For a while Google was using numbers behind the word Nexus to let us know what the screen size was. Then last year Google called the latest Nexus the 6 even though it had a 5.7" display and then added a P to the end which stood for "premium". I was kind of expecting the Nexus 6P to be called the Nexus 7 even though we had two Nexus 7 tablets prior, but you see how the branding for these devices has become quite confusing.
Google's idea to drop the Nexus moniker may have been one of the best ideas when it comes to consumer awareness. If you are trying to sell new devices you can't have consumers confused about which generation you are selling them. This is why Samsung skipped the Note 6 and went straight to the Note 7. They didn't want people to think that the Note 6 was last year's device since it wouldn't match the numbering scheme of the Galaxy S lineup which was currently at 7.
It appears that Google will call the upcoming devices Pixel and Pixel XL. This works perfectly as it cleans the slate regarding names. They can go forward by simply adding a number behind the name which would just stand for the generation so next year we could simply purchase the Pixel 2.
It has already been speculated that the change to "Pixel" may also mean the end of budget friendly devices from Google. All Pixel devices prior to this have been on the high end pricey side. It would be very surprising if Google did not continue this trend. What do you think? Are you happy with the Nexus branding or do you think it confuses the average joe? Did Google need to change up the naming?
