If I may quote every girlfriend I’ve ever had, EVER, “I think we should breakup, but can we still be friends?” Yes people, sadly this is the current state of affairs for the soon-to-be defunct Nexus line of products. That being said, I know each “relationship” endures its ups-and-downs and the last few years have been like a roller coaster, but how could this be the end? Why Google…Why? (Crying) I’ve given you the best years of my life and this is how you re-pay me?
For those of you not familiar with the Nexus program, here is your quick tutorial: Google first introduced a Development program for its operating system (OS) where developers could purchase “developer-specific” phones free of SIM restrictions, which was a stark contrast for the heavily carrier-subsidized devices of the time. Google proposed a full product expansion, fusing with original electronic manufacturers (OEMs) such as HTC, Samsung and LG, naming a few, creating a synergy of hardware and software innovations for sanctioned devices, witnessed over the last seven years. This was dubbed the Nexus Program, and in January 2010, the very first Nexus collaboration spawned the Google Nexus One by HTC. At the time, the HTC-made Nexus was a gem with a 3.7” inch display, 512mB of RAM, and the then blazing 1GHz Qualcomm Scorpion CPU, but more importantly, established the “treat-inspired” Éclair Android Operating System (OS) as a launch pad for further OS advancements. Deemed an entry level phone by today’s standards, the Nexus One was every bit the flagship for its time and provided a platform for Google to showcase both its advancing OS and a vision for the future of mobile technology. And showcase it did, as new followers would flock to the tech giant by the thousands, as rooting and rom-ing became the trending activities. Not to mention, the Nexus line inspired OEMs further development in creating better devices geared to handle both entertainment and productivity needs of consumers. One could argue a great partnership for all was created with an optimistic outlook for what the future may hold.
If the introduction of the Nexus One was the dating phase, then its successors proved a gracious courting period. Ups-and-downs of any relationship occurred, but over the next few years, Google unveiled multiple OS follow-ups in FROYO, Gingerbread, Honeycomb, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, and my personal favorite Kit-Kat. Each more feature-packed than its predecessor, and with momentum and popularity growing in Android as a whole, this was parlayed into greater success for each subsequent Nexus. Sales improved year-over-year, culminating in the vast popularity of the 2013 Nexus 5, running the then newest version Kit-Kat. The LG-made device comprised three components making it nothing short of fantastic: an impeccable design and build, the newest version of Android, and a price-tag well within most consumers’ budgets. The Nexus 5 was a stunning device, falling just short in acclaim to other Android offerings such as the Samsung Galaxy Note 3, LG G2, and HTC One; none of which could offer the pure Android experience followers craved. Honestly, it could be said the apex of the programs success was achieved in the Nexus 5, as it was quite the banger. On a personal note, mine is still running smooth as ever with the Dirty Unicorns ROM, and its one of the rare phones I will have a hard time letting go.
As with any relationship, the honeymoon has to end, right? Shortly after the success of the Nexus 5, Google broke our hearts by announcing the train ride to Happytown may be coming to an end, and the eventual demise of the program was apparent. Several leaked reports in late 2013 and early 2014 stated Google planned to do away with the line and work on other endeavors. I can still hear the echoes of sighs and moans from the Nexus-lovers to this very day. For many, this was truly a hard pill to swallow as the Nexus line was garnering its largest following and continued sequels seemed only logical. However, Google further augmented fears by stating it had never intended for the Nexus line to last this long, and the eventuality of its demise was only a matter of time. Such sour words were never spoken so harshly, as we had already endured the short-lived linger of the Google Play Edition devices, and this news was absolutely devastating. However, prior to the release of Android 5.0, Lollipop, Google re-assured us Android junkies, the Nexus program would continue for the foreseeable future, giving a gleam of optimism for more great devices on the horizon. Instead, we got the Nexus 6 smartphone and Nexus 9 tablet, both failing in comparison from previous iterations. I reviewed both devices, and if you have not read those articles, my thoughts in a nutshell were they seemed “…rushed…” and “…incomplete…” Additionally, the build quality on the HTC-based tablet seemed a step back from even the Asus Nexus 7 (2013) from two (2) years earlier, but with a much steeper price tag. Not to mention, the Motorola-made Nexus 6, was not the next installment fans expected, as it was too unwieldy with its 6” display and wide body; nor did it possess the features of the Moto X, a device it closely mimicked, which was one of the top tier devices for the year. Coupled with its steep price tag, limited availability, and the overall kinks within Lollipop, the majority of us wished Google had ended the relationship. Although sales reflected modest gains, Nexus enthusiasts will point at these two devices as the weakest in the Nexus lineup thus far, and I can’t blame them. If I may put my impartiality aside, these devices were terrible. Overpriced and bland with problems does not win over hearts, and that was everything the previous devices were not. If I could use an analogy, these were the girl (or guy) you meet at a party that looks so cute under the dark lights, but when you come outside, BAM, no way, Jose! Yup, and that’s when the relationship went sour.
But much like that person you dated in high school you bump into years later looking good, and I mean REALLY GOOD, the debacle that was the Nexus 6 and 9 were supplanted by the gorgeous Nexus 6p and LG Nexus 5x. Similar to the metaphor for this article, Google went back to a familiar “partner” for a re-vamp of the popular Nexus 5, with hopes of winning back fans already straying, but also paired with the mega-successful overseas companion in Huawei, resulting in two nearly flawless phones. The magic was re-created as both these devices showcased the streamlined and very polished Android 6.0 Marshmallow, on beautifully designed hardware. These two not only met success with the entrenched fans, but also established crossover appeal with new consumers, originally intended for the Nexus 6. And in the blink of an eye, there we were back in love again. Alas, the good times were only short-lived as Google has made breakup public, marking the end of the Nexus line and the introduction to a new partner, Pixel. Additional leaked information states the new Pixel devices will implement additional software and interface tweaks over a vanilla Android skin, and the possibility of a locked bootloader could be a reality. WTH?!?! Since these devices are not yet released, we can merely hope for pleasant surprises, as this is such a dramatic deviation from the oft-problematic, but still great relationship we have forged with the Nexus line.
In summation, has it all been good? No. Has it all been bad? Of course not! You would never stay if it was all bad. But the Nexus line has been like that difficult relationship that is coming to an end. Could we be in store for something greater with the upcoming changes? The possibility certainly exists, but for something ingrained as part of our yearly ritual in the tech world, it will be hard letting go. Change is certainly inevitable, so here’s to hoping the new relationship proves as fruitful as the last.
JA3Tech 