Skip to main content

Samsung Galaxy S6 to run Android, Nexus 6 to launch no earlier than June, says Google

google clamors for voice recognition sundar pichai
Image used with permission by copyright holder
While Google might not have held any event at Mobile World Congress, its influence is as clear as day. From Samsung’s Galaxy S5 to Sony’s Xperia Z2 to even the Blackphone, Google’s Android mobile operating system was the tie that bound these announcements together. And Google’s Sundar Pichai was there to talk about it, weighing in on the Samsung Galaxy S6, the Nexus 6, as well as other topics.

First addressing the relationship between Google and Samsung, Pichai laid to rest the belief that there is some kind of tension between the two companies. If anything, he said, the relationship is quite boring compared to how the media portrays it. Google and Samsung even collaborate on projects together, though Pichai did say that he’d “rather” have Samsung’s Gear 2 run on Android rather than Tizen OS.

Pichai did confirm that the Galaxy S6 will run on Android, though, so Tizen OS can take a backseat for a little while longer.

As for the Nexus 6, Pichai says we should not expect it before at least June. “I can assure you, it will not be released in the first half of the year,” said Pichai. This falls in line with releases of the Nexus 4 and Nexus 5, which launched in late 2012 and 2013, respectively. Still, it’s always good to hear some sort of confirmation from Google, though we still don’t know who will be making the Nexus 6.

Pichai also talked about WhatsApp, since Google was rumored to have negotiated with WhatsApp to acquire the messaging service. Pichai confirmed that negotiating did happen, though no formal offer was made. “Google has never made an offer for WhatsApp,” he said. Pichai added that reports of Google offering upwards of $10 billion for the messaging app were “completely false.”

Commenting on Nokia’s heavily-forked version of Android that runs on its recently-announced X, X+, and XL smartphones, Pichai laughed aside sentiments that this was somehow bad for Android. “This shows that when we say that Android is a free operating system. We do not lie, it’s true,” he said. Pichai also said he did not see Microsoft’s strategy “very clearly.”

Finally, Pichai talked about Android malware. Pichai is not naive to the fact that malware on Android is a serious problem. Google does not guarantee that Android will be safe due to its open nature, and Pichai said he understands why malware would exist on Android: “If I had a company dedicated to malware, I would also be addressing my attacks to Android.”

Editors' Recommendations

Williams Pelegrin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Williams is an avid New York Yankees fan, speaks Spanish, resides in Colorado, and has an affinity for Frosted Flakes. Send…
Samsung brings the Galaxy S23’s new software to older phones
Android 13 logo on the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra.

Samsung this week announced that it will be rolling out its latest One UI 5.1 software to current Galaxy devices, including the Galaxy S22, Galaxy Z Fold 4, and Galaxy Z Flip 4 lineups. The company debuted the Android 13-powered One UI 5.1 update on the Galaxy S23 Ultra this month, and it's bringing those extra features to general users.

“One UI 5.1 is the up-to-date example of Samsung’s commitment to providing Galaxy users with the latest innovations as soon as possible,”  Samsung's Janghyun Yoon said in a blog post. “Over the past several weeks, we have worked closely with our service providers and carrier partners to bring One UI 5.1 to current Galaxy smartphones and tablets around the world within a few short weeks of the Galaxy S23 series announcement.”

Read more
The best Samsung Galaxy S20 deals for December 2022
Samsung Galaxy S20 and S20 Plus

Are you looking for Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, or S22 deals? Since Samsung introduced the Galaxy S22, this is a better time than ever to shop for cheap Samsung Galaxy S20 deals -- and Galaxy smartphone deals are exactly what we've got. From the big-box online stores to mobile network service providers, we've combed the web to bring you all the best Samsung Galaxy S20 deals, bundles, and carrier offers available right now with discounts that can save you hundreds on a new Samsung Galaxy S20, S21, and S22 models. If you love all things Samsung and want to see what else is on offer at the moment, then head on over to these Samsung Galaxy Note 20 deals once you're done here. We may see supply chain issues, shipping delays, low inventory, and even more materials shortages -- like what's happening with the computer chip market. If you're ready to see what's available, check out our top picks below.
Today's best Galaxy S20 deals

Samsung Galaxy S20

Read more
The best Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra screen protectors for 2022
Man holding Phone feature image.

The Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra is a beast of a 6.8-inch phone that's both eye-catching and easy to use. However, the bigger the phone, the more likely that you could lose control over its bulk and accidentally send it crashing to an unfriendly sidewalk — especially when trying to operate it with one hand.

Most people won't think twice about getting a high-quality protective case for a phone as big — and expensive — as the Galaxy S22 Ultra, but many are more hesitant to buy an additional screen protector as well. A case may protect your phone if you drop it face down, but maybe not. Why take the chance when you can buy a screen shield that gives you a complete protective advantage? We've found a variety of screen protectors in both thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) and glass, so whatever your style, your phone will emerge from all potential scrapes in pristine condition.

Read more