WSJ: Google to partner with multiple manufacturers for next-gen Nexus devices, sell them directly to consumers

An interesting rumor out of the Wall Street Journal claims that Google is looking to give early access to a number of hardware partners in the near future. This is quite a departure from the normal Nexus strategy we have grown accustomed to where Google selects one hardware partner and works in conjunction with them to create a device which highlights the new version of Android.

Another interesting aspect of this article claims that Google will also sell these unlocked devices directly to consumers in order to bypass carriers all together. This will reduce the amount of influence carriers have on the skinning of devices and doesn't seem that farfetched. This was one of the original ideas behind the original Nexus strategy that Google let loose for the first time with the HTC Nexus One and the launch of Gingerbread.

In a surprising move, Google recently began selling the unlocked Galaxy Nexus directly to consumers through the Google Play Store in the U.S. This may be an early indication that Google is moving in the direction reported by The Wall Street Journal.

Google is reportedly hoping to have devices ready for sale directly to consumers sometime around Thanksgiving. This would put them in a favorable position to push these new Nexus devices just in time for the holiday shopping season.

This strategy could also serve to calm weary OEMs who might be worried over rumors concerning Google's recent acquisition of Motorola Mobility. Certain rumors have suggested that Google may give their own newfound in-house device team preferential treatment with future Nexus devices.

The Wall Street Joutnal also claims that the strategy isn't necessarily exclusive to Android phones. The number of rumors concerning a Nexus tablet have been growing over the past few months. The article reports that the strategy will be used to "supercharge" the sales of Android tablets, which until now, have failed to meet Google's expectations. 

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