Android creator to launch high-end smartphone by mid 2017

Essential Product's phone is expected to compete directly with the likes of iPhone and Pixel

Android co-founder Andy Rubin is ready to jump on the smartphone wagon by bringing together several mobile and smart home products under one platform and release a smartphone. His latest company Essential Products Inc has planned to do so in the middle of the year, Bloomberg reported.

According to a filing with California regulators, Essential has listed tablets, smartphones and mobile software among its products, with Bloomberg suggesting the company's first device will be the centre of a whole suite of connected products.



Essential's phone will be expected to compete directly with the likes of iPhone and Pixel in terms of both specs and prices.

To get a sense of what the prospective phone may entail, Essential's various prototypes sport features such as a large, bezel-free screen that are bigger than an iPhone 7 Plus and a ceramic back that requires some finesse to manufacture.



The company is also reportedly working on a version of Apple's 3D Touch while developing its own magnetic charging and an accessories connector that may allow the device to add aftermarket hardware features. In terms of the software, Bloomberg says it's currently "unclear" if they opt for an Android run software.

Foxconn, which is an investor in Playground Global, is reportedly in talks to build the new device.

This article originally appeared on Bloomberg.