Google could be launching a Huawei Nexus smartphone sometime this fall, and an app store for China could be in the cards as well.
The Nexus lineup of devices, made by Google in collaboration with various OEMs, is widely popular among consumers because it consists of devices with good specifications and a pure Android experience. Moreover, the Nexus experience is highly praised for its update process, as it guarantees timely updates as soon as a new version of Android comes out.
Google has so far launched one new Nexus smartphone per year, but 2015 could mark a first for the company and see the launch of not one, but two new Nexus smartphones. Reports so far have hinted at one handset coming from LG, and the other made in collaboration with Huawei. The LG smartphone will reportedly sport a 5.2-inch display, while Huawei will make a larger 5.7-inch Nexus phablet.
Google has not offered any confirmation in this regards so far, but the rumor mill is nonetheless busy churning in anticipation. A new report now bolsters claims of an upcoming Nexus device from Huawei, which is reportedly set to make its debut sometime in the fall. The two companies, however, could also have bigger plans.
More specifically, The Information now reveals that Huawei will not only make a Nexus smartphone, but could also bring Google greater benefits on the software front. This partnership could see Huawei launching a mobile app store in China, which would considerably boost Google's presence in the country. So far, Google has faced serious limitations in the country due to government regulations, but the collaboration with Huawei could open some new doors. For Huawei, meanwhile, this partnership with Google could mean more possibilities to boost the presence and success of its devices in the West.
If rumors turn out to be accurate, Huawei would be the first Chinese OEM to work with Google on a Nexus. Since 2010, Google has teamed up with HTC, Samsung, ASUS, LG and Motorola for its Nexus devices.
Huawei is apparently "one of Google's strongest and most trusted partners in selling devices powered by Google's Android software," The Information further points out.
The prospect of a Huawei Nexus smartphone and a new app store in China sounds exciting, but it all remains unconfirmed at this point. The Huawei Nexus handset could launch sometime in October, if Google's previus launch cycles are any indication.
Neither Google nor Huawei have offered any official information related to such plans, which means that it's all in the rumor state until some formal announcement. As always in such cases, take everything with a grain of salt.
