Google started its flagship Smartphone “Nexus” with HTC in January 2010, powered by Android 2.1 – also known as “Eclair”. Later, Google shifted its strategy and continued its campaign with other manufacturer Samsung and released Galaxy Nexus in December 2011, having Android 2.3 version. Samsung launched Android 4.0 powered Galaxy Nexus in November last year. Now, there’s a huge speculation about Android 5.0 “Jelly Bean”, which is going to be launch later this year with Nexus flagship. But, now there is a big question about the continuity of Samsung with Google or some other manufacturers will take the position of world’s largest smartphone company. Apparently, it has been convention of Google to introduce its upgraded version of Android OS with every new flagship product of Korean Giant, and this time, Android 5.0 “Jelly Bean” could be launched.
In carrier’s perspective, Nexus is not a lucrative businesses for them. Considering the four major wireless carrier in the U.S — AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon–they would not like to continue with Google to sell Nexus device in the country. The reason is quite obvious that Nexus Smartphone does not permit carriers to play around with Android software. Unlike Apple, Google offers also to sell the device ‘unlock’ without a contract. It’s pretty clear that Carriers can not manufacture device, and for the proliferation of its business, they need to have a support of device manufacturers.
The relationship of carriers and manufacturers are inter-dependent. Users are reluctant to invest $500 or $600 at the time of purchase. That’s why, carriers subsidize price of the devices and offer on one or more years of contract. But, Google is offering hindrance to carriers to influence the software and compelling carriers to sell unlocked without contract. In this case, the carrier has indeed a lack of exclusivity and it’s not helpful for them by anyway. But, Google wants the device should not be demarcated by carrier, and once purchased, users need not to be worried about the carriers as they can choose the network according to their choice.
Google is now more serious about its hardware manufacturing capabilities and wants to expand its Nexus Program . Currently, Android is facing a stiff worldwide resistance due to its fragmentation and Google will endeavor to focus on “one partner model”. The search engine giant understands it very well that it’s not easy to score off bounteous rival like Apple. Therefore, Google will stay focus with Motorola Mobility for hardware business. Undoubtedly, it’s not possible for the search engine giant to pull off the battle only with software.
The reason is quite indubitable why Google has stacked $12.5 billion on Motorola Mobility acquisition. The company has got legal approval to acquire Motorola Mobility almost in every countries. Undoubtedly, the company will more prefer to work with Motorola Mobility for hardware manufacturing compare to other partners. Infatuation of Google with Motorola Mobility has threatened to HTC, LG, Samsung and more, those have staked a lot on Android.
However, the acquisition of Motorola Mobility will give a patent support to Android manufactures. It’s well-known that Android is the most popular Smartphone OS worldwide, running on more than 300 million phones and 850,000 devices are being activated every day. A lineup of Android 4.0 powered devices are going to be launched later this year, however, Ice Cream Sandwich version of the OS has just 5% penetration worldwide. The main feature of the OS is that it’s compatible with both Smartphone and Tablet. Indeed, it might be a matter of consideration why Android latest version has such low penetration in the market?
Google will stab to design a unique hardware for its upcoming Android version in order to entice a significant number of users and the participation of Motorola Mobility will reinforce the company to achieve its reverie. Android manufactures are currently struggling to turn more profit from the OS due to patent lawsuits, suing by Apple, Oracle and more.
Users are more likely to own an innovative handset device rather than ‘same device but of different logos’ what’s happening with Android OS this time. Indeed, the time has come and Google needs to prove itself with its new incarnation.
