The Motorola “Shamu” is actually an upcoming Nexus phablet

Google and Motorola are apparently indeed working together on a Nexus 6 smartphone, a phablet of gigantic proportions unlike anything Motorola has done while under Google. Following a recent report from Android Police, which has obtained details about the Motorola “Shamu” Nexus 6, The Information said that it has been able to independently verify the device, adding that Google’s rumored Android Silver line of premium devices may be delayed. “Motorola is also getting a boost from working on an undisclosed phone-tablet project with Google—the type of initiative which, ironically, it could not pursue as a Google subsidiary due to concerns about favoring the house-owned Android vendor over others,” the publication wrote.

We provided some details a few days ago about a device that may very well be a Motorola Nexus phone, with the telling codename “Shamu” (because it’s really big). Today The Information says it has independent confirmation from three sources that the device exists and that it is indeed a Nexus phablet. As for Android Silver? Well, that’s looking a bit less certain. According to The Information, Google began working with Motorola on a Nexus device shortly after the sale to Lenovo was announced. But why only do a Motorola Nexus now when the Lenovo deal is happening? The Information has some sources with specifics on the project. “Separately, Motorola is also getting a boost from working on an undisclosed phone-tablet project with Google—the type of initiative which, ironically, it could not pursue as a Google subsidiary due to concerns about favoring the house-owned Android vendor over others…After Lenovo agreed to buy Motorola, Google’s Android unit began working with Motorola to develop a co-branded “Nexus” phone that’s considered to be a “phablet,” or phone-tablet, because of its large screen size, according to three people with knowledge of the matter.” Emphasis added above. Apparently, Google wanted to have Motorola working on the Nexus phone so it could use technologies like Active Display and Touchless Control, both hallmarks of the Moto X. There’s no new information on the size, but calling it a phablet makes that 5.9-inch rumor plausible.