Despite Google snapping up phone maker Motorola, a leak from Samsung’s legal department indicates Samsung will be handling Google’s next phone. The move should inspire confidence from mobile phone manufacturers who feared the Google-Motorola deal would cause Google to play favourites, turning them from partner to competitor.
The new Google Nexus phone will be called the Nexus Prime (shame LG called dibbs on Optimus) detailed in a cease and desist letter distributed by Samsung’s legal team. The letter was sent to enthusiasts who managed to get their hands on the phone’s yet-to-be-released firmware reported Pocket-Lint.
It is a big deal, considering the Nexus badge tends to be the first phone to carry Google’s next generation software, which is Android’s Ice Cream Sandwich.
Arguably the most enticing of updates, Ice Cream Sandwich will be the same OS used for smartphones and tablets. This way one operating system can be used for multiple platforms, ensuring a seamless experience from smartphone to tablet.
Read: Google Android Fuses Tablet and Phone OS
Out of 3 Nexus phones, 2 have been developed by Samsung, with the original being helmed by rival HTC.
Typically, manufacturers take Google’s Android software and customise it to separate their brand from the rest, featuring software like HTC Sense or Samsung’s Hubs. The software is also handled by carriers who add their own services, like Vodafone Live and Optus Zoo. Before these mobiles can be released, they have to undergo lengthy testing.
Nexus phones run a version of Android that is pure, free from carrier and manufacturer tweaks. This allows for updates to be installed as soon as Google makes them available.
So far, it appears Google has stayed true to its word not playing favourites with Motorola, but that hasn’t stopped Samsung and HTC investing in other Operating systems.
