Google has been removing a number of Google Play Edition smartphones from their Google Play store over the last few months. This trend has raised questions and concerns among tech enthusiasts and consumers who favored these editions for their pure Android experience.
Earlier this month, the Samsung Galaxy S4 and Motorola Moto G Google Play Edition handsets were removed, and now the HTC One M8 GPE has been removed from the Google Play Store. This marks the end of an era for the Google Play Edition program, which aimed to provide users with a stock Android experience on popular hardware.
The End of Google Play Edition Smartphones
The HTC One M8 was the last Google Play Edition smartphone that was available from the Google Play Store. With its removal, Google has officially stopped selling these Google Play Edition handsets. The Google Play Edition program was initially launched to offer a pure Android experience, free from manufacturer skins and bloatware, on some of the most popular smartphones. This initiative was particularly appealing to Android purists who wanted timely updates and a clean user interface.
The HTC One M8, for instance, was a highly regarded device, praised for its premium build quality, dual front-facing speakers, and innovative Duo Camera system. The Google Play Edition of the HTC One M8 combined this excellent hardware with the simplicity and efficiency of stock Android, making it a favorite among tech enthusiasts.
Future of Pure Android Experiences
As yet, there are no details on whether we will see new Google Play Edition versions of smartphones available from Google Play in the future or whether Google has decided to stop offering the handsets altogether. The discontinuation of the Google Play Edition program leaves a gap for those who prefer a pure Android experience on non-Google hardware.
However, Google has shifted its focus to the Nexus and Pixel lines, which also offer a pure Android experience. The Nexus program, which preceded the Pixel line, was known for providing high-quality devices with stock Android and timely updates. The Pixel line has taken this a step further, offering not only a pure Android experience but also exclusive features and top-of-the-line hardware designed by Google.
For those who miss the Google Play Edition devices, the Pixel phones are a natural alternative. They offer the same clean Android experience, with the added benefit of being designed and optimized by Google. Additionally, Android One devices, which are aimed at providing a pure Android experience on more affordable hardware, have also gained popularity in various markets.
In conclusion, while the removal of the HTC One M8 Google Play Edition from the Google Play Store marks the end of the Google Play Edition program, there are still plenty of options for those who seek a pure Android experience. Whether through the high-end Pixel devices or the more budget-friendly Android One phones, Google continues to cater to the needs of Android purists.
Source Android Police
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