In the 24 hours news cycle, the pressure is on for tech sites to deliver as much news as possible as fast as possible. Sadly though, good old common sense often becomes a collateral victim.
Let's take this latest piece of "news" for example: a Korean industry analyst (a reputable one for what it's worth) has issued a research note where he makes some predictions about Google's Nexus program. Mingchi Kuo of KGI Securities thinks that for the next Nexus 7 tablet, Google will drop Asus and partner with LG instead. The reasons offered by Kuo are:
- Google has traditionally rotated its Nexus partners, and Asus has already had enough time in the spotlight.
- Google has cooperated with LG for a smartphone, but not a tablet.
- Teaming up with LG would give Google access to the display technologies of LG Display at competitive prices.
Ok, let's back up a little. These all seem plausible reasons why Google would want to drop Asus as a partner and work with LG instead. The problem is I could come up with many plausible reasons why Google would want to work with HTC, Sony, Motorola, or other Android manufacturer for the next Nexus tablet. Or they could just keep working with Asus – there's no rule preventing a company from scoring more than two Nexus generations. Just look at Samsung, which, according to Sundar Pichai, will release its fourth Nexus device this fall.
Mingchi Kuo's guess might be an educated one, but it's just that – a guess. Kuo made a few good predictions in the past, but that doesn't mean we should take his words as gospel. Especially since the Nexus 7 (2013) has just launched, and it's very possible that not even Google's executives know yet the 2014 Nexus partners.
Let me be clear, I am not accusing Mingchi Kuo of anything. He's just doing his job; analysts are paid to make educated guesses for their clients after all. LG might get to make the next Nexus, who knows? I am just saying that we should all be a little more critical about what we write and what we read.
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