Such a move could be risky. Nexus device makers don't make much money from each device (Google keeps a 15 percent cut of sales, according to tipsters), and now they might not even get their name on the back. What would be the point, apart from promoting Android as a whole? However, there might be some takers. HTC is reportedly one of them -- the cash-strapped company is supposedly in talks with Google about making more Nexus hardware, and the deal would give it a much-needed (if short-term) boost to revenue and shipments.

Google may consider it worth the price. The company still makes most of its mobile service revenue from iOS devices, which puts it in an uncomfortable position: Apple could make life miserable for Google if it wanted to. Fully Google-designed Nexus phones might not only give Android a bigger share of the high-end phone market (where Apple thrives), but produce a better showcase for Google services.