*Google needs to figure out its identity as it relates to mobile devices. Nexus is cool, but only the nerds like us understand any of the terms.
Google (and its variations "from google", "with google" and to a lesser extent "GED")
Android
Droid
Nexus
..even Chrome has muddled the waters (its a browser and an OS, and its a key feature of android now)
*to a lesser extent software iterations that dont follow a unifying path (some version names cover 1 update, others more, etc) drop the desert monikers.
*also need to figure out how you're going to name your devices long term. you cant continue to go "nexus N+1" for every successor, especially since you just went with Nexus 7 and Nexus 10.
I'm not saying they have to make the phones themselves (they made the Nexus Q and that looks like a failed project) but handcuff the hardware OEM for pete's sake. I think not offering an LTE nexus at this point is a bad sign. It was a pivotal step in the evolution of the release of the Nexus line, and Google did not find itself able to cooperate with everyone involved (themselves, hardware OEM, and the carriers). I personally dont believe the differences between GSM/CDMA are large enough to prevent the phone from being released on both networks while still receiving appropriate updates (hello, apple can do this across virtually the entire globe)
*speaking of handcuffing, I understand different carriers want different features in their phones (IE sprint wants a kickstand on their flagship HTC line). Require stricter naming policies (IE drop "Droid"). The "Droid Does" series of commercials are actually very informative, but would a woman ever want a "droid" after watching one of those commercials? HTC made a fantastic step forward this year with X/V/S. Caveat, One X+ is tricky because what do you go with after the X+? the X2? we already have done that... One X+2? One X2+? 2X? etc etc ad nauseum. tighten controls of your os and how you license it out.
*Kellen from Droid life brought up a great point. Google wont market/advertise/promote the Nexus 10. Samsung will gladly make that device for them (and work out the kinks, design issues, etc) then market the crap out of a Samsung Tab/Note 10 with crazy res screen. Add in a SD slot, S-pen, (maybe toucwhiz?) and sell the heck out it, while letting Google peddle their own "developer tab" in the play store.
*If you want some of apples market share, you're going to have to take it using some of their own tactics. Apple has coddled the market and if the public is going to perceive Android as an alternative, Google needs to follow some of Apples practices. Simple device/OS naming, Out of this world advertising/marketing (what limited work Google has done recently has been good), and a universally great build quality/hardware. The Nexus 7 ads were great and probably helped the identity of Google in the mobile space, keep it up.
*one more final thing, clean up the play store and get rid of all the crap apps, I understand googles view on censorship, but there are probably thousands of trademark/etc infringements within the play store atm. It makes it look JV to apples "varsity"
Google (and its variations "from google", "with google" and to a lesser extent "GED")
Android
Droid
Nexus
..even Chrome has muddled the waters (its a browser and an OS, and its a key feature of android now)
*to a lesser extent software iterations that dont follow a unifying path (some version names cover 1 update, others more, etc) drop the desert monikers.
*also need to figure out how you're going to name your devices long term. you cant continue to go "nexus N+1" for every successor, especially since you just went with Nexus 7 and Nexus 10.
I'm not saying they have to make the phones themselves (they made the Nexus Q and that looks like a failed project) but handcuff the hardware OEM for pete's sake. I think not offering an LTE nexus at this point is a bad sign. It was a pivotal step in the evolution of the release of the Nexus line, and Google did not find itself able to cooperate with everyone involved (themselves, hardware OEM, and the carriers). I personally dont believe the differences between GSM/CDMA are large enough to prevent the phone from being released on both networks while still receiving appropriate updates (hello, apple can do this across virtually the entire globe)
*speaking of handcuffing, I understand different carriers want different features in their phones (IE sprint wants a kickstand on their flagship HTC line). Require stricter naming policies (IE drop "Droid"). The "Droid Does" series of commercials are actually very informative, but would a woman ever want a "droid" after watching one of those commercials? HTC made a fantastic step forward this year with X/V/S. Caveat, One X+ is tricky because what do you go with after the X+? the X2? we already have done that... One X+2? One X2+? 2X? etc etc ad nauseum. tighten controls of your os and how you license it out.
*Kellen from Droid life brought up a great point. Google wont market/advertise/promote the Nexus 10. Samsung will gladly make that device for them (and work out the kinks, design issues, etc) then market the crap out of a Samsung Tab/Note 10 with crazy res screen. Add in a SD slot, S-pen, (maybe toucwhiz?) and sell the heck out it, while letting Google peddle their own "developer tab" in the play store.
*If you want some of apples market share, you're going to have to take it using some of their own tactics. Apple has coddled the market and if the public is going to perceive Android as an alternative, Google needs to follow some of Apples practices. Simple device/OS naming, Out of this world advertising/marketing (what limited work Google has done recently has been good), and a universally great build quality/hardware. The Nexus 7 ads were great and probably helped the identity of Google in the mobile space, keep it up.
*one more final thing, clean up the play store and get rid of all the crap apps, I understand googles view on censorship, but there are probably thousands of trademark/etc infringements within the play store atm. It makes it look JV to apples "varsity"
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