Google’s Nexus program is growing, and growing fast. With awesome devices available now, and a whole new array announced for this month things are looking good. The Nexus strategy is a push back at Apple and Microsoft’s greed according to one Google executive, who also states the acquisition of Motorola Mobility was more to “disarm” attacks than it was to dive into hardware. Read on below for more details.
The folks over at Bits managed to get some one-on-one time with Google’s own John Lagerling, director of business development for Android — and some of his comments we figured were worth sharing with our readers. He briefly talks about the new LG Nexus 4 and Nexus 10, the Nexus strategy as a whole, as well as the Motorola Mobility acquisition.
The discussion took on many different topics, but a large part of the focus was on the Nexus program and strategy, as well as taking on the greed of Microsoft and Apple. Pointing to the LG Nexus 4 as an example John stated, “There are players in the industry who were unhappy about more competitive pricing for the consumers” but Google felt differently, and thus developed the $299 Nexus 4. Offering top end hardware for an affordable price, not a pocket-busting $600 price.
“There are players in the industry who were unhappy about more competitive pricing for the consumers. They want to keep the prices high, they want to force the price to be so high that operators have to subsidize the devices very highly. That’s not only the Cupertino guys but also for the guys up in Seattle. They want higher margins, they want to charge more for software.” John Lagerling, Google
Regarding the Nexus strategy, Google is using devices like their extremely popular and budget friendly Nexus 7, Galaxy Nexus, and the new Nexus 4 and Nexus 10 to shake up the mobile markets. At the same time they’re relying on their Motorola acquisition for patent ammunition should the others try to stop their attack — which hasn’t worked thus far.
Lagerling went as far as to state Motorola stands where Sharp or even Huawei would stand in regards to treatment and partnership on a Nexus device. While I wouldn’t go that far, it’s safe to say Motorola won’t be getting any special treatment. The acquisition as mentioned above was more about protecting their OS in court, rather than being a segue into the hardware department. “We are really walled between the Motorola team and the Android team. They would bid on doing a Nexus device just like any other company.”
With Google’s Nexus One not quite pulling off the hardware sales they expected in their own store, Google now has a much better situation and outline for their plan. Android has evolved into a finely oiled OS, the hardware is top notch, and they’re even offering the cutting edge for a lower price than the rest of the competition. It’s an interesting approach that is still in its infancy, but between the Nexus 7, the new LG Nexus 4, and the ever-evolving Play Store things are looking pretty good. Check out our reviews of all the latest Nexus devices below.
What’s your thoughts on the Nexus strategy?
[via SlashGear]
My only thought is if you are going to sell a phone with very limited memory (8GB), put an SD card slot in. For an extra $25 you’d have a phone with 40GB. You’d think they would have learned from the Nexus 7 about limited memory/no expandability.
I dont know why people wont get it through their skulls that nexus wont have SD card slot. They aren’t going to budge on this because it’s meant to be a developer phone, It is safer and faster to access the flash storage on the phone.
http://www.androidcentral.com/why-nexus-devices-have-no-sd-card
Now I do wish that they would offer more models with higher storage capacity – but they likely only made two models to cut down on cost. it would make a lot more sense to make a 16gb and 32gb version in my opinion.
It’s better to link to Android Community pal 😉
http://androidcommunity.com/googles-matias-duarte-explains-lack-of-sd-cards-in-nexus-devices-20121030/
they do sell a 16GB version but i would rather have a SD card slot
Lets get those greedy companies, they need a reality check
Moan moan moan. Make 16gig do live with it if only to stick it to the greedy ass companies. This phone is an amazing price. Don’t be spoiled and greedy like the rest of these assholes. It’s a google revolution Mann
Plan on getting nexus 10 and nexus 4 to sit beside my nexus 7. #ANDROID
I like the shot at Apple.That’s not only the Cupertino guys but also for the guys up in Seattle. Translation, we want to screw Apple and their greedy as$.
Cant wait, just dropped Sprint in anticipation. Ordering on the 13th, then heading to T-mobile for a SIM.