Google Reportedly Dropping Nexus Brand Name From Its Phones

For the first time since 2009, this year’s Google-branded Android devices will not have the “Nexus” name. The move indicates a hard break with the name used on the flagship device for the last six years.

The Nexus branding has been dropped by Google for the two upcoming, HTC-made smartphones, according to The Verge. Google is hoping to cash-in on their own brand by bringing the new products to market under a different name.

Rumors have been circulating that Google will replace the Nexus name with a “G” logo on their forthcoming devices codenamed “Marlin” and “Sailfish.” Google has spent years building the Nexus brand as the hardware entity meanwhile the Google name has largely reserved for their software services. While we may not be entirely sure how Google plans to name the products just yet, we can be certain that the two devices will come in 5-inch and 5.5-inch screen sizes. The screen sizes will represent a small downsize from the current 5X and 6P.

During the life of the “Nexus” brand, Google has partnered with the likes of Samsung, LG, Huawei, and HTC to sell phones and tablets showcasing the latest software. The new phones now will possibly put the Google name front and center, according to Android Central.

Sundar Pichai, Google’s CEO, stated back in June that the company was going to be more “opinionated” about the Nexus design. “You’ll see us hopefully add more features on top of Android on Nexus phones,” he mentioned at the RecodeCode Conference. “There’s a lot of software innovation to be had.”

No word yet on whether “Nexus” is completely dead, but the fact that Google is moving away from the Nexus name for the new devices suggests there will be a significant shift in the Android handsets’ software and user experience.

Do you think Google should put a “G” logo on their two upcoming products?

[H/T The Verge]