Google has not quietly unveiled the new Nexus 5 smartphone alongside Android 4.4 KitKat today, as a recent rumor suggested, but plenty of wild new rumors are hovering around.
When talking about the rumor last week, we assumed that Google won't announce new products without a proper media event, as no press invitations were sent to the media at the time the new October 15 announcement rumor hit the web – comparatively, last year Google sent out invites with more than a week in advanced of its fall event (which was then canceled because of Hurricane Sandy).
That means we're back to waiting for the Nexus 5 and Android 4.4 to be announced, but meanwhile let's take a look at today's crazy rumors.
Nexus 5 and Nexus 4 LTE pricing
Yes, the Nexus 4 LTE rumor strikes again – Google has been rumored for a while to officially release a Nexus 4 LTE version, but that has not happen.
Now, Android Geeks picked up the rumor saying that the Nexus 4 LTE will be available in 16GB and 32GB capacities and that it will sell right alongside the Nexus 5. In such a case, the new Nexus 4 LTE versions would cost $299 and $349, making the Nexus 5's respective versions $100 more expensive, at $399 and $449.
The news comes apparently from an "insider," but take it with a huge grain of salt. It wouldn't be completely out of the question for Google to sell a Nexus 4 LTE. But why should Nexus buyers go for such a phone when the Nexus 5 will be a much better choice?
Android 4.4 KitKat to be unveiled on October 18
While Google did not unveil new products today, an image was posted on its KitKat Google+ and Facebook pages, showing the chocolate Bugdroid dancing. The following comment was also posted:
Everybody dance now! #AndroidKITKAT
Android Community took that comment and tried to figure out what it could mean. Long story short, the publication soon found the message to be a reference to a song released on October 18, 1990 by a dance group. The song is exactly 4 minutes and 4 seconds long, and KitKat is Android version 4.4, hence 2+2=fish.
Seriously though, the publication concluded that October 18 may be an actual roll out date for Android 4.4 considering the coincidences.
Sure, it all sounds crazy and all, but then again, doesn't Google leaves traces and Easter Eggs in everything?
Nexus 5 shown in camera app settings
One keen observer noted on reddit that the Nexus 5 – as shown in existing leaks – looks very much like the handset in the camera switch icon in the Camera app inside Android 4.3. In fact, if you look at the phone in there and at the Nexus 5 images you'll notice a very striking resemblance.
It would appear that Google has indeed hinted at the next Nexus phone – it can't be all a coincidence, can it?
Nexus 5, Google smartwatch and the government shutdown
Phone Arena has a theory/rumor that says that the U.S. government shutdown has prevented Google from unveiling new products today.
Because of the shutdown, there's reportedly a delay for Google when it comes to obtaining "all the regulatory approvals needed to launch the Nexus 5." The same thing is said about the rumored Google smartwatch as well.
Google displays in Best Buy
We have already talked about those Google displays in Best Buy which may or may not point to a Nexus 5 arrival. At least one source is claiming that the displays will house the Nexus 5 later this month, with October 31 tossed around as a tentative launch date.
However, those same displays are already used to showcase the Nexus 7 versions, the Chromecast and Chromebook laptops.
Feedly is ready for Android 4.4
This isn't exactly a rumor, as we're looking at Feedly's Android app update, which has been prepared to be compatible with Android 4.4 KitKat.
Since we don't see that many apps around claiming to be ready for Android 4.4, we can't but wonder what Feedly knows and why it has updated its app exactly today.
It may be all a coincidence, but it's enough for speculation to blow up.
Wrap up
The Nexus 5 and Android 4.4 KitKat rumor mills are still churning out report after report, some crazier than others, so we'll be here digging for more information for you.
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