Google is looking for a way to make their software more exclusive to a hand-pcked number of devices with a project called "Silver", which is "a new software standard and certification process that Google plans to roll out to several OEMs (including Motorola and LG) to ensure a more unified Android experience", reports Tech Republic. "This new program is aimed at replacing the current inexpensive Nexus initiative."

Instead of a single line of phones representing Google's take on its open Android operating system, the new initiative will create a more standardized experience for Android users on several chosen lines of products.

These products will feature modern and more avant-garde devices with less bloatware and a stronger focus on Google apps. Google Android Silver will feature the mixed blessing of more modern and presumably costlier devices. It will run on the most modern versions of Android without the OEM modifications that cause significant variations in the user experience between different Android phone lines. OEM-specific software, often deemed "bloatware" that is difficult to remove without rooting the phone, will either be banned or be required to be removable without rooting.

In addition to firmer software guidelines, hardware will also be more consistent across lines that make up Android Silver, making it easier for developers to create programs that can run on different phone lines. Android Silver devices will prominently feature Google Now and other innovative Google apps.

To market the devices, Google is willing to spend a big amount on advertising these through carrier and in-store affiliations by providing special Android kiosks in specific areas to promote the expensive handsets.

It is not clear yet which OEMs will be part of the Android Silver initiative, but Google is expected to charge companies for the privilege of using the upgraded features of the operating system and the advertising perks that go along with it. Google Android Silver is set for release in the next 12 months in the U.S., Germany and Japan.

Edited: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated Google was ending its Nexus line of devices. So far, Google has made no public announcement of Silver or its plans for Nexus.