When we first heard rumors about the Pixel 2 series in 2017, we learned that the company was working on two devices codenamed ‘walleye’ and ‘mosquito’. Shortly thereafter, we learned of a third device called ‘taimen’, which led many to believe that Google was planning to launch three Pixel devices. But that was ultimately not the case, as Google launched only two devices that year: the HTC-manufactured Pixel 2 (walleye) and the LG-manufactured Pixel 2 XL (taimen). The HTC-made Pixel 2 XL (muskie) has been completely canceled, and a new hands-on video sheds some light on why this may have happened.
The practical video of HTC’s canceled Pixel 2 XL prototype comes from YouTuber Calyx Hikari, and it gives us the design up close. As you can see in the video, the prototype shares its rear panel design with the LG-manufactured Pixel 2 XL. It has the same two-tone finish with a single camera with a flash in the upper left corner and a circular fingerprint scanner in the middle. But up front, things are completely different.
Unlike the relatively thin edges of the Pixel 2 XL, ‘mosquito’ has a huge top and bottom that gives a dated look. This could be one of the many reasons why Google’s decision to store the device. In my opinion, Google made the right choice. Because if the company continued with the prototype of HTC, it would have looked ugly compared to other flagships of its time.
The video further gives us a brief look at the software used on the prototype using a wireless mouse, as the device does not have a working touch screen. The Over the Phone section shows that the device has been using Android 8.0 Oreo with Android security stickers since May 2017. It also confirms the code name ‘muskie’.
What are your thoughts on muskie? Do you think it would have received as well as the LG 2-manufactured Pixel 2 XL? Let us know in the comments below.