Its being reported that Google has decided to let go of the Nexus program and instead focus on high-end premium devices from manufacturers under the "Android Silver" certification. The OEM's following the new program will have to adhere to Google's strict guidelines on number of non-Google apps that would come pre-installed and the user should have the ability to uninstall those that come. At present though there is no word on whether Google will restrict the use of OEM's own skin on Android.
It seems, pure Google devices are on the way out. LG and Motorola are already on board with the new Silver program, but Samsung and HTC are reluctant to join. They have a plethora of services and apps that come pre-installed on their devices which is just half of what they do with their custom skins.
So outside of Google Play Edition devices, the Android Silver devices will also get timely OS updates. This is a long term strategy as Google will subsidize these devices and also co-market them. The new program will go live with Google willing to spend about $1 Billion on it.
If you look at the broader picture, this is a direct Google attack on the iPhone. With timely updates, premium devices running the latest Android its purely a strategy to attack Apple right where it hurts. Android already has a lead in worldwide sales, but isn't as profitable as the iPhone.
But its not just Apple, the Android Silver program will keep Samsung's influence on Android in check as well. With Google making it compulsory to add "Powered by Android" on your boot animation, it can be seen that the Mountain View giant is now trying to gain more control over its ecosystem, something Apple has never let go. Still at this point this is all conjecture, Android is Open Source so it will never be under Google's total control, still to make user experience better its good to see Google take some steps.
