There’s
little doubt that Android is a great success for Google. Many
companies are making smartphones and tablets, with Google making its
own reference products with the Nexus 7, 8 and 10. These typically
run the most pure version of Android without added customizations by
manufacturers.
Lately
however the company has started to expand beyond the Nexus line by
creating Google branded versions of the Samsung Galaxy S4 and the HTC
One. Now the Wall Street Journal reports that this may only be a
first step for Google. According to the reports, Google is planning
to release several new products based on Android, from a smart watch
to a gaming console. In order to do this, it will improve Android,
especially when it comes to running on low power devices.
There
may be various reasons why Google would want to expand its hardware
line. Perhaps they see products like the Ouya and want a piece of the
action. Maybe they believe the Android market is too centred around
Samsung, which currently owns the vast majority of the Android
marketshare, and they want to offer alternatives. Or the company may
simply have started to enjoy releasing hardware products such as the
Chromebook Pixel and they have a goal to become a major hardware
player. Either way, these new devices are worth keeping an eye on.
