New premium Android devices with Google-controlled software and fast updates could arrive next year Google could be preparing sweeping changes for the Android ecosystem next year, according to a report from The Information. The site has published details of what it calls the Android "Silver" program, a new lineup of premium Android smartphones it says will replace the current Nexus line. Silver, the report claims, is intended to combat Apple's iPhone and allow Google to assert more control over the high-end Android market, currently dominated by Samsung.

'Silver' partners could include LG, Motorola, T-Mobile and Sprint. Under the "Silver" program, Google would pay manufacturers and carriers to produce phones designed to its specification, with a limit on the number of non-Google apps pre-installed, and a promise of speedy Android updates. In addition to running Google-controlled software, The Information reports that "Silver" devices would support premium features such as waterproofing — already present in many high-end Android phones, notably the Galaxy S5 — and "personal voice recognition." The report points to LG, Motorola and Chinese manufacturers as likely "Silver" partners, along with carriers T-Mobile and Sprint in the U.S., and Telefonica, Telstra and Softbank overseas. Launch countries could include established markets like the U.S., Germany and Japan, as well as developing markets like Brazil and India. Verizon is offering the Pixel 4a for just $10/mo on new Unlimited lines Google is reportedly prepared to spend as much as $1 billion promoting "Silver" devices through traditional advertising and and in-store kiosks manned by those trained in the art of the Google. Whereas the Nexus program focused on online sales directly to consumers, "Silver" would be backed up by a considerable retail presence.