[Rumor] Is Sony preparing their Nexus phone for release? *UPDATE*

As has been reported previously, all indications are that Google has moved towards allowing multiple phone manufacturers to participate in their Nexus program, and we've seen lots of info on LGs device.  Now it would appear that Sony is also readying their device, and some photos have leaked (as reported by Droid-Life) - check out the photos and feel free to comment on what you think!

Photo from Picasa

Photo from Picasa

As you can probably tell from the first photo, this device appears to be running Jelly Bean (due to the wallpaper) and it has only on screen buttons, something Google is moving towards with both the Ice Cream Sandwich release and the subsequent Jelly Bean release as well.  Along with the LG Optimus Nexus, this could be a step in the right direction for Google, Android, and all OEMs taking part in the Nexus program.  Stay tuned for more details as they are available.

UPDATE:  This appears to have been a straight up hoax.  Sony might be working on their Nexus phone, but this for sure isn't it.  Bummer.