New reports claimed that LG will take the helm in making the first Android Silver smartphone.
It was reported last week that Google will discard its Nexus line and will be replaced by the rumored Android Silver program. However, latest reports stated that LG Electronics will make the first smartphone to be offered under the new program.
According to NDTV Gadgets, LG is currently working on a smartphone powered by the Qualcomm MSM8994 SoC, which is thought to be octa-core Snapdragon 810 SoC.
The report continued that LG was allegedly chosen by Google due to the good partnership of the two companies. Moreover, LG was already familiar with Google's methods in making a new platform for lead devices. Also, it seemed that LG has a good track record with its LG Nexus 4 and Nexus 5 offerings.
The rumors were sparked by popular tipster @evleaks, which tweeted "the LG-made smartphone is a 'successor to the Nexus 6 initiative', and will be a Sprint carrier-exclusive device when launched in the US."
The tweet is quite confusing as the same tipster announced that the Android Silver might debut in February 2015. It also hinted that a Nexus 6 smartphone will still due this year. However, Google exec Sundar Pichai suggested that the successor of Google Nexus 5 will arrive at the second half of 2014. It is still unconfirmed whether this successor will still be offered under the Nexus line or Android Silver program.
Previous reports claimed that the Android Silver program will focus on promoting manufacturers who do not hugely alter Android's user interface and allow users to make use of Nexus-like Android experience. It seemed that Google will rigidly control the products and manufacturers adopting the Android OS by ensuring that they conform to Google's guidelines. This is to avoid some manufacturers and devices from capitalizing over the open-source operating system.
Meanwhile, consumers may get more hints about the Android Silver program in the upcoming Google's I/O Conference happening on June 25-26.
