Android Phones
Google will sell Nexus One in stores – told you so
May 14, 2010 | by Andrew Kameka
HTC-Nexus One
Just days after I asked Google to adopt a more traditional method to sell phones, VP Andy Rubin has announced that Google will begin selling the Nexus One in stores. I’m not silly enough to take credit for this development, but do you guys mind if we pretend that Rubin reached this decision after reading my heartfelt post? Thanks, you’re the best.
Rubin acknowledged that Google’s method for selling phones online only was not in the best interest of the phone. This is something people have said since day one; it’s good to hear Rubin realize that the best way to promote Android is to have its best product, the Nexus One, more readily available to consumers.
According to his post on the official Google Blog, the Nexus One will be available in more countries using the same model used in Europe, where Vodafone handles the selling and support for each phone. Carriers throughout Europe will do the same, but it is unclear when T-Mobile and AT&T will also begin selling the device in their U.S. stores.
Once the Nexus is readily available in stores, Google will stop selling it online. The Google phone store will transition into a showcase for all Android products.
Innovation requires constant iteration. We believe that the changes we’re announcing today will help get more phones to more people quicker, which is good for the entire Android ecosystem: users, partners and also Google.
- Andy Rubin [Google]
The fact that the DTC (direct to consumer) model, a very disruptive technology, failed at this time says more about the sad state of competition in the mobile space in the US rather than any problem with the Nexus One itself. In Europe, it is common to buy the device unlocked (SIM free) and enter a 30 day rolling contract with anyone of 5 or 6 carriers who compete for your business. So when I bought the Nexus One in January for $ 529 and imported it to UK, I found I could get 600 mins talk, unlimited text and unlimited web for the equivalent of $23-30 per month, much cheaper than the higher monthly price from T Mob USA because of competition. The fact that Verizon and Sprint and ATT denied the US consumer this flexibility should be investigated by the FCC! When the Nexus Two arrives, I can sell the device unlocked on say Ebay, recoup much of my initial outlay, and get the next best device. Why is the FCC/FTC not looking at this?
Let's put this story under the heading "well, duh." Seeing is it that Android phones have started to out-sell the iPhone(y), and the sheer inquisitiveness people displayed when it was first produced, the phone is just begging to be the leader.
So, does this mean it will be impossible to buy the Nexus One (or two) without a year+ long contract with a carrier? Talk about a huge step backwards! I very much prefer being able to switch carrier at any time.
The USA carriers, as a collective, are a puss-headed, scabrous pestilence. Outmoded and outdated and help to continue it's place as the Third World in cellular. They should be wiped out…. all of them… I commend Google for their efforts…
I'm not sure how the nexus one would fare here, but the local carrier branded HTC Desire is selling like hot cakes down here in Oz.. All (T-KLife) stores I have come across have moved them to the front of the store, a spot previously occupied by the iphone alone.
What I have learnt from this is that "Personal touch still matters!". Even in this high tech world nothing can replace the need of touch, see and feel anything before buying. Surely I buy books online directly without even looking at it in the store. But for things like clothes everybody would really like to feel and see how it looks on him. For all electronics, nobody would love to buy anything before playing with it at a store. http://www.rohitprabhakar.com/2010/05/15/google-n… My recent post Google Nexus One goes offline! What did I learn?
I’m just wondering it’s june 19 2010 today, and should the nexus one be out on stores in MN or not? or is it already selling? i really want one so bad and i never saw one in real life yet but i know it’s the exact same size as an iphone
yea im wondering the same thing, when its coming out to stores
But it's July 04!!! it should be out in like SA and NA and MN and even Wisconsin!! does anyone know if it's out yet in the middle east!!?!? casue i want one!!! too badly!! im starting to go crazy!!!