Google could not have grown Android to what it is today without using the strategy that they did. All Oems and developers contributed and helped with the process. Now that the Android user base has grown so large and the software has matured, Google can release their own devices of a much higher caliper with more control and weight to throw around with the carriers. Now Google can realize it's ultimate goal of mass data farming with more control than ever before. They can move more towards the position of a leader in the market instead of just providing software for anyone to use.
It does not take an owned manufacturer to create an optimized experience and long term updates. All it takes is closely working together, great hardware choices, and good agreements. I do not think Google will ever drag along and update old hardware like apple does, but I also think that non security related updates to 2+ year old devices is pointless.
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I agree with you whole heartily on your statement, "Google could not have grown Android to what it is today without using the strategy that they did. All Oems and developers contributed and helped with the process. Now that the Android user base has grown so large and the software has matured
However rest statement still screams second coming with silver program which still to hard tell for now. Android is the equivalent to windows is to PC. So why would Google need handle full of devices to push " ultimate goal of mass data farming with more control than ever" don't they have hundred of android devices that meet that end?
"They can move more towards the position of leader in market instead of just providing software for anyone to use"
Android as whole is the leader in smartphone market which puts Google in the lead. Basically Google is not the driver in car that winning the race but the owner of car that driver winning race with. What would Google gain by being the "driver" rather than the "owner of the winning car" when the "owner" wins regardless if he is in seat or not?
I only see silver program doing for Google is educated mass that their beloved android products are Google products. Furthermore that your Samsung Galaxy "#" is nothing without Google creating android. The order credit form OEM partner, Google and Android is I'm disarray. The mass see Samsung Galaxy # as solely Samsung product deserves the create. Then a small few from masses may give credit to android. Lastly almost none can make connection that Google is reason the Samsung Galaxy exists. This large uneducated mass consumers of mobile market are why may Google's own projects don't get of ground because all their OEM partners get the credit for Android. Google not getting credit they deserve hurts all their own projects from flourishing because masses see Google as another company entering mobile market rather than the Father of mobile market of today.
Google could have all their silver devices number one but if accolades that Google deserves are not sorted Samsung,Apple and Carriers will still predominantly have the control because they will have masses in their favor. Google will perceived as another android devices in flood hundred android devices to masses in market in love with Apple and Samsung.
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