It’s the end of an era, folks.
Shortly after launching its premium new xel phones, confirmed to The Verge that there are “no plans” to create another Nexus-bred device. The report was corroborated by the ruthless eradication of the Nexus 5X 6(among other devices) from the Store, several tweets by the official Nexus account that said, in effect, so long thanks for all the fish.
As Nexus users, you’ve played an integral role in this journey for . ’re excited about xel, want you to know that (1/2)
— Nexus (@googlenexus) October 4, 2016
’ll continue to support Nexus (customer support, software updates, etc.) & @googlenexus will continue to be a place for Nexus convos (2/2) https://t.co/BhgVcH16
— Nexus (@googlenexus) October 4, 2016
@conor3000 Hi Conor. ’ll continue to support current Nexus users; there aren’t currently any plans for a future Nexus product.
— Nexus (@googlenexus) October 4, 2016
The demise doesn’t come as much of a surprise, as ’s been pushing the xel br across its entire range of hardware, including laptops tablets. It’s still a bummer, though. Nexus devices were designed to show off the latest greatest Android features, complete with software updates straight from surprisingly affordable pricing. Nexus devices highlighted the best, purest Android experience possible.
Some of that lingers on in the new xel phones. ’s still promising direct Android updates, even offers around-the-clock technical assistance for buyers—a far cry from the horrendous customer support associated with Nexus phones. It’s designed around ’s new Assistant, a.k.a. a more personal, conversational built just for you.
Catch up on everything at ’s hardware event: xel phones, 4K Chromecast, more
But while the Nexus devices were designed to push Android into the spotlight inspire ’s hardware partners to do better, the slick xel phones feel like an attempt to seize control of the entire user experience in Apple-like fashion, much like Microsoft’s Surface. ’s xel phones are overflowing with premium features, from a top-notch camera to state-of-the-art internal hardware to free, unlimited cloud storage for all photos videos taken with the device. They even have a fancy new xel uncher that won’t be backported to Nexus phones.
The Nexus line never built additional features on top of Android. Nexus devices never aimed at the mainstream masses. Nexus was more of an ideal, a harbinger. The Nexus inspired. The xel competes, not just with Apple’s ione but also with the flagship devices from ’s own hardware partners.
Don’t get me wrong; the xel xel Xappear to offer a damn fine blend of hardware software. They seem pretty compelling on paper. But they’re no Nexus devices.
RI Nexus. You’ll be missed.
