Google Jelly Bean Android 5.0 Smartphones to Be Released Soon

It appears that Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) will not be releasing only one device that will introduce the next version of the Android OS, the Jelly Bean Android 5.0. Instead Google will be offering a five-device lineup of tablets and smartphones that will succeed the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, which was released into the market late last year. In the past Google had collaborated with only one manufacturer to produce the Nexus device. However it appears that the upcoming Jelly Bean Android 5.0 devices may be produced by different manufacturers.

Reports have also indicated that the devices featuring the Jelly Bean Android 5.0 OS may be released by November. It may also be possible for Google to sell the Jelly Bean Android 5.0 devices directly. The Samsung Galaxy Nexus is currently being offered through the Google Play market of the company. Google had previously sold its Nexus devices through service carriers and retail outlets.

Although the price of the Jelly Bean Android 5.0 devices will be higher if it is bought direct, it will give users the flexibility of selecting the service carrier they want to use.

The release of a new version of the Android OS is highlighted on a flagship smartphone that does not have any custom UI of the service carriers that offer them as well as carry the Nexus brand. The Ice Cream Sandwich Android 4.0 is the current version of the Android OS and even though it was initially released late last year, only a small number of Android devices are currently using this latest version of the Android OS.

The reported device Jelly Bean Android 5.0 flagship devices will be unlocked once they become available in the US, Asian, and European markets. The availability of these Jelly Bean Android 5.0 device will reportedly be not limited to the Google Play market since it may be offered through a number of selected retail outlets.

The unlocked Jelly Bean Android 5.0 devices will also allow users to take advantage of some applications that are normally blocked by service carriers including the Google Wallet payment service.