Google Play editions of Xperia Z Ultra and LG Pad 8

[viskon]

Got to say I never saw this coming. Google is beefing up their devices store.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/10/sony-xperia-z-ultra-and-lg-g-pad-8-3-google-play-editions-offici/

 

[zbarvian]

I wish stock Android wasn't as niche as it is becoming. Also, that the Google Experience Launcher was included with 4.4. Sigh. It's a tricky situation for Google, but the Nexus line gives me hope.

 

[mclld]

I wish stock Android wasn't as niche as it is becoming

What do you mean?

 

[Jschultz]

That Xperia Z Ultra looks pretty sweet. But 6.4"?? That's pretty big. I'm not sure I want a phone that is much bigger than my N5.

 

[akuma13]

Got to say I never saw this coming. Google is beefing up their devices store.

http://www.engadget.com/2013/12/10/sony-xperia-z-ultra-and-lg-g-pad-8-3-google-play-editions-offici/

Wow that Z Ultra is tempting. But i love my Note 3. The Ultra is a truer phablet. I would have no need for a tablet (i think).

 

[gotluck]

I wish stock Android wasn't as niche as it is becoming. Also, that the Google Experience Launcher was included with 4.4. Sigh. It's a tricky situation for Google, but the Nexus line gives me hope.

I would argue it is becoming less niche with the gpe devices because previously nexus was the only way to get factory stock. Moto is basically stock too. I may be missing your point.

Fwiw I don't understand why google is making us side load gel, it works just fine. The launcher is actually built into the search app that everyone has, the side load app just activates the code in the search app I believe. Almost all of the file size of gel is the wallpapers.

 

[zbarvian]

I would argue it is becoming less niche with the gpe devices because previously nexus was the only way to get factory stock. Moto is basically stock too. I may be missing your point.

Fwiw I don't understand why google is making us side load gel, it works just fine. The launcher is actually built into the search app that everyone has, the side load app just activates the code in the search app I believe. Almost all of the file size of gel is the wallpapers.

It's all about price. For most people who don't buy top-shelf at the full cost, this is way out of reach. Getting these kinds of devices on carriers with a reasonable starting price just seems impossible, because of carrier control and OEM reluctance. The best way to get stock Android for most people who want it is still the Nexus line. I'm afraid that GPE editions sway OEMs from using stock by default instead of their own skin. Google should take more action in my opinion.

 

[OhHaiThere]

OOHhhhh... so glad I didn't get the Nexus 7... that G Pad is calling my name. Gotta research it

 

[gotluck]

It's all about price. For most people who don't buy top-shelf at the full cost, this is way out of reach. Getting these kinds of devices on carriers with a reasonable starting price just seems impossible, because of carrier control and OEM reluctance. The best way to get stock Android for most people who want it is still the Nexus line. I'm afraid that GPE editions sway OEMs from using stock by default instead of their own skin. Google should take more action in my opinion.

Fair point indeed. Hopefully telcos will start offering unsubsidized rates so people other than those on prepaid can justify buying gpe devices. Or hopefully people start realizing prepaid is worth it for many without family/legacy/employer fan discount plans. Verizon aside of course, you can't win there thanks CDMA.

I hope other oems are watching the positive response moto is getting.