FollowGoogle Nexus had been launched by Google more than a year and half ago. Google usually supports updates to devices they introduce into the market for a year and half. This was the reason why the Google Nexus has been excluded from the devices that would be upgraded to Android 4.4 KitKat. The KitKat update included all the Nexus devices except for this one make. There is now a petition filed at change.org, which has asked that this device also be included in Google’slist of updates.
Though Google refers to the eighteen month window period for the exclusion of the device, Endgadget has found out that the real reason is quite a technical one. The chipset that is used in the Google Nexus was one made by Texas Instrument (TI). TI have now moved on to other products and therefore the device has no technical support from TI anymore. XDA developer forum also mentions that the GPU binaries of the Google Nexus has been updated.
Another reason that can be thought of for Google not supporting the device is that this being the first Nexus variant in the market to have been retailed via many network carrier service providers, there are many variants of the device out there in the market. Google therefore does not wish to support such variations and rather keep to standard form, fit and function of their devices. Google also faces a problem in getting drivers for the chipset that has no technical support from its original makers. Whatever be the reason, Google would have to take some back lash from the customer base, if they completely ignore their legacy device.
Sundar Pichai, Android Chief should be receiving the petition soon and it is being hoped that some form of mediatory statement and approach to the issue would be taken.
