News - Google is reportedly replacing its Nexus brand with Android Silver

[HEXUS]

The program is designed to re-assert Google's control over the Android ecosystem.

Read more.

[3dcandy]

Although Android fragmentation is touted as being a severe problem, in the real world it doesn't seem to make much difference...

[AETAaAS]

Although Android fragmentation is touted as being a severe problem, in the real world it doesn't seem to make much difference...

Partially because Google shifted a lot of components to the Google Play Services program than have it in the OS.

So stuff that matters can be updated independently of the OS. Most if not all devices can have the latest apps and core Google stuff like YouTube, Gmail, Chrome, etc.

I am interested in how this new program will be implemented. Play Editions still lagged behind Nexus devices in terms of OS so I wonder if Google is going to change how OS updating works?

[crossy]

Such Silver devices are to have a rather limited number of pre-installed non-Google apps, or will allow end-users to uninstall non-standard Android apps at the very least

Hmm, that sounds interesting - got to wonder though whether the "Silver" devices will be downspec/midrange phones like Nexus ones, or will Google want to charge a premium for these?

However, Samsung, HTC and Sony still need some convincing since these companies have all invested in developing their own differentiating look for Android.

Samsung I would have definitely thought would say "no". HTC might not need as much persuasion. Sony I'd mark as 50/50. After all, it's not as if Google are saying that they can't slap on their bloatware, just they need to keep it in check and allow the users to remove the stuff they don't want. That last point might be a good way for Samsung et al to see how well their treasured software is actually received - so if 90% of Silver users remove Samsung's ChatOn app then it's perhaps not worth pursuing for Samsung?

What would worry me though is if there's overlap/confusion between Nexus and Silver. So are Silver edition phones going to be full high end devices, but faster/more-frequent software updates, whereas Nexus devices are midrange but always the latest OS revision? Or put another way - Nexus get their software from Google, Silver's get it via the manufacturer, but still a lot faster than mainstream devices.

[Ttaskmaster]

Getting really tired of Google at the minute... Seems half my apps, like YouTube, cannot function without some weird Google Play app also being in place and not only does it use up a load of my memory, I cannot figure out how to shut the flippin' thing down!!

[Agent]

Sounds like something is wrong there. You can use Google apps without the Play store running. Heck, you can use them without Play being installed, but you can't update them.

[Lucifer.:LLS:.]

Google Play has two components, the actual Play Store and a background service as well. The service doesn't show up on the default task manager on most phones. You can kill it but it will just restart again. I don't know why it keeps restarting for free and built-in apps though. I was under the impression it was just for licence verification. Maybe it is used for tracking stats as well.

[iworrall]

And my Nexus 5 & 7 came direct from Google with undeletable HP printer drivers because...?

[Ttaskmaster]

Sounds like something is wrong there. You can use Google apps without the Play store running. Heck, you can use them without Play being installed, but you can't update them.

Beforehand, my YouTube would run just fine.

Now:
Apps, Downloaded, YouTube...

"This app won't run without Google Play services, which are missing from your phone. [click here to]Get Google Play services"...

Grrrrrr!!

[crossy]

Getting really tired of Google at the minute... Seems half my apps, like YouTube, cannot function without some weird Google Play app also being in place and not only does it use up a load of my memory, I cannot figure out how to shut the flippin' thing down!!

Ditto for Samsung - keep getting alerts that I either need to login to Samsung Apps or that it, or some other piece of useless dross, needs to perform an update. Sam Apps must have updated at least three times last week and I can't see any improvement/changes. Nexus 6 is looking more and more attractive.

And my Nexus 5 & 7 came direct from Google with undeletable HP printer drivers because...?

... they're drivers, so part of the operating system. Unless you're a real HP hater they shouldn't bother you in the slightest surely. Heck, I've got Samsung drivers installed on my S3/Note 10.1 and I can't say it annoys me overly much.

No, more of an annoyance is lag that's suddenly hitting my Note 10.1, and I'd love someone to explain how turning on "developer mode" lessens the lag.

[iworrall]

... they're drivers, so part of the operating system

If other manufacturers printer drivers were also included, I'd be inclined to agree. However, they're not so that makes them "sponsorware" at best.
If you look up reviews on the Play Store, everyone who doesn't own a HP printer is demanding their removal.

[crossy]

If other manufacturers printer drivers were also included, I'd be inclined to agree. However, they're not so that makes them "sponsorware" at best. If you look up reviews on the Play Store, everyone who doesn't own a HP printer is demanding their removal.

The "sponsorware" accusation is unfair - if memory serves - in addition to Samsung, there were also Canon drivers intending to hit the OS "real soon now". Just checked Epson, and they have an app to add printing capabilities - which I'd agree is probably the best way.

Taking the HP hating glasses off, those drivers are a couple of KB at most, and don't nag or need frequent updates, so I honestly don't see the big deal. Other than perhaps the core idea of non-removable software. But if your objection is that then surely a 3rd party ROM is the answer?

[kingpotnoodle]

The "sponsorware" accusation is unfair - if memory serves - in addition to Samsung, there were also Canon drivers intending to hit the OS "real soon now". Just checked Epson, and they have an app to add printing capabilities - which I'd agree is probably the best way.

Taking the HP hating glasses off, those drivers are a couple of KB at most, and don't nag or need frequent updates, so I honestly don't see the big deal. Other than perhaps the core idea of non-removable software. But if your objection is that then surely a 3rd party ROM is the answer?

There is Epson stuff in the Play Store... I think what people don't like is that the HP bits can't be removed, but they don't do much unless used so its a storm in a teacup. For anyone with an HP printer surely a good thing...

[Funkstar]

"This app won't run without Google Play services, which are missing from your phone. [click here to]Get Google Play services"...

It's pretty essential these days.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Google_Play_Services

It's the guts of all the Goole services in one place instead of being duplicated over each seperate app. Means they can make a change to some of the low level APIs and functionality without updating every Google app out there.

Makes a lot of sense. Don't kill it.

[Ttaskmaster]

It's pretty essential these days.
It's the guts of all the Goole services in one place instead of being duplicated over each seperate app. Means they can make a change to some of the low level APIs and functionality without updating every Google app out there.
Makes a lot of sense. Don't kill it.

Shows you how long it's been since I previously updated certain apps, then!!

I run an old HTC Desire Z, so I'm a bit concerned Google stuff will eat up my pathetic RAM or something. I don't know half as much about phones as I do PCs (I'm a Noob there too) and I already had to deal with the fallout on the Mrs's phone when her provider auto-updated Android beyond the maximum version her device could cope with!

[Andson]

Sounds not so good, because the Silver, for short it will be S...., like Samsung series's S2, S3,S4. I don't like this name