Google is reportedly going to give multiple smartphone manufacturers early access to versions of Android software, rather than choosing one. The search giant is aiming to take away control from wireless carriers, who sometimes control what software is installed on devices.
"Google plans to give multiple Android mobile-device makers early access to new releases of Android and to sell those devices directly to consumers," The Wall Street reported after speaking with people familiar with the matter. Google has previously produced "Nexus" device with the latest versions of Android - the Google Nexus, Nexus S and Galaxy Nexus - before releasing the software.
The Wall Street Journal said Google wants wireless carriers to have less control over the apps and services used on Android device. Google is also looking to erase concerns that the acquisition of Motorola will mean the company gets priority when new versions of Android release.
" [...] Under its new model, Google could give Motorola early access to Android software without putting other partners at a disadvantage," The Wall Street Journal's sources said.
Google will work "with as many as five" manufacturers under the new scheme, to create a range of Nexus devices across smartphones and tablets. Devices will be sold directly through Google's Web site to U.S., European and Asian consumers and "potentially" through some retailers.
The plan will coincide with the release of Jelly Bean, the next major version of Android that could be revealed at Google's I/O in June, running from June 27-29. The paper's sources said Google is hoping to have the devices ready by Thanksgiving.
Lagging sales of Android tablets are aimed to be boosted by the scheme as the iPad and Kindle Fire continue to sell. Some criticisms towards Android tablets have included the lack of tablet-specific apps, as smartphone apps are scaled up for the bigger displays.
As The Wall Street Journal notes, the advantage of selling devices through carriers is the subsidized cost over multiple years. Retail stores also allow consumers to test devices.
Rajeev Chand, head of research at Rutberg & Co., compared Android to the "Wild West" as developers have to make apps compatible with hundreds of devices.
