An employee walks past the logo of Google in front of its former headquarters in Beijing
IN PHOTO: An employee walks past the logo of Google in front of its former headquarters, in Beijing June 2, 2011. Hackers who broke into Google's Gmail system had access to some accounts for many months and could have been planning a more serious attack, said the cyber-security expert who first publicly revealed the incident. Picture taken June 2, 2011. Reuters/Jason Lee

The Google Nexus 2016 release date seems to be drawing near as Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X phones are now available with discounted prices of $399 (AU$510) and $299 (AU$382). The Nexus 2016 smartphones are expected to release in third quarter this year.

B&H Photo is now offering the 32 GB Google Nexus 6P with a price tag of $449 (AU$574). It means that the retailer is providing a $50 (AU$64) discount on its regular price of $499 (AU$638). It is also offering a gift card worth $50 (AU$64).

Hence, B&H Photo is offering $100 (AU$128) savings for Nexus 6P buyers. It is selling the smartphone in colour choices like aluminum, graphite and frost. Moreover, it is giving away a free wired selfie stick to the purchasers of Nexus 6P. Currently, Google Store and Best Buy are selling the 32 GB Nexus 6P for $449.

The price of the Google Nexus 5X has also been slashed by $50 (AU$64). Google Store and Best Buy are now both selling it for $299 (AU$382). Speculations are rife that the recent price cuts on Nexus 6P and Nexus 5X smartphones are an indication that Google is working on Nexus 2016 smartphones.

Google has reportedly partnered with HTC to build upcoming Nexus smartphones. In 2010, HTC had built the first Nexus branded smartphone called Google Nexus One. Speculations indicate that the Taiwanese company is reportedly manufacturing two Nexus smartphones to replace the Nexus 5X and Nexus 6P from last year.

The Nexus 2016 release date is speculated to happen in the third quarter of this year as the final build of Android N is expected to be available by the same period. Huawei is also rumoured to be working with Google to release a 7-inch Nexus 7 tablet. In the past, Google had launched 7-inch Nexus 7 tablets in 2013 and 2012.