Rumor: Google Changing Up Their Nexus Program, LG Optimus G Nexus Debuting In November, and More
I love a juicy rumor. But instead of running to the magazine rack at my local grocery store, I turn my ear to the internets in hopes of finding any information regarding Google’s upcoming Nexus device. As it turns out, our good friend Taylor Wimberly from Android and Me found himself with a wealth of “insider knowledge” that was dropped onto his lap today, and according to his unnamed sources, Google’s got some big plans for the next Nexus(es) with the first out of the gate being LG with a device they’re calling the LG Optimus G Nexus. I know, terrible name but let’s get to the rest of the gossip.
I think the most interesting part of the rumor is the talk that Google could be changing up the way the Nexus program works. Traditionally we’ve seen Google work closely with 1 specific OEM, using only 1 chipset, to build a device unlike anything the chosen manufacturer has produced. This time around, Google could be enabling strict guidelines that must be adhered to and if followed, will allow for any OEM to see one of their devices gain an illustrious “Nexus certification.”
As to be expected, one of the Nexus commandments is “thou shalt not alter the stock Android user experience.” I’m sure that sounds like a given but apparently Google could still find themselves throwing OEM’s a bone by allowing them to provide their own UI skin as part of a theme inside of an all new app dubbed “Customization Center.” This will come packed inside the next version of Android 4.2 — still being called Jelly Bean — which will debut on the LG Optimus G Nexus. Customization Center will finally allow OEM’s to include their own UI skins they feel enhance the Android experience but would be in no way forced upon the user. Other than the the Customization Center, it’s said there wont be many changes from 4.1, other than a slightly retooled “tabbed” launcher.
Another Nexus rule: your device must be future-proof. This is in reference to hardware specs in order to guarantee a future upgrade to the next version of Android when it becomes available, without the excuse of hardware limitations. I think it goes without saying Android’s biggest criticism has long been its “fragmentation” issue and, while this is simply a reality of an open source mobile OS, it’s something Google wants to make sure will never occur on their Nexus devices.
As far as dates go, rumor has it Andy Rubin will be taking the stage at the All Things D: Dive Into Mobile event later this month to talk about the new certification program, with Google and LG hosting a joint event to unveil the LG Optimus G Nexus unto the world in late November. Guess we wont have to wait much longer to find out if these rumors pan out, but it seems Google could have a few tricks up their sleeves in order to give consumers the one thing Apple can’t and/or wont — options. It hasn’t been leaked or rumored but I’m holding onto my dream of a 5.5-inch Nexus Note!