Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) could possibly end its Nexus line soon, but only to replace the top-end segment with the expected Android Silver range. Google is planning to come up with a premium Android offering with its Silver line of products, and would first introduce the products in U.S., according to a report from TheInformation.com.
“The expensive effort involves dumping the Nexus phone brand in favor of a new programme called Silver, under which manufacturers and wireless carriers will be paid to produce and sell high-end devices that closely adhere to Google specifications, according to four people briefed on the project,” the report claims.
Limited third party apps
As per the report, Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL) would drastically lower the number of non-Google apps on the Android Silver products, primarily to address the bloatware issue. According to the requirements of Google, if carriers and manufacturers want to place their apps on the company’s devices then they must offer users an option to uninstall them. Presently, the apps that are preloaded by the manufacturers and carriers are un-installable.
Google’s Android Silver products are expected to receive quick software updates and would come along with numerous top-end features like advanced voice recognition and water resistance. The presence of such features would help the devices to compete effectively with the likes of Apple iPhones and Samsung Galaxy smartphones. Citing four sources at the company, the report says that Google has planned a marketing budget of $1 billion for the Android Silver devices.
Similar to Google Play Edition devices
In a way, it can be said that the Android Silver products would be similar to the Google Play Edition devices, which include devices from makers like HTC, Samsung and LG.
According to the report, the internet giant has already partnered with LG and Motorola to manufacture the first Android Silver devices. Chinese manufacturer planning to foray in the high-end smartphone segment in the U.S., could also partner with Google Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG) (NASDAQ:GOOGL). However, Samsung, HTC and Sony might not join the program.
Earlier, also, reports have surfaced claiming that the internet firm plans of killing the popular Nexus line. Earlier this year, a tweet from a Russian tech blogger claimed that Nexus line will be replaced by Google Play Edition products in 2015.
As of now, there has been no information on when the Android Silver program will be launched in markets like India and Brazil, where telecom carriers provide no subsidy for the smartphones.
