LG G6 rumored to feature Google Assistant

The upcoming LG G6 could have a bigger tie-in with Google than just using the Android OS. A new report claims that the next LG flagship phone will come with the Google Assistant.

The report from Business Korea claims that the addition of Google Assistant in the G6 is part of an overall plan by Korea-based LG to improve ties and partnerships with other Western tech businesses like Google. The two companies are already reportedly working together to launch the first two Android Wear 2.0 smartwatches, which may be officially revealed in early February.

Google Assistant was first launched with the company’s own Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones in the fall of 2016, and it was also included with its Google Home connected speaker. The digital assistant is also supposed to be included in a number of upcoming smart TVs and set-top boxes, including the latest NVIDIA Shield Android TV box. It certainly makes sense for Google to want its AI system to expand to more Android smartphones, as it competes with others on the market, particularly Amazon’s Alexa.

The LG G6 is supposed to be officially announced on Sunday, February 26 as part of a press event at the 2017 Mobile World Congress trade show in Barcelona, Spain

New LG G6 Leaked Renders Emerge: This Could Be What The Upcoming Flagship Will Look Like

Purported LG G6 renders have just been leaked by Ghostek, showing the device’s rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, dual cameras, and metallic body. The LG G6 will be unveiled Feb. 26 at this year’s Mobile World Congress. (Photo : Ghostek)

Last week, some leaked cases care of third-party case maker Ghostek gave people an early look at the Galaxy S8, Samsung's rumor-laden flagship scheduled for a 2017 release.

Now, LG's forthcoming flagship, the G6, is apparently being treated similarly, as a new set of leaked G6 renders by Ghostek have emerged yet again, showing the handset swathed in Ghostek's waterproof case from its Atomic 3 line.

LG G6 Leaked Renders

Needless to say that one should be wary of all rumors, of course, not to mention Ghostek's purported renders may simply be just guesswork instead of accurate replications of the final G6's final design.

At any rate, Ghostek's set of images may be the public's best glimpse at the G6 ahead of its unveiling. LG is expected to pull the drapes and debut the handset Feb. 26 at this year's Mobile World Congress, happening in Barcelona, Spain. Reports also say that the Galaxy S8 will be unveiled at the MWC.

Once unveiled, the G6 will be LG's newest G-Series Android smartphone after the LG G5, which is a great phone in and of itself, save for its lackluster modular concept that was initially promising but ended up being underutilized, or worse, oft-dysfunctional. As such, LG has confirmed that the G6 will not feature modular functionalities this time.

LG G6 Rumors

A recent teaser suggests that the G6, unlike its predecessor, will have water resistance, which appears to be a must-have feature with today's top-tier smartphone offerings. Rumors also suggest that the handset could rock a Quad HD display with a 18:9 aspect ratio, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 835 chip, and more.

The display rumor is bolstered by the fact that LG recently unveiled a display with an 18:9 aspect ratio, which the company believes would incur a new inflection point in terms of mobile display innovation.

"We expect to maximize user experience and customer value through the super high-quality display with its new 18:9 aspect ratio, which sets it apart from conventional displays for smartphones," said Dr. Byeong-koo Kim, SVP for LG Display. "LG Display will continue to set new standards in premium mobile displays, based on its differentiated technology."

(Photo : Ghostek)

By the looks of Ghostek's renders, the G6 will have a far more industrial design than its predecessors. It appears that the handset sports rear-mounted fingerprint scanner, a dual camera setup, and a luxurious metallic body. Whether the material is indicative that wireless charging is out of the question remains to be seen, but the G6's purported early renders make it look as if it can compete with rival flagships also scheduled for release this year.

To reiterate, the accuracy of the Ghostek G6 cases have not been verified, and it's best to hear the official details straight from LG's mouth come February. We'll know more about the G6 when LG finally breaks word during the Mobile World Congress. Until then, treat all rumors and speculation as suspect palaver.