In the weeks leading up to Google I/O 2014, rumors points to more details being revealed at the upcoming conference concerning the new Android Silver Program. Here is a linup of the latest rumors:
What is Android Silver?
Google's Android Silver does not represent a particular smartphone line, but rather an entirely new system built upon a broad range of mobile devices created by different manufacturers. In other words, it is possible that Android Silver will be available on smartphones from Samsung, LG, and HTC -- as well as Google's own smartphone lineup.
This represents the tech giant's latest attempt at unifying Android-related technology around a standardized system, and consolidating its control over Android development in the foreseeable future. Under the current system, the major Android smartphone manufacturers tend to implement their own unique user-interface, browser, and custom apps.
"Android Silver is more of a revamp of the Nexus program than it is about Google trying to exert more control over the Android ecosystem it's had a large hand in creating," TBRI analyst Jack Narcotta said last month, in an interview with Computerworld.
"Nexus devices are great and they represent what Android can be when mobile devices aren't saddled with bloatware...Android is too much in the background today and for Google, that's a problem, especially when it's clearly trying to establish Android as its own brand."
In early April, AndroidPolice reported that all Android manufacturers will be required to implement Android Silver with little to no modification. These developments are evidence that Google is planning more control over its own Android technology. Indicating that it is serious, Google has already invested $1 Billion USD in developing the Android Silver program.
Android Silver, Possible Replacement for the Nexus Series
On May 16, @evleaks tweeted that Google may be dropping the Nexus 6 smartphone entirely. The following day, the same tweeter said that the Android Silver will have its launch date in February 2015.
The significance of these tweets is that Google may be replacing the entire Nexus smartphone lineup with the Android Silver range. It is generally believed that the Nexus 6 is the last of the Nexus smartphones, and that Google will start shifting its focus on developing the Android Silver instead.
Still, Google may continue keeping the 'Nexus' name alive with its tablet series -- the Nexus 8 being the next in line. As of now, the same rumors suggest that the Nexus 8 tablet will have a presence at Google I/O 2014.
The Google I/O 2014 conference will kick off on June 25, 2014 in San Francisco.
