Feature - Google Nexus One - Could This Signal The Start of An Era Without A Carrier?
Written by LBSzone
Wednesday, 06 January 2010
Indeed it has been interesting to see all the hype surrounding the
official release of the Nexus One smartphone (aka. The Google Phone).
Based on the Android mobile OS, this isn’t the first Android phone by
any means (think G1), however, it is the first, true, Google phone, supporting
tight Google integration, the Android Platform 2.1 (Eclair) and most
interesting, available for sale directly from Google.
I was interested in a reader’s comments how the sales model is not
new by any means, this regarding the idea of selling an unlocked device
(ie. not locked to a particular carrier), however, what is new here is
the fact that Google will be selling and marketing this device
themselves… indeed a great move. The carriers have long been criticized
in the mobile space for monopolizing the sales channels and basically
having the device maker and customer “by the nuts” (sorry for the
language!) Google’s move to sell the Nexus One via their online shop is
a bold move and maybe it will kick-start a new, acceptable means for
purchasing mobile devices. The Nexus One is being sold for about $529
directly from Google (sans contract), however, T-Mobile customers will
also have the opportunity to grab a device via their sales channels for
just $179 with a 2 year contract commitment.
I have to wonder when will consumers maybe start thinking about
ditching the voice contract and even forget about traditional voice
calling all together - I know voice apps are the least used services on
my mobile, hell, there’s months that go by where I use less than 30
minutes or voice air time! Why not simply use the smartphone without
voice, taking advantage of WiFi connectivity and services like Google
Voice and Skype if voice services are needed? When you consider that a
typical voice+data contract for a smartphone runs about $85 per month +
taxes and fees do we really need all the fluffy stuff? Perhaps people
will move towards keeping 2 devices, one with a cheap voice contract or
a pre-paid service, and a Nexus One in the other pocket for data
access, web connectivity, messaging etc… indeed all the pieces are in
place. Mobile maps, email, search, docs etc.. all available via Google
web services, messaging can be handled via Twitter apps, and VoIp
calling over WiFi is easily accessible.. heck, we won’t even have to
deal with roaming fees and long distance calling rates. If I was a
carrier rep I’d be watching this one closely! See more on the Nexus One HERE or jump to http://www.google.com/phone
Some Specs:
5 megapixel camera (no front camera for video calling)
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