So far, Google has worked with a single manufacturer each year on a new Nexus device, giving the company early access to the new version of Android and then launching a reference product with that OS. If a new report from the Wall Street Journal is accurate, though, that'll be changing this year. The WSJ claims that Google is planning to work with multiple manufacturers to create a range of Nexus phones and tablets running the next version of Android, referred to as Jelly Bean. The portfolio of Nexus devices will reportedly be ready to launch by Thanksgiving, at which point Google will sell them directly to consumers.
This move (if true) would obviously be quite a change from the way Google has operated the Nexus program so far. It's thought that allowing multiple Nexus devices will allay concerns that Google will favor Motorola after the company is acquired by El Goog, and one WSJ source also claims that Google hopes that this decision will help to boost sales of Android-powered tablets. It'd be pretty interesting to see Google partner up with several manufacturers for new Nexus devices, as the variety of devices could attract more consumers to a Nexus product, and all of those buyers would be getting a pure Android experience. Sounds good to me. We'll definitely be keeping an eye on this rumor going forward, so be sure to stay tuned for more. Which manufacturers would you like to see Google partner with for a new Nexus this year?
