Overview
The Google Nexus series, launched in 2010, was a line of Android devices that showcased the best of Google's mobile operating system. However, with the introduction of Google Pixel in 2016, the Nexus brand was phased out. Android, on the other hand, is an open-source operating system developed by Google, with a vast array of devices from various manufacturers. The relationship between Nexus, Google, and Android is complex, with tensions between Google's desire for control and the open-source nature of Android. According to a report by IDC, Android accounted for 70.9% of the global smartphone market share in 2020, with Google's Pixel series holding a mere 2.5%. The future of Android and Google's role in it will be shaped by the company's ability to balance its desire for control with the needs of its partners and users. As noted by Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google, the company's goal is to 'make Android better for everyone', a statement that reflects the delicate balance between Google's interests and the open-source ethos of Android. With the rise of 5G and AI-powered devices, the Android ecosystem is poised for significant growth, with Google's Pixel series and other Android devices set to play a major role.