ile we’re not expecting a br new version of Android at I/O in ne, a few lines in ‘s AOS(Android Open Source oject) changelog have kicked speculation about upcoming hardware into high gear. th mentions of a possible HTC device an upcoming set-top box buried in ‘s online development notes (which have since been taken down), this could be a big year for Nexus diehards.

Nexus devices—from the Galaxy Nexus code-named maguro to the Nexus 5 code-named hammerhead—have all started life with fish names. The theoretical HTC device in question would seem to be called Flounder, falling in line with previous rumors that HTC will be making an upcoming Nexus tablet. 

Here’s how flounder was referenced in the now missing changelog entry: project device/htc/flounder/

HTC hasn’t been involved in ‘s Nexus program since it delivered the Nexus One in 2010. Since then, we’ve seen Samsung take their best shots at the Nexus smartphones, while Asus has owned the majority of the Nexus tablet lineup.

ether is exping its manufacturer list for the program, or is sailing away from Asus, remains to be seen. But considering HTC’s industrial design savvy best-in-class success with the HTC One (M8), I doubt anyone would be upset if HTC took away Asus’ claim on Nexus tablets. Asus, of course, has made both of ‘s well-received 7-inch tablets, while Samsung delivered the forgettable Nexus 10.

It’s important to note that just because HTC’s name is sitting alongside a possible Nexus codename, no hardware is guaranteed. And nothing about the changelog reference even mentions a tablet. This device could be a phone. Or it could be vapor. Nonetheless, it’s impossible to not be at least a little bit interested in the prospect of an HTC-bred Nexus tablet. 

so mentioned in the now removed changelog is a device called molly:

project device/google/molly/

Set BT minor code to SET_TOBOX instead of HIFI.

Not only is there a specific reference to molly being a set-top box, but its codename is indeed a type of fish, meaning that we could see a -bred set-top box under the Nexus name in the future. 

Of course, TV never caught on, even as the prices of ‘s set-top box partners plummeted. Nonetheless, Asus have continued to produce TVs stalone devices with the service installed (though has its sights set on bOS for future TVs).

‘s connected TV vision has apparently been rebred as Android TV, the new name may do the service well—as long as the UI specific features are dramatically better than anything we found in TV. But if a molly box delivers anything like what was leaked in April, should just stick with Chromecast.