The relationship between Google and ASUS is an interesting one. ASUS has almost zero brand recognition compared to other electronics companies like Samsung, LG, Sony, Dell, and even Apple, which means when Google calls them to jump, ASUS asks how high? That’s obviously great for ASUS. On the other hand, because ASUS is small, they don’t have the kind of manufacturing capabilities that the big boys do, nor do they have the right connections with distributors.
And that sucks for Google. Despite the 2013 Nexus 7 being a product that the tech press are calling the best small tablet to ever be made, DigiTimes says ASUS expects sales to hit just 3.5 million this year. Why such a low figure? Again, ASUS can’t make as many tablets as you think they can. That and the Nexus 7 is slowly being rolled out around the world, and chances are it’s not even going to land in a lot of countries. Last month there were rumors floating around the internets saying Lenovo, LG, and Samsung are competing against each other to win the contract for the 2014 NExus 7. It’s easy to see why Google would want to pick between those three. Both Samsung and LG make their own components, and Lenovo is pretty much the Apple of China. We’ll see what happens, but don’t be surprised when (not if) Google kicks ASUS to the curb.
