Yesterday we were all hit with the news that Google’s online strategy was not a success and Google was switching to a retail business model. They will keep the current store open for a short period of time and then make it more of a “window” for viewing current Android phones around the world.
This is basically bad news wrapped in words of good in intention. Google will definitely be able to sell more Nexus One phones through a retail strategy, but here in the U.S. I don’t see carriers hoping all over this. Maybe big box retailers like Best Buy will carry it, but that’s about it. So who will end up selling this in their stores? T-Mobile will likely be the only carrier, in the U.S., to put the Nexus One in their stores.
I have a few issues with this announcement. First off, the Nexus One is untouched by the carriers. They have no say so when it comes to updates or what software is run on the device. There is no carrier testing process or carrier specific software. When Google wants to do something with the Nexus One, they don’t have to go through any hoops.
My other problem is choice. Google had a vision of offering a single awesome phone for every carrier in one place. Instead of having to switch carriers or wait forever for your carrier to get the device you wanted, Google would offer the same great device compatible with all major networks. That won’t happen if Google has to rely on carriers. Look what happened with both Verizon and Sprint versions of the Nexus One. They won’t want to put Google’s phone side by side with their device in their stores.
My last and single largest problem is the end of the Google experience phone. The Nexus One was the first consumer friendly developer phone. It was offered unlocked and untouched by anyone but Google. It is the purest vanilla Android experience. Updates will and have come to the Nexus One first and quick. Why? Because it is “The Google Phone”. With Google deciding to put the power back in the retailer’s and carrier’s hands, it will be much easier for them to work with them as partners and help them create devices. Google made the Nexus One to push manufacturers to the next level and I fear if they stop raising the bar by not making Google experience phones, we will see less innovation and slower progress.
At the end of the day if this retail strategy works, and I hope it does, hopefully it will be a sign to Google to keep developing Google experience phones and not stop at the Nexus One. Carriers shouldn’t dictate what devices we get or what software we run, and the Nexus One is the first device to really break that mold and I hope it is not the last.
One of my favorite things about Android is the level of customization you get right out of the box. Helixlauncher2 adds yet another level of customization to your home screen by giving you a custom dock, better scrolling, and seven home screens. This app only works with the Nexus One, but have no fear, there is HelixLauncher also also, which works with most other Android devices.
One complaint I have with Android is the way the system handles audio. You basically have one volume setting for ringtones/text messages, and volume for media, alarm, voice are all handled independently within each app.
Sprint just dropped a bomb shell! They have announced the Nexus One is officially coming to their network with an availability date coming soon! Looks like Google is doing what they need to do in order to get the Nexus One on every carrier in the US. Below is the full press release from Sprint.
Nexus One from Google Coming to Sprint; Availability Date Announced Soon
Nexus One(TM) is planned for the Sprint Mobile Broadband Network with twice the network coverage of AT&T and ten times the network coverage of T-Mobile, both by square miles; Expands Sprint’s Android(TM) portfolioOVERLAND PARK, Kan., Mar 17, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) — Nexus One, the first wireless phone sold through Google(TM)’s web store, is planned for Sprint’s 3G Mobile Broadband Network. Sprint (NYSE:S) will announce pricing and an exact availability date soon. Nexus One will benefit from Sprint’s 3G network with twice the coverage of AT&T and 10 times the coverage of T-Mobile, both based on square miles.1Sprint currently has America’s largest voice calling area of any carrier reaching more than 307 million people in the U.S., Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands with a Sprint phone and plan that includes roaming. PC World recently said no one has a more reliable network than Sprint in a 13 city 3G performance test.2 Customers can check the quality of network coverage with street level mapping at sprint.com/coverage.
“Nexus One is a powerful device that belongs on a powerful network. This is another step in our continued partnership of innovation with Google,” said Fared Adib, Sprint vice president of product development. “Sprint customers already have the option of two amazing Android devices with Samsung Moment(TM) and HTC Hero(TM). It is a natural fit for us to add Nexus One to the list of choices available for Sprint customers who want the best value in wireless with the best in Android.”
Google’s online consumer channel was created to provide an efficient way to connect online users with selected Android phones. Nexus One will not be available in any Sprint retail channels. It will be available directly from Google at google.com/phone. The online experience of Google’s web store is designed with a focus on simplicity allowing consumers to match a phone with the service plan that best meets their needs.
“While a pricing plan has not yet been determined for Nexus One, we are confident that it will be consistent with Sprint’s commitment to deliver more value than our competitors and keep pricing simple,” Adib said. “Right now, our Sprint Everything Data 450 plan with Any Mobile, Anytime(SM) gives customers unlimited calling with any mobile phone in America, unlimited text and unlimited Web for just $69.99 per month – the same price AT&T and Verizon charge for just unlimited talk. Our Everything Data plans include unlimited GPS Navigation at no extra charge and annual phone upgrades with Sprint Premier.”
Nexus One runs on Android 2.1, a version of the platform’s Eclair software, which offers advanced applications and features including:
Google Maps(TM) Navigation: offering turn-by-turn driving directions with voice output.
Email: multiple Gmail(TM) accounts; universal inbox and Exchange support.
Phone book: aggregate contacts from multiple sources, including Facebook(R).
Quick Contacts: easily switch between communication and social applications.
Android Market(TM): access to more than 30,000 applications.
Hardware features of Nexus One include:
Display: 3.7″ AMOLED 480×800 WVGA display
Thinness: 11.5mm; Weight: 130g
Processor/Speed: Qualcomm Snapdragon(TM) 3G QSD8250 chipset, delivering speeds up to 1GHz
Camera: 5 megapixel auto focus with flash and geo tagging
Onboard memory: 512MB Flash, 512MB RAM
Expandable memory: 4GB removable SD Card (expandable to 32GB)
Noise Suppression: Dynamic noise suppression from Audience, Inc.
Ports: 3.5mm stereo headphone jack with four contacts for inline voice and remote control
Battery: Removable 1400 mAh
Personalized laser engraving: Up to 50 characters on the back of the phone
Trackball: Tri-color notification LED, alerts when new emails, chats, text messages arrive
In addition, Nexus One offers new functionality and software enhancements including:
Enter text without typing.
Use a voice-enabled keyboard for all text fields: speak a text message, instant message, tweet, Facebook update, or complete an email.
Tell your phone what you want it to do.
Search Google, call contacts, or get driving directions by just speaking into your phone.
Take personalization to the next level.
Dynamic, interactive, live wallpapers react to the touch of a finger.
More widgets and five home screen panels allow for further device customization.
Capture camera-quality pictures and video with your device.
5 megapixel camera includes LED flash, auto focus, zoom, white balance and color effects.
View pictures and Picasa Web Albums(TM) in the new 3D Gallery.
Record Hi-Res MPEG4 video, and then upload to YouTube(TM) with one click.
Read your voicemail messages.
Get transcribed voicemail with Google Voice(TM) integration, without changing your number.
For more information on Nexus One, please visit www.Google.com/phone. Follow Sprint on Twitter @sprint to keep up with news on Nexus One for Sprint’s 3G Mobile Broadband Network.
