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Google Nexus Devices to Continue Unaffected by Android Silver

Google Nexus Devices to Continue Unaffected by Android Silver

By Ketan Pratap | Updated: 4 July 2014 19:38 IST

Google's Dave Burke has confirmed that the Nexus program will continue and a new Nexus flagship running Android L can be expected to launch later this year.

There had been multiple reports in the past claiming that Google, in favour of the new Android Silver, will dump the company's existing and successful Nexus programme.

However, thanks to Burke, who is the Head of Android Engineering and Nexus Program, we have a confirmation that the next Nexus device is coming later this year.

Burke, in an interview with Readwrite, said, "People just get excited by concepts and forget why we do things. We are still invested in Nexus."

On being asked about existence of the Android Silver project, Burke told, "Android Silver is not something that we are commenting on right now. But the prospect of Silver doesn't mean that Nexus is going away."

The rumours surrounding the project Android Silver claim that it's a programme that would give certain Android devices a special "silver" status which would involve giving them additional promotion and various points of sale, as well as access to a special after sales support channel.

Reports have hinted that the Android Silver devices would run stock Android with minimal to no customisation, and manufacturers would have to agree to several other conditions.

Rumours of the programme, described the Android Silver, an expanded line-up of devices much like the current Google-sponsored Nexus series, with a focus on promoting less-popular manufacturers who do not use elaborate customised Android UI skins.

Burke elaborated the effort of the Google team and noted, "When we are working, there are sort of two outputs. We're building a Nexus device and we're building the open source code. There is no way you can build the open source code without the phone or tablet or whatever you are building. You have to live and breathe the code you are developing. You can't build a platform in the abstract, you have to build a device (or devices). So, I don't think can can or will ever go away. And then, I think Nexus is also interesting in that it is a way of us explaining how we think Android should run. It is a statement, almost a statement of purity in some respects. I don't see why we would ever turn away from that, it wouldn't make sense."

Earlier this month, a HTC-made tablet codenamed Volantis or Flounder, which is believed to be the next Nexus tablet, was leaked in images and specifications.

There's no doubt that Google's Nexus devices have been the reference devices for its operating system, reflecting Google's own design philosophies. The Nexus devices offer the pure 'stock' Android experience as they're untouched by any additional customisation from the side of operators and OEMs.

But the other major reason why some consider Nexus devices better than others is that they are the first to receive Android updates.

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Further reading: Android, Android Silver, Google, Google Nexus, Nexus Smartphones

Ketan Pratap

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Ketan Pratap is the editor at Gadgets 360 - with over 12 years of experience covering the technology domain. With a breadth and depth of knowledge in the field, he's done extensive work across news, features, reviews, and opinion pieces. But what's truly inspiring about Ketan is how he spends his free time. He's often found gazing at snow-capped mountains from over 20,000 feet while sitting on the hood of his car, taking in the breathtaking beauty of nature. His passion for the great ...More

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