Google's rumored Android Silver program has reportedly hit a rough spot and may be on hold for now, if new information turns out to be accurate.
The Android Silver program has been rumored for quite some time now, and is expected to involve top-notch Android smartphones from a range of manufacturers. The devices are rumored to rock stock Android, just like Google's Nexus lineup, and benefit from heavy marketing and a major presence in carrier retail stores.
At one point, rumors even suggested that Google's new Android Silver project may in fact replace the Nexus lineup when it kicks off, but a Google official later confirmed that this is not the case.
It's been a while since this purported Android Silver program made the news, but now a new report comes with some intriguing claims. The latest news comes from The Information, which claims that the project stalled in July and has apparently been put on hold ever since.
According to the publication, the Android Silver program hit a wall when Nikesh Arora, one of the chief architects in the program, left Google. His departure reportedly caused the program to stall, and even Google employees are now questioning whether the program would be successful if it does see the light of day.
"Google's expensive plan to turn its Android mobile software into a high end consumer brand on par with Apple's iPhone is on hold," The Information reports. "The program, which is called Android Silver and was reported on in detail by The Information in April, stalled amid the July departure of Nikesh Arora, one of its chief architects, according to people familiar with its status. Mr. Arora was Google's sales chief and also oversaw the company's partnerships with handset makers and wireless carriers. Google has since been redoubting its efforts to boost a different Android program."
Other reports, meanwhile, have suggested that Google's manufacturing partners, as well as the mobile carriers, have had mixed reactions in regards to Android Silver. This could be another reason why such plans have allegedly been put on hold, but it all remains unconfirmed at this point.
In fact, Google has never confirmed anything related to this purported Android Silver project, which means that it's all based solely on leaks, rumors, and speculation for now. As always in such cases, it is highly recommended to take everything with a hefty grain of salt.
