Google Planning To Build Its Own Smartphone

Google is considering building its own Android smartphones, according to a reports. The phone, which would be built in-house by Google, would see the internet search giant competing directly with smartphone manufactures like HTC, Motorola, Samsung, and Sony — all partners who currently build their own altered versions of Android.

If the report proves true, it would be the first time the company has built its own smartphone under the Google name. Sources speaking to the publication revealed that discussions are taking place at the search giant’s HQ over whether it should enter into the smartphone hardware business.

Currently, the closest thing to a phone built by Google  is its Nexus line. This is a suite of smartphones that run pure Android (otherwise known as ‘stock’ Android), but they’re built by third parties like LG, Huawei and Motorola under Google’s direction.

Not too long ago Google built Google Glass in-house, so a smartphone doesn’t sound far off. By launching their own smartphone, they’d have complete control over both the hardware and software, allowing it to be used as a reference platform of sorts. It’s a move we saw recently from Microsoft who now builds their own Surface laptop/tablet hardware in addition to their Windows software.