Google could be about to throw its Nexus branding wide open, with Samsung, Sony and LG all tipped to release new Nexus smart phones before the end of this year.
Japanese site Android Noodle released what's reportedly a product roadmap from Japan-based network operator NTT DoCoMo, Phandroid reports. The cryptic list appears to detail three new Nexus mobiles as coming in the winter.
Samsung's effort is the Galaxy Nexus 2, which recently leaked as a minor upgrade to last year's Galaxy Nexus. It's reckoned to sport a beefed up 1.5GHz dual-core processor and an 8-megapixel camera, according to BGR.
Meanwhile Sony's device is to be called the Sony Xperia Nexus, and LG is currently crafting the LG Optimus Nexus, according to the document.
Rumours were circulating earlier this year that suggested Google would be inviting more manufacturers to make Nexus-branded mobiles. Asus made the Nexus 7, and now it looks like Sony and LG could be joining the party.
Nexus phones run a raw version of Android, rather than playing host to manufacturer-customised versions. As well as being very slick and devoid of annoying bloatware, 'vanilla' Android smart phones are treated to speedy updates when a new version comes out, because Samsung, Sony and the like don't need to waste time making new software compatible with their custom interfaces.
I think slow updates are seriously holding Android back, so I think the more Nexus devices out there, the better. The chance to see Google's raw operating system running on Sony or LG hardware is a tempting prospect too.
Who would you like to see making a Nexus phone or tablet? Tell me in the comments or on our Facebook wall.
Update: Japan Mobile Tech writes that the source of the Nexus information is a post on Japanese text board 2channel, but also claims there's nothing to be found nothing in Japanese regarding the leaks elsewhere online, suggesting that the rumours could very well be groundless.
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Comments 15
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anonymous 22 August, 2012 18:10
these brits need to know that more cores does not make it better. i saw that dual-core snapdragon s4 pwned quad-qore tegra 3 in benchmarks.
anonymous 22 August, 2012 19:01
"These brits" i imagine your a yank with bad grammer! Why do you know so much my sgslll scores higher than any dual core out the on benchmarks so what are you banging on about?
anonymous 22 August, 2012 20:53
"I imagine your a yank with bad grammer" should read "I imagine you're a yank with bad grammer"
stones and glass houses my friend
anonymous 22 August, 2012 22:11
Would definitely be good to see more competition in the nexus market. I've been using a galaxy nexus since last december and I feel that my next phone will be a nexus again so the more the merrier.
anonymous 23 August, 2012 01:05
The manufacturers mentioned are renowned for producing high quality hardware in the mobile eco system. Pity that RIM and Nokia are unable to join this particular party for obvious reasons and commitment to their current OSs.
anonymous 23 August, 2012 08:54
It's "grammar", not "grammer" ;-)
Choccie Milk 23 August, 2012 12:18
No HTC :(
A HTC nexus phone would be awesome because they're hardware is always of the highest standard and looks and feels nice and not plasticky.
anonymous 23 August, 2012 14:19
I think I would have a hard time choosing.. I have had every nexus phone that has came out.. so it would be interesting to see a Sony..
anonymous 23 August, 2012 15:41
gotta agree, sony's efforts would be the most interesting. htc no doubt wouldnt get on board because of their stubborn attachement to their sense UI. A one x or s on vanilla would be something cooool. sony better put their best foot forward and make a slick and sexy handset unlike their current bulky efforts, i want them back on top of the cherry tree :D
anonymous 23 August, 2012 15:59
Just whose Grammer are we talking about, if it's mine I'll set my Granda on you.
I'd also like to see a HTC Nexus, their design always seems interesting although it does seem to date pretty quickly. Without the manufacturer skins the competition becomes about compelling hardware and design and HTC could do well.
Toyozo Iida 23 August, 2012 16:42
Nothing to do with grammar or hardware but Android Noodles should be a Taiwanese or Hong Kong site as the site is in traditional Chinese, not Japanese, even though we are all the same for you guys (^_-) I think they just copied that Japanese texts from Japanese online message boards.???????????
anonymous 23 August, 2012 19:52
Motorola Droid Razr Nexus sounds like a treat. They just need to make the phones compatible with SanDisk's newest line of microsdhc cards. And also keep Samsung, Sony, and HTC at the party.
anonymous 24 August, 2012 12:27
Well as far as speedy upgrades go I'm still waiting for Jelly Bean on my Galaxy Nexus. Apparently it's not "pure" Google and the update comes vis Samsung. So don't hold your breath!
runcjh 24 August, 2012 12:28
Hey, anon, I'm in the same boat! Hurry up Samsung!!
Dean Shepherd 27 August, 2012 16:07
I like how a couple of people mention they would love to see a HTC Nexus and how well that could be....err...are we forgetting the very first Nexus? the Nexus One by any chance....also codenamed HTC Passion.. :-P
I for one would love to see another HTC Nexus effort as they staying paying, I still use my HTC Desire almost 2 years on and the only thing wrong with it, is a little bit of paint wear on the back key, otherwise its still a good phone....especially in the modding community as well.