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In a move reminiscent of John Chen outsourcing BlackBerry's manufacturing processes to an Asian manufacturer, Google is rumored to tap LG, a Korean smartphone manufacturer for its upcoming Nexus 7 release. Though a more streamlined operations is perhaps in the offing for the Search Giant, this strategic move - once consummated - could prove to be a clean break from Motorola, the American company behind the success of the Moto X and Moto G and the one responsible for the design and manufacture of the highly-successful Nexus 6 handset last year.

True to its nature, no official public announcements have been spewed by the Search Giant to shed light on the matter but reportedly, Google is doing its homework sending engineers to scout various LG facilities solidifying even more the validity of its planned shake-up.

Changing Partners

Google must have caught word of the success of the Moto X and Moto G as before the year ended, it unequivocally announced its next generation Nexus 6 would be designed and manufactured by the Illinois-based multinational telecoms company.

But as good as it got with Nexus 6 catching on as one of the Android tablets to beat, it seems change is in the making.

A report by Android Origin stated Google's return to LG Electronics is imminent, according to Christian Post.

To note, the Korean chaebol LG have had its share of Android offerings fleshing out a slew of LG smartphones over the years.

And perhaps giving us a glimpse of what is to come, a press release just appeared on the LG Electronics website spelling out a long term cross-license agreement between Google and the Korean company.

Back to Where It Started

Recently, adding smoke to speculations, Google engineers dropped by LG headquarters in South Korea as a preliminary proceeding in a future collaboration codenamed "N000", androidcentral reports.

Reportedly, the visit was extensive as the Googlers checked out not only the Korean company's R&D labs but also facilities that were involved in the manufacture of wireless changing parts and OIS (Optical Image Stabilization), a key component for cameras.

If the partnership will progress, this will be the third time the Korean firm will be manufacturing the Nexus smartphones after it manufactured two series of Nexus products, namely the Nexus 4 and the Nexus 5.

Once things transpire, LG Electronics will by then match Samsung's record of churning three Nexus devices.

However, pundits fear the next Nexus may create quite a stir name-wise and that launching a third Nexus 7 may only breed unnecessary confusion. To date, there are already two ASUS-made tablets that bear the same name - exactly to the letter.