Android L is official, and Google spent a huge chunk of time on June 25 to talk about what their mobile platform, which isn't so much just a mobile platform anymore, is going to bring to the table by the time the fall of 2014 sweeps in. The software is one thing, though, and it will be interesting to see what Google does on the hardware front later this year.
After all, we've still go to see what happens to the Nexus family of devices. That's honestly one of the biggest question marks right now for Android. There have been so many rumors about this Android Silver initiative, which could replace Nexus moving forward, and it has quite a few people worried about what could happen.
For many people I know, the only Android devices they buy are Nexus-branded handsets. Customization is easy, especially if you like tinkering a bit further than just downloading apps to switch things around, and the prices through the Google Play Store sans any long-term contracts (or agreements) are certainly worthwhile. The Nexus family may not have picked up with the general consumer, but it certainly has made a name for itself over the years.
The argument that Google's tired of the Nexus name just being a quiet hero in the background, and wants to make a real run at consumer's eyeballs is a valid one. Why shouldn't they, right? Android's come a long way, so show it off in its stock form in a big way, with a lot of marketing and premium devices. Win-win.
Whether the Nexus is going the way of the Dodo or not, whatever is coming down the pipe from Google and their partners, I want to be able to customize it. And not just the software (even though that's great). Motorola has spoiled us with their Moto Maker, and I want other companies to start doing the same thing. Let me customize those Android Silver high-end devices with my own color schemes (more than just adding a yellow option, thanks). I want to be able to pick the colors for my back case, front side, camera accent and the buttons on the sides.
Will it happen? Probably not. And maybe it shouldn't, because it's one of the biggest strengths that Motorola has, and it's certainly a selling point for their Moto X. It'll just have to remain a pipe dream for me, I guess.
