Google intends to give five hardware manufacturers early access to Android 5.0 Jelly Bean and sell these handsets directly to users through the Google Play Store. This is a massive alteration in policy for Google’s Nexus program–and one that is expected to pay off well.
The Wall Street Journal believes this move will give Google more power over what applications feature on the phones, while trying to get an upper hand on the wireless network providers who tend to install their own services. Google first retailed the Nexus One, which was made by HTC, directly to users without a contract through a dedicated site in 2010. In less than a year, Google terminated the program due to low sales having found out that Apple was selling the same kind of phones at $200 or $300 after being subsidized. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is being sold without a contract at the Play Store for $400 since last month.
Buy the Verizon Samsung Galaxy Nexus starting at $49
Buy the Sprint Samsung Galaxy Nexus starting at $99 and get a $50 Google Wallet credit.
There are 6 possible reasons for Google to shift from one manufacturer to five.
While Google intends segregating the Android software and Motorola hardware teams, giving the Nexus to five OEMs should stop fears that Google will give preference to the latter. Gathering support from a number of handset makers other than HTC and Samsung will help ease Google’s relationships with those who may otherwise feel left out. It will also help spread its business to a wider base of users.
Thirdly, Google has always provided its Nexus bases with the major versions of Android before other devices as in the case of Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich. Again, Nexus handsets should receive system-level Android updates quicker, making for a happier customer base. Further, as stated by the Journal, Verizon Wireless blocks Google Wallet from the Nexus device it sells, thus preventing the users from paying through the mobile service. This step will prevent the network carriers from blocking applications.
The fifth reason is to provide the Android fan base with a wider selection of handsets. Presently the single Nexus handset is the only one available and not modified by carriers. Those who want an unadulterated version of Android will enjoy greater variety. Finally, it could increase Android tablet sales. Working with ASUS, Google intends bringing in a low cost tablet. With stock Android tablets that don’t need carrier contracts available at low prices to users, it is possible they will go to Google for the same.
Buy the Verizon Samsung Galaxy Nexus starting at $49
Buy the Sprint Samsung Galaxy Nexus starting at $99 and get a $50 Google Wallet credit.
