Razer buys Nextbit -- Robin Android smartphone owners shouldn't panic
The Nextbit Robin is a pretty cool Android smartphone. It is a good choice for those that want an unlocked device at an affordable price. Not to mention, it has a very cute and fun design.
Today, startup Nextbit announces that it has been acquired by PC accessory maker Razer. True, it seems like an odd acquisition, but not any stranger than Razer buying THX. With that said, getting into the smartphone game seems like a very risky business, as more established companies -- such as HTC -- are struggling lately. Has Razer made a mistake?
"I'm thrilled to announce that we're joining the Razer family! They're rebels like us, they speak from the heart, and they share our need to push boundaries. Nextbit will operate as an independent division inside Razer, focused on unique mobile design and experiences. To put it simply, we'll be doing exactly what we've been doing all along, only bigger and better," says Tom Moss, Co-Founder and CEO, Nextbit.
Moss further shares, "If you're curious what this means for Robin, don't worry. While we have stopped selling Robin and all accessories through our official channels, we are still dedicated to supporting all of you. We will continue to fulfill warranties for 6 more months. And as promised, we will continue to provide software updates and security patches through February 2018."
Updates until at least February 2018? Very cool. While iPhone users would find this to be a short period for promised updates, many Android manufacturers simply won't commit to any updates at all. Razer could easily pull all resources put towards supporting this phone, so it is very encouraging that the new owner is showing love to the Nextbit community.
My only major concern between this new marriage is the conflict in design choices. Nextbit seems to like whimsical designs with light and bright colors, while Razor is all about being dark -- black and green. It will be interesting to see if Razer influences future smartphone designs.
Are you the owner of a Nextbit Robin? How do you feel about the acquisition? Tell me in the comments.