There
have been recent reports about HTC manufacturing the next Nexus device this year
in collaboration with Google. Now, a new report from China claims that Google's
parent company, Alphabet, has signed a three years contract with HTC to make
Nexus devices. If this comes out to be true, we may see HTC unveiling its Nexus
devices as platform lead devices for the upcoming Android N version, as well as
Android O and Android P in next two years.
Google
has flip-flopped between hardware partners over the years for its Nexus
devices. It tied up with LG for Nexus 4, Nexus 5 and Nexus 5x, while it teamed
up with Motorola for the Nexus 6 and Huawei Nexus 6P. It may be recalled that
LG had confirmed it was not going to build Nexus smartphones this year as it
aimed to focus on its own range of devices. At MWC 2016, LG showed the intent
as well with unique modular smartphone, LG G5, and a new range of companion
devices.
The
rumored three year partnership between HTC and Google, however, has come as a
surprise. It may be recalled that Google has been looking to have greater
control on the hardware, and even reported to be developing own processors and
in house designed devices on the lines of Apple’s strategy for iPhones. But
hardware partners have reportedly shown reluctance towards Google’s efforts
to have majority of the control, and is believed to be one of the reasons why
LG backed out of the Nexus program. If true, the partnership also means Huawei
is highly unlikely to be associated with the Nexus project any time sooner.
Based on
preliminary leaks, HTC is likely to add the 3D Touch like display feature in
its rumoured Nexus smartphone this year. A report from January suggested that
the Taiwanese company in collaboration with Google is expected to unveil two
Nexus-branded smartphones this year.
It is
important to note that these are rumors thus far, and that HTC and Google haven’t yet
confirmed or refuted it. As Google I/O 2016 approaches, we are most likely to
have more credible information. The developer conference will be held in May
this year.
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