Google could be on the fringes of announcing a brand new Pixel phone, one that would compete with Samsung Galaxy Fold. According to leakers, Google's answer to the popular Samsung device is close to the finish line, meaning fans may hear official information about it soon.

While Samsung has developed multiple foldable/flip-style phones, like the aforementioned Galaxy Fold or the Galaxy X Flip, fans have been waiting for Google to follow suit. Lead Pixel developer Mario Queiroz has been quoted saying that the technology is something that would be a "nice-to-have" more than a need. However, it could be that the folding technology has been being worked on in the background for quite some time, and Google--and the Pixel brand--is almost ready to unveil it.

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Tech analyst Jon Prosser recently tweeted out that the Google Pixel "Fold" is indeed a "real thing." While many would have expected that Google would be working on this behind the scenes, hearing the news from a more trusted source like this gives credence to some of the past rumors. That being said, it should still be taken with a grain of salt for now.

In a follow-up tweet, Posser indicated that it would be ready sometime later this year or in early 2022. It would not be a surprise to see a "Fold" version of Google Pixel 6 be unveiled for this holiday season, for example, along with the rest of the library of products. Last year the Google Pixel 4 was discontinued to make way for all of the Google Pixel 5 products; slipping in a "Flip" variant could theoretically be seamless. Google could go a different route, however, and make the "Flip" be a totally separate phone product.

Google is continuing to reveal new features for its phone that are rather intriguing, including a camera that will be able to monitor heart rates. The company often does interesting and innovative things. Of course, in the case of a folding phone, Google would be playing catch up.

The Google Pixel 5 released last year with an affordable price and features that compete with the market. It would be very interesting to see Google come out with a folding/flip phone that perhaps would not as expensive as Galaxy Fold or Galaxy X Flip. That alone may give them a bit of an edge. For now, with nothing confirmed, fans will have to wait to see if the Google Flip ever becomes a reality.

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Source: IGN