Google's Grand Android Plan

CWmike writes with news of a significant change in Google's strategy for Android. According to a Wall Street Journal report, "Google plans to give multiple mobile-device makers early access to new releases of Android and to sell those devices directly to consumers, said people familiar with the matter. That is a shift from Google's previous practice, when it joined with only one hardware maker at a time to produce 'lead devices,' before releasing the software to other device makers. Those lead devices were then sold to consumers through wireless carriers or retailers." JR Raphael adds, "Signs of something big have been brewing in AndroidLand for some time now: First, we've had the increasingly loud buzz about Google's top-secret mission to build an inexpensive Nexus-like tablet. Then, last month, Google opened the door to selling unlocked Nexus devices directly to consumers, eliminating the need for carrier meddling and contract commitments. Now, at long last, we're getting a glimpse at what's likely the final piece of the puzzle."

Comments

Wow Google is missing the problem...

[SerpentMage]

The main problem with Android is not that the network carriers are the problem. Sure there are issues with it. BUT please tell me how my Acer Iconia tablet and its lack of updates is somehow a problem of the network carrier?

The problem with Android is that it is becoming a clustereff! I have an Android phone and Android tablet. I also have an iPhone, and iPad. I prefer the iPhone and iPad.

Here are some issues:

1) lack of updates! We have two android tablets and one android phone and the updates just SUCK!
2) apps will not work across devices. I can understand that tablet apps will not work on a phone. But I have phone games where if they run on the tablet the graphics do really funky things and are completely unusable.
3) Why on earth is the chrome browser only on ICS, and not honey comb? There is no excuse.
4) Battery life truly does suck in comparison to my iOS devices.
5) Performance and usability is lackluster. Windows Phone, and iOS devices have superior UI response. This goes back to the architectural design of Android vs iOS/Windows Phone.

I gave Android a chance, truly tried to like it, but I wish Google would focus on the Android operating system and cleaning that up instead of trying to push the blame to the others. Instead Google thinks the best use of its money is to develop augmented reality glasses...

BTW just for kicks, nowhere in any of the Star Trek series have there been augmented reality glasses! It is a dumb idea! Oh wait there was this one episode... BAD GOOGLE, BAD! ;)