Google appears have given up on the Google Play Edition program, which offered versions of popular Android running a Nexus-like version of the operating system.
Top devices like the Samsung Galaxy and HTC One handsets had gone on sale SIM-free running ‘raw Android’ OS, with the custom UI elements ditched for the last couple of years.
However, SlashGear has been keeping tabs on the Play Store listings and noticed that the HTC One M8 Google Play edition has been removed from sale.
The Google Play Store in the US is now only selling Nexus smartphones and tablets and while the HTC One M8 is still in attendance, Google is saying it’s ‘no longer available for sale.’
The Google Play Editions had been available in the US only and despite the SIM-free price points, had proved popular among developers and those who prefer the stripped down software. Manufacturer user interfaces like HTC Sense and Samsung’s TouchWiz have split opinions among smartphone users.
Read more: Android 5.0 Lollipop review
Google Play Editions had allowed users to choose their favourite hardware and enjoy a Google centric experience without rooting their device.
These handsets are also at the front of the queue when the Android software updates land, so folks wishing to stay ahead of the curve will have to grab Nexus devices in the future.
Whether the gradual disappearance of the program has anything to do with the rumoured introduction of an Android Silver initiative remains to be seen.
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Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.
