As expected, Google formally announced the Nexus One smartphone powered by Google Android. Google is looking to offer a new way for consumers to purchase a mobile phone:
The goal of this new consumer channel is to provide an efficient way to connect Google’s online users with selected Android devices. We also want to make the overall user experience simple: a simple purchasing process, simple service plans from operators, simple and worry-free delivery and start-up.
The Google Nexus One is only the first of a series of phones that Google expects to sell in this fashion. But Google is not getting into the hardware game. The Nexus was designed and manufactured by HTC with Google working closely with them.
And now a closer look at the Nexus One:
- Processor: 1GHz Qualcomm QSD 8250 (Snapdragon)
- Operating system: Google Android 2.1
- Connectivity: Quad-band GSM/EDGE and tri-band UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA
- Other connectivity: 802.11 b/g
/nWi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR and A2DP - Location: A-GPS
- Display: 3.7-inch WVGA AMOLED touchscreen
- Memory: 512MB RAM and 512MB ROM
- Storage: MicroSD with support for cards up to 32GB (4GB card included)
- Camera: 5MP auto-focus camera with LED flash
- Battery: 1400mAH battery
It also comes with a multi-colour LED under the trackball for different notifications, Bluetooth with A2DP, a 5MP camera with LED flash, a 3.5mm headphone jack, two microphones for noise cancellation.
Google 2.1 will come a number of improvements. It adds features up to five homescreen panels, a new application launcher, live wallpapers, an improved image gallery application (including syncing with Picasa), voice recognition across a number of applications including email.
The Google Nexus One is now available unlocked for US$529 or with a two-year Even More individual 500 plan for US$179. It is also headed to Verizon and to Vodafone Europe a bit later.