Google may release self-designed smartphone by end of 2016 - report
Google is reportedly working on a new self-branded phone over which it will exert more design, software, and manufacturing control, putting the company in more direct competition with Apple's iPhone.
Google's current flagship phone, the Huawei-made Nexus 6P.
The Google device will ship by the end of the year, one of several sources explained to UK newspaper The Telegraph. While Google been shipping self-branded Nexus devices for years, most of the work has been handled by outside parties like LG, Huawei and HTC. This has nevertheless allowed Google to define the Android platform via products that run "pure" versions of the OS.
Google may be concerned, however, that there's still too much fragmentation in the industry. Because phone makers are mostly free to customize Android, that means that they can install custom apps that steer people away from Google services, where the company generates most of its revenue.
Some vendors are also slow to push out new versions of Android to their customers, particularly people on older hardware. While a Nexus 6P is likely running Android 6.0 or later, non-Nexus devices may sometimes be running 5.x or even 4.x, left there because supporting new devices is more lucrative.
Much of Apple's success with the iPhone has been linked to the company having direct control over both software and hardware, the latter of which is its main profit driver. Google has been growing the number of physical products it offers though, and earlier this year launched a new hardware division under former Motorola president Rick Osterloh.
Google's current flagship phone, the Huawei-made Nexus 6P.
The Google device will ship by the end of the year, one of several sources explained to UK newspaper The Telegraph. While Google been shipping self-branded Nexus devices for years, most of the work has been handled by outside parties like LG, Huawei and HTC. This has nevertheless allowed Google to define the Android platform via products that run "pure" versions of the OS.
Google may be concerned, however, that there's still too much fragmentation in the industry. Because phone makers are mostly free to customize Android, that means that they can install custom apps that steer people away from Google services, where the company generates most of its revenue.
Some vendors are also slow to push out new versions of Android to their customers, particularly people on older hardware. While a Nexus 6P is likely running Android 6.0 or later, non-Nexus devices may sometimes be running 5.x or even 4.x, left there because supporting new devices is more lucrative.
Much of Apple's success with the iPhone has been linked to the company having direct control over both software and hardware, the latter of which is its main profit driver. Google has been growing the number of physical products it offers though, and earlier this year launched a new hardware division under former Motorola president Rick Osterloh.
Comments
I'm sure Google is concerned. Eventually, it will be like the 90's and early 2000's when all the phone makers have their own OS and nothing works with one another. Apple paved the way early and successfully. To Apple, it's just another day. To Google, it's the sign that they will be a footnote in history about what not to do.
Watch until this becomes the best Android phone ever, due to the fact that's it's 100% locked down and controlled by Google (hardware and software). Just like the iPhone. Welcome to the walled garden by Google.
Second, if it IS true you're assuming Google would not be allowed to sell in China. While it might actually be a good thing if they couldn't Google is apparently mending fences with the Chinese according to other rumors. If Google Play rolls out there fairly soon as has been reported it would certainly support the possibility of Google-branded phones and services in China to follow.
On the China front, I have read the rumors about attempting to mend fences. The problem I saw with what was being written was Google still presented itself as being right while the Chinese government as being not right. To me, this attitude was not good since Google HAS to follow the rules China sets in order to get back into and remain in the country. Also, the stories paint the view that Google's return to China is good for the Chinese people instead of being good for Google's bottom line and data mining. The Chinese government has proven it does not need Google. Google's change of heart has proven Google needs China. Of course, my thoughts are all based on rumors.
If this rumor is true, their threshold for boredom must have increased or something.
this sounds like trouble. If true, expect more "forks" in the android road.
Also we know from the windows phone experience that a new OS will have an uphill battle. People like Android I know for many that is a surprise to hear. While working for a telecom I ran into customers who had purchased windows phones and where angry it was not Android. Many of them were lied that it was just like an Android by a sells rep. Fact is it is an up hill battle to start a new OS both iOS both have 1mil plus apps available. That's a large gap to attempt to fill. Everyone has a contingency plan that's business but their first plan is Android.
Also Google still does not put to much control over Android. They only have requirements for being able to get the google services on the device. If you want you could build your on version of Android place it on a phone and it can be a clone of MacOs and Google will not care.