Google Releasing Nexus Line, Using Multiple Manufacturers
Hot on the heels of Google getting back into hardware distribution (you can now buy the Galaxy Nexus off of the Play store) comes the news that Google is planning to release a whole line of Nexus devices next cycle, made by several different manufacturers.
Every device would, of course, be running stock Android. and each would presumably get premium placement on the Play Store.
While the story comes from the Wall Street Journal, the actual details are still quite sparse. There is no mention of what manufacturers will be making the hardware, though I think it is safe to assume that HTC and Samsung will be on board. After all, those two companies have made Nexus devices before, and both have the hottest hardware out right now. Asus is a likeyl contender too, since they have continually nailed the tablet front.
The WSJ reports that the line will consist of 5 Nexus device, each running the next generation of the Android operating system, version 5.0, currently nicknamed Jellybean.
I would expect that the lineup will consist of 3 phones of varying sizes and price-points, perhaps a large, cutting-edge device, a skinny one like the HTC One S, and then a tiny budget one for those needing less of a phone.
I suspect that we are going to see two Nexus tablets, too, one budget device at 7-8 inches, and a premium one at 10 inches and an iPad price point. That would give Google complete coverage of the phone market, with hardware that was truly under their control.
So what do you think? Are you looking forward to a fleet of first-party Google phones and tablets? Tell us in the comments below.
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