Masi said the smartphone’s U.S. launch would be imminent.
The company also shared more information on Essential Home, a smart speaker along the lines of Google Home and Amazon Echo. Information is quite scarce right now, but it basically looks like an Echo Dot with a screen. It will function or be activated by asking a question, tapping it or even a glance, and will consider privacy as its top priority.
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