More Nexus devices reportedly are coming this year, including a Motorola phone and a 10in ASUS tablet, according to a couple of unconfirmed reports.
The "Nexus" brand refers to devices that run Android exactly as Google intended, with no tweaks or add-on features by the device maker or wireless carrier. Google works closely with the hardware maker on these devices, and then sells them through its own website and, in some cases, through retail stores.
ASUS worked with Google on the new Nexus 7, reprising its role from last year, but until now it's been unclear which companies would be in charge of refreshing last year's Nexus 4 phone and Nexus 10 tablet.
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Taylor Wimberly, a well-connected Android blogger, wrote on Google+ Thursday that Motorola will release a Nexus smartphone in the fourth quarter. This will be separate from the Google Play edition Moto X that Motorola has already promised, Wimberly said. He didn't offer any other details on the phone.
Meanwhile, Geek.com's Russell Holly reports that ASUS will build the next Nexus 10 tablet, due out this holiday season. Holly cited "multiple sources" and has also posted a screenshot of a retail system naming ASUS as the manufacturing partner. If true, it means Google is switching away from Samsung, which produced last year's Nexus 10.
Both reporters have good track records with Android rumors. Wimberly reported extensively on the Moto X before launch, and Holly revealed the Google Play Edition Samsung Galaxy S4 before it was announced in May. Although an earlier tweet by the Wall Street Journal's Amir Efrati suggested that Samsung would produce the next Nexus 10, he now says he misspoke, and that Google has not officially named a partner for the larger tablet.
If Google sticks to the same timing as last year, the next Nexus phone and 10-inch tablet may be announced in October. Google had planned to hold a press event for these devices last year, but had to cancel due to Hurricane Sandy, instead making its announcements in a blog post.
