Google wants to "follow the rhythm of the industry" and launch a new Pixel phone in 2017

Google is planning to release a new model of its Pixel smartphone by the end of 2017 to maintain the "rhythm" of the industry.

Speaking to AndroidPit, Rick Osterloh, SVP of Hardware at Google, stated that the company was working on a successor to its original Pixel phone.

Keep to the beat

"There is an annual rhythm in the industry. So, you can count on us to follow it," he said, adding, "you can count on a successor this year, even if you don't hear a date from me now."

The new Pixel devices will be the same high-end cost and spec as the current devices. Osterloh also stated that there will not be a "cheap" Pixel phone at any time.

Google's Pixel and Pixel XL launched on October 20th 2016. It is a premium phone designed to rival Apple's iPhone, and comes with a premium price tag starting at $649.