Google is definitely to be commended. I think, for the first time ever, they're starting to get their ducks in order for the Nexus line to take off. It started with the Nexus 7, and it's culminated to this. So, kudos to them for sure.
Having said that, Google still has miles to pave. They need to forge better relations with the carriers so they can get LTE versions out to those who want that. And at this point and time, Google just doesn't have that sort of clout to put a device on a carrier and be in control of its software updates (the debacle with Verizon and the Galaxy Nexus, for example). For Google, if they can't control their own software and updates, there's almost no point in releasing a Nexus device to said carrier. It'll just make customers who buy the Nexus precisely for Google updates angry.
People ought to blame the carriers more than Google, but there's no shying away from the responsibilities; Google must forge relations.
The Nexus brand is, finally, on the right path.
Having said that, Google still has miles to pave. They need to forge better relations with the carriers so they can get LTE versions out to those who want that. And at this point and time, Google just doesn't have that sort of clout to put a device on a carrier and be in control of its software updates (the debacle with Verizon and the Galaxy Nexus, for example). For Google, if they can't control their own software and updates, there's almost no point in releasing a Nexus device to said carrier. It'll just make customers who buy the Nexus precisely for Google updates angry.
People ought to blame the carriers more than Google, but there's no shying away from the responsibilities; Google must forge relations.
The Nexus brand is, finally, on the right path.