Google Pixel: Nexus program is now officially dead; device listings taken down

In what appears to be confirmed news, Google today confirmed that it is officially culling the Nexus program. It's a big "Goodbye" to the Nexus line of smartphones, the evangelists that gave many a taste of pure Android, converting a few in the process as well.The information comes from The Verge which confirmed the same from a Google spokesperson. Google told the website that it has "no plans" for a future Nexus product, meaning there will no more mid-range smartphones (and Nexus-branded devices) being launched by Google. This indeed presents current supporters of the Nexus range (5X and 6P owners) with no option but to pay up for the premium price tag of the new Pixel smartphones.If you headed to the Google Store this morning, you may have also noticed that the Nexus lineup has now been taken down. The online store meant to purchase Nexus devices now only lists the Pixel and the Pixel XL (as "unavailable") with other new Google products like the Chromecast and Chromecast Audio.Google India has confirmed that the pricing of the Pixel smartphone range to begin from Rs 57,000. Which means Nexus upgraders will have to go in for the Pixel as there is no other optional way to get the latest software from Google first. Choose any other manufacturer and the waiting time for a milestone update (like Marshmallow to Nougat) is usually 4-5 months. If you are ready settle with it then there is a wide variety of options waiting for you out there.What still continues to remain a mystery is whether Google will allow for Assistant integration on OEM devices as well. Allowing this would be in line with the old 'open Google' philosophy, but will make the Pixel smartphones look pointless to an extent.