Android Silver appears to have took precedence over the Nexus program at Google, with news the Nexus 6 has been dropped by Google and the Nexus 5 will be the last in the Nexus series, as Google now focuses their efforts on Android Silver.
The Nexus 6 was reportedly getting built by LG and would be modelled off the LG G3, which we were excited for considering the first press photos of the LG G3 look fantastic. It appears Google does not want to go through with the manufacturing.
There is no Nexus 6. Farewell, Nexus. [discussion: https://t.co/dMTT3g393q]
— @evleaks (@evleaks) May 16, 2014
We are not sure what this means for the Nexus 8, Google’s new tablet. The Nexus tablet line has always been marketed more heavily than the smartphone and since Android tablets are still behind the iPad, Google might want to keep this device.
In the past two years, the Nexus program has become less about showing guidelines for hardware and more about getting a smartphone out with high-end specs and a mid-range price, along with stock Android for fans.
Android Silver, circa February 2015. [discussion: https://t.co/dMTT3g393q]
— @evleaks (@evleaks) May 17, 2014
This might be why Google wants to move to Android Silver, while it doesn’t offer the same influence as the Nexus program, it allows Google to highlight the best on Android and offer incentives to purchase those devices.
For manufacturers to get their phone on Android Silver, they have to pass through a few rules, including making sure the device passes Google’s guidelines, making sure the software looks similar to stock Android and keeping it at a decent price.
We are not sure if Android Silver will crossover to Europe and Asia, right now Google is looking at US carriers to implement the system in their stores and online. Google will pay for space in store and online and make sure Android Silver phones are the most noticed.
It is a shame to see the Nexus 6 get dropped, but if anything Google has shown a lack of interest when it comes to design in 2013.
