Google Nexus 2016 release date, specs news: HTC Marlin, Sailfish launching with Android 7.0 Nougat next month?

It appears that the long-rumored Google Nexus 2016 smartphones will be here sooner than expected.

According to Neurogadget, Google is preparing to launch its two new Nexus handsets, which were built by HTC, next month. The two devices are codenamed Sailfish and Marlin. According to the website, Google is likely to release the HTC Sailfish and the HTC Marlin alongside its new mobile operating system, the Android 7.0 Nougat.

Neurogadget also noted that the Sailfish and the Marlin will be the first gadgets to run on the new Android operating system.

Android 7.0 might also support Google's new virtual reality platform, which is reportedly called Daydream and will only function on the Nexus gadgets that the tech giant is releasing this year. According to the website, the decision to make Daydream available only for the company's 2016 offerings is a move towards capturing more of the virtual reality market.

Meanwhile, earlier this month, Android Police released an image of what the two new Google Nexus 2016 handsets may look like. The most stunning feature of the phones' design, apart from the two-tone black-on-black finish, is the glaring lack of HTC and Nexus logos. According to the website, while there is a possibility that the logos could make it to the phones' final design, Google may also go for a more minimalist and streamlined look for its new Nexus phones.

The Sailfish and the Marlin are expected to come powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 or 821 processors.

According to iTechPost, both devices will have 12-megapixel rear cameras and 8-megapixel front shooters. The Marlin will have a 2K AMOLED 5.5-inch display while the Sailfish will have a 1080p 5-inch display.

There have also been reports saying that Google is planning on releasing two new Nexus smartwatches along with the HTC Marlin and HTC Sailfish.

The official release dates for the rumored HTC Sailfish and HTC Marlin have yet to be announced.