A new Google service appears to be in the works that would introduce customers to a premium Android experience. If this program comes to fruition, it will allow Google to hand pick a set of Android handsets from different OEM"s and market them to the public as a premium Android handset.
There have always been strong feelings in regards to the fragmentation issue in the Android ecosystem and while the situation has gotten better, there are still handsets that seem to lose support after a year or two. This program will attempt to unify the experience by creating a strict set of criteria that each "Android Silver" handset would meet.
According to Android Police, Android Silver requirements would include:
- Google will choose the top 5 handsets from various OEM"s
- The handset will run the latest version of Android with no or very limited customizations
- The transition from a standard to Android Silver handset will be seamless with transferring applications, settings, configurations, and data.
- Offer exclusive services to Android Silver handset owners
Google will also make sure there is a physical presence in retail stores when the program is launched. Similarly, Google currently offers several handsets from a couple of different manufactures on its online store. These "Google Edition" handsets run the latest edition of Android with zero modifications.
While the Android Silver program seems to closely align with what Google is currently offering online, there will be a difference with the Android Silver handsets being direct towards carriers. The importance of this program will lay strictly on the customer support, which Google currently cannot provide due to its lack of a physical retail presence.
Source : Android Police | Image via Google