[Nexus 7 (2013) General] Hnk1:
Hi there

We all must be hearing a lot of rumors about the end of Nexus Line by Google and Launch of Silver in upcoming year, by 2015 according to sources!

Well, according to my knowledge, the Nexus was introduced to increase the number of phones/tablets running Android in fast growing market which was dominated by Ipad/Iphone. As Google earns its 97% of profit due to advertisements, it was inevitable that if Google can increase the number of devices used, it would certainly mean more profit due to coaxing more users to its services and advertisement. This meant that although Google made some profit on Nexus devices but its main aim was to increase the android devices using Google Services like Youtube, Gmail, Google+.

Also, it was a way to provide "pure android experience" to the users free from all freezing which was mostly due to customization of android by different manufacturers.

Devices in the Nexus line do not have manufacturer or wireless carrier modifications to Android (such as custom graphical user interfaces), and have an unlockable bootloader to allow further development and end-user modification.Nexus devices are the first Android devices to receive updates to the operating system and recommended by the Android Open Source Project for Android software development.

PROJECT SILVER

Silver line basically is a way to control Samsung influence by Google. The concept is that if a device fulfills certain hardware and software criterias, they would be labelled as SILVER. The Google would ensure that these devices are first to be updated as Google would itself provide the expertise required in development of the android software. Not just that, Google would also give some subsidies which would ensure that if a developer wants a device to be silver, it would be earning more profit than a non silver device. The silver devices would also be kept in special cases in shops to attract more customers. It would also mean that any manufacturer around the world can take part in Silver project and the domination of Samsung, Sony, LG, HTC, Motorola and other big manufacturers would be directly challenged by Google.

This means we would be seeing phones which would be top-notch from small manufactures like MI (XIAOMI), OPPO.

In this regard, Google would also ensure that its services are kept while custom services provided by the manufacturer are kept to minimum!

Now the Google already has a big share in the market by Android's influence and thus it can still earn its profits by advertisement which is about 97%. Thus it does not need to put more nexus devices out there as it is directly challenged by Samsung. Now the competition has begun within Android itself which was with other OS before. The introduction of TIZEN by Samsung is a direct challenge to Android. Tizen's biggest strength in my opinion is that if you programme an app in tizen, you can use the same app in IOS , android and other platforms by just changing very little code!

The only thing I am not sure about is the price of Silver Devices. I am sure there would a tough competition but would that mean we would get the devices as cheap as Nexus line. We can not be sure as it could happen. Suppose the latest Oppo phone is labelled as silver and is selling for 300$, other manufacturers would be forced to keep their price down as nothing separates two Silver devices but we can not be sure as i mentioned before!

WHY I PREFER A NEXUS

I prefer Nexus devices over all others, not due to their development friendly nature but also they provide quick updates, top notch specifications at a very reasonable price.

Plus, Nexus devices are certain to get all CUSTOM ROMS and development is very quick compared to many other devices!

They also keep manufacturers to keep their price in check and they give you a pure android experience which I am not sure Project Silver can promise.

I just hope the Nexus line is always kept by Google. If they can keep on releasing one phone (4.7 inch) and two tablets ( 8 and 10) every year at least with their Silver Project and see if more consumers prefer Silver or Nexus and leave the choice to the consumers!

What do you prefer and give your reasons why you think it would be a good thing or a bad thing if Google gives up Nexus and starts Silver Project?

Update: Nexus is going to stay!! Hip Hip Hooray!

http://www.phonearena.com/news/The-...ay-but-Android-Silver-is-in-the-works_id57593