Supposed Google 'Nexus S' Smartphone Spied

The blogosphere has been working hard to unearth images, specs and samples of whatever device succeeds the Nexus One. The Nexus One debuted early this year, and was made by HTC. At the time of its release, Google referred to it as a "super phone." It has served as the official developer phone for Google's Android platform.

When Samsung announced that it would hold a press conference on November 8, many assumed the company would debut the Nexus 2. Instead, Samsung bowed the Continuum, a new Galaxy S handset for Verizon Wireless.

Filling the gap, however, is a previously unseen phone made by Samsung that has appeared on the web Thursday. The handset, which is a slab-style touch device, has no name nor markings other than some serial numbers, and the names Samsung and Google.

Based on the images, the device looks to be a larger version of Samsung's Galaxy S line of smartphones. There is a camera with flash on the back, and what appears to be a user-facing camera on the front. Under the back cover, a SIM card slot is visible, suggesting that the device will run on networks such as T-Mobile's and AT&T's. The photos don't confirm much beyond that.

Google hasn't announced any Nexus handsets beyond the Nexus One, which is rapidly nearing its first birthday. Whatever Nexus-branded handset follows the Nexus One is expected to run Android 2.3 Gingerbread. Unfortunately, Engadget's images don't show the device turned on, which could have provided us with more clues.

For now, we'll have to be satisfied with the leaked photos and hope that Google gets around to making things official sooner rather than later.