I can’t say we were all that surprised to see the Galaxy Nexus show up for direct purchase from Google. The evolution of Android and the whole technology eco system is making for some great changes and new ways of doing business. After the Gnex showed up on Google Play we predicted that there would be more on the way. While weren’t sure if manufacturers would get in on the action, or maybe even carriers, but we knew this was going to be the first of many. Seems as though we were right. A new report coming in from the
Wall Street Journal indicates that Google will be opening up the Nexus program to any OEM that wishes to make a device for them. It still needs to meet Google’s expectations, but would open up the doors for a plethora of various Nexus devices by different companies. This sort of move would kill off any lawsuit or potential thought of OEM favoritism pretty quickly. Seriously, Samsung has two under their belt and a third on the way. Not that it is a bad thing, but some people would like HTC or Motorola to put one out. The news would allow Google to offer direct purchases of different manufacturer unlocked Nexus devices through the Play Store and should open up to Europe, the US and Asia. This approach could put handsets and tablets out there in a single location for all to purchase.
Along with this report we also find out that more details should be released at Google I/O, where we should all get our first look at Android 5.0, or Jelly Bean. This would be the preferred and required OS for the manufacturers to work from for the next Nexus device line up and we do mean line up. We expect many of them to have similar specs, mainly design and screen size should be the primary varying factors.
I’m not sure about you guys, but we can’t wait to see what Google has in store at I/O. If they do plan to open it up and get multiple devices out there it should be wonders for everyone, except Verizon and Sprint of course. What do you guys think? Will having 3 or 4 different handsets and a couple of tablet choices that are unlocked and ready to rock push you to leave the carrier contract behind? It would be good for the carriers, I know that much.
Source: Engadget
