Google could be partnering up with a Chinese device maker

Feb 26, 2015 12:30 GMT  ·  By

Over the years Google has partnered up with different device manufacturers including Samsung, HTC, LG, Motorola and ASUS to bring to life products from its Nexus family.

From the latest arrivals, the Nexus 6 was produced in collaboration with Motorola while the Nexus 9 was made by HTC, marking the Taiwanese company's re-entry into the tablet space.

At some point, we heard rumors that the search giant might be looking to axe its Nexus brand, but as it has become abundantly quite clear over time, Google’s slew of stock Android devices are going nowhere.

Since the Nexus 6 saw the light of day in October 2014, rumors seem to pinpoint that the next Nexus device will probably be unveiled sometime in the second half of 2015, giving Google plenty of time to seek out and make an agreement with another partner.

But will Google go back to one of its older partners and try to revive a working agreement or will the company look to identify a new partner capable of putting a fresh spin on the whole Nexus affair.

Google shifting its focus to China

In an interesting twist of events, the latest batch of rumors (as seen at Gizmo China) seems to indicate that Google could be willing to go to China to find its next partner for the upcoming Nexus smartphone.

It’s quite compelling to fantasize about the next-gen Nexus smartphone. Especially since Google will have to do something about the name scheme, as the handset couldn't possibly be called the Nexus 7 (name already reserved to one of Google’s tablets).

Anyway, going back to the supposition that Google is indeed willing to work with a Chinese manufacturer, what could all this translate into?

The search giant is probably eyeing major local companies like Lenovo, Huawei or Xiaomi, who could be given the reins to the production of the next-gen Nexus.

Since Lenovo acquired Motorola and Motorola was behind the Nexus 6 smartphone, it wouldn't be much of a surprise if the now-parent company will be given the privilege to assist Google in the making of its new stock Android handset.

The other options seem viable as well. However, keep in mind that what we told you above remains in the realm of speculation until we’re proven otherwise.