Google Inc. unveiled a new way for consumers to purchase an
Android mobile phone, a web store hosted by Google. The company is also
launching the first phone offered through this new model, called the Nexus One,
which combines the latest in hardware from HTC Corporation with the newest
Android software.
The goal of Google’s new consumer channel is to
provide an efficient way to connect Google’s online users with selected Android
phones. The online experience of the web store has been designed with a focus on
simplicity.
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."
Nexus One Hardware Features
- Display: 3.7" AMOLED 480×800 WVGA display
- Thinness: 11.5mm; Weight: 130g
- Processor/Speed: Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 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
"The Nexus One represents the unique combination of design and innovation two
companies like Google and HTC can have when they collaborate," said Peter Chou,
CEO of HTC Corporation. "The Nexus One continues HTC’s strategy of offering
people a portfolio of phones that meet their diverse
needs."
Nexus One Software Innovation
The Nexus One runs on Android 2.1, a version of the platform’s Eclair
software, which offers advanced applications and features including:
- Google Maps Navigation: offering turn-by-turn driving directions with voice
output. - Email: multiple Gmail accounts; universal inbox and Exchange support.
- Phone book: aggregate contacts from multiple sources, including Facebook®.
- Quick Contacts: easily switch between communication and social applications.
- Android Market: access to more than 18,000 applications.
In addition, the Nexus One introduces new functionality and software
enhancements:
- 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 in the new 3D Gallery.
- Record Hi-Res MPEG4 video, and then upload to YouTube with one click.
- Read your voicemail messages.
- Get transcribed voicemail with Google Voice integration, without changing
your number.
Pricing, Availability, and Future Plans
Nexus One is initially available from the Google web store in the US without
service for $529 or starting at $179 with a two-year contract from T-Mobile USA.
In the near future, Verizon Wireless in the US and Vodafone in Europe plan to
offer services to customers in their respective geographies. Today, consumers
can go to www.google.com/phone to learn about the Nexus One and place an
order. We will initially take orders from consumers in the US and three other
markets – the UK, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
In the coming months Google plans on partnering with additional operators,
offering consumers access to a broad set of service plans. In the future we
expect to launch more phones with Android handset partners and to expand the web
store to more countries.
