WSJ: Google’s wireless network to launch in coming weeks, but only w/ support for Nexus 6

According to a new report from The Wall Street Journal, Google’s upcoming wireless service will only work with the Nexus 6 and no other devices. Citing people familiar with the matter, the report doesn’t delve into too many details regarding Google’s reasoning for why it’s limiting the service to the Nexus 6.

Google’s wireless network, which executive Sundar Pichai confirmed earlier this week, will allegedly work by tying together T-Mobile, Sprint, and WiFi networks and automatically choosing the one with the best service at any given time. Obviously, the technology to make this work can be somewhat complex and requires strong collaboration between software and hardware engineers, something that may only be possible with a Nexus device at the moment. That would explain Google’s reasoning for only supporting the Nexus 6 on its wireless network at launch.

Motorola, the manufacturer of the Nexus 6, has experience with devices that switch between different networks. The Moto X, G, and E all support services from Republic Wireless that prioritize WiFi but fall back on Sprint when necessary. Motorola worked directly with Republic Wireless to develop this “network-hopping” software.

According to the WSJ, Google plans to launch its service in the coming weeks.  It’s unclear whether the wireless service will be announced at Google I/O in May or separately at some other time.