When we first heard rumors about the Pixel 2 lineup in 2017, we learned that the company was working on two devices codenamed ‘zander’ and ‘musk’. Shortly after, we learned about a third device called ‘taimen’, which led many to believe that Google was planning to launch three Pixel devices. But that turned out not to be the case as Google only launched two devices that year: the HTC-made Pixel 2 (zander) and the LG-made Pixel 2 XL (taimen). The HTC-made Pixel 2 XL (muskie) was canceled altogether, and a new hands-on video sheds some light on why that may have happened.
The hands-on video of HTC’s canceled Pixel 2 XL prototype comes from YouTuber Calyx Hikari and gives us a look at the design. As you can see in the video, the prototype shares the rear panel design with LG-made Pixel 2 XL. It has the same two-tone finish with a single camera with a flash in the top left corner and a round fingerprint scanner in the center. But up front, things are completely different.
Unlike the Pixel 2 XL’s relatively thin bezels, ‘musk’ has giant bezels on the top and bottom that give it a dated look. This could likely be one of the many reasons behind Google’s decision to shelve the device. In my opinion, Google made the right choice. Because if the company continued with HTC’s prototype, it would look ugly compared to other flagships of its time.
The video further gives us a brief glimpse of the software running on the prototype with a wireless mouse, as the device does not appear to have a working touchscreen. The About phone section shows that as of May 2017 the device is running Android 8.0 Oreo with Android security patches. It also confirms the code name ‘muskie’.
What do you think of musk? Do you think it would have been received just as well as the LG-made Pixel 2 XL? Let us know in the comments below.