Google Launches Nexus One: T-Mobile Plan Available Now, Verizon and Vodafone Coming Soon
Google today announced the launch of its Nexus One smartphone, ushering in what the company calls the first of its "superphones" based on the Android operating system. The Nexus One, which offers an 800x480 screen, 5 megapixel camera with flash and is powered by Qualcomm's 1 GHz Snapdragon processor, utilizes the Android 2.1 operating system.
As revealed last week, the Nexus One is priced at $529 as a standalone purchase or $179 with a two-year agreement with T-Mobile. Google also announced that Verizon (U.S.) and Vodafone (Europe) have signed on with the Nexus One and will be offering similar hardware and service plan packages in the spring. Initial orders are limited to the United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
Through the web store found at www.google.com/phone, consumers can buy the Nexus One without service (meaning any GSM network SIM card can be inserted into the device), or purchase the phone with service from one of Google's operator partners. As new phones come to market through this channel, consumers will benefit from the ability to match a phone of their choice with the service plan that best meets their needs. Operator prices and plan details will be featured on the site.
"The Nexus One belongs in the emerging class of devices which we call 'superphones,' with the 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset making it as powerful as your laptop computer of three to four years ago. It's our way to raise the bar on what's possible when it comes to creating the best mobile experience for consumers," said Andy Rubin, VP of Engineering. "We look forward to working with handset manufacturers and operators to bring more phones to market through this channel worldwide."
Top Rated Comments
(View all)
http://news.cnet.com/8301-30684_3-10424433-265.html?tag=smallCarouselArea.0
www.google.com/phone
Looks very nice. Way more attractive than the Droid. I guess some will continue to cling to their physical keyboards, but I'll never voluntarily own another device with one (I say voluntarily because I still have a work issued bb), so this is a big step up over the droid.
Available on t-mo now and Verizon soon - time for the iphone to get off the AT&T exclusivity, I'd say.
from the Q&A:
"Rubin said it's inaccurate to say that Google designed the phone: Google is just merchandising it on the store, similar to any retailer, and HTC designed the phone."
Interesting. So much for "google's pure vision of what a phone should be"?
Google could do something 'new' like this since this is their first venture into the mobile market (no, ignore Android altogether), they have no reputation to keep hold of.
I'd have liked to have seen some EU handset only pricing. I guess I'll have to wait until spring.
I heard that it would be 450EUR in France (still rumored though).
But past that I'm begining to realize that while I love Google's services I don't much care for the style of their design. I don't think this would be the phone for me even if I couldn't have an iPhone.
I'm sure it appeals to a lot of people, but I'm not one of them.
But like I said, I hope it does well.
Will the pundits claim it will be a failure within a year with "only" 100k units sold?
Will its anemic app store be praised for its disorganized chaotic collection of apps that must be purchased with a Google account that 99% of people don't have?
What will happen to the Android "clones" now that Google is competing directly with them, and getting the best OS and features/design for themselves?
[ Read All Comments ]
Analytics firm Chitika today released a report showing that by its metrics iOS has now surpassed OS X in overall web traffic share in the United States. Chitika's methodology involves an analysis...
One of the most frequent reasons for an iPhone to go on a trip to the Apple Store's Genius Bar is because of water damage. Typically, a water damaged iPhone can be replaced for a flat $199...
TheVerge's Joshua Topolsky summarizes the iPad 3 casing findings reported earlier today, but also adds his own sources regarding some details of the iPad 3.
Image from RepairLabs
As...
Last July, Apple discontinued the white MacBook from its consumer lineup, pushing consumers toward the company's popular MacBook Air line or the 13-inch MacBook Pro. The company didn't kill...
Popular iPhone Twitter client Tweetbot has finally arrived on the iPad, with a user interface instantly familiar to any current Tweetbot user. Designed for the Twitter power-user, Tweetbot packs a...
