For Verizon Wireless subscribers who have been waiting for a Verizon-compatible Nexus One, this is quite a disappointing piece of news: Google’s first self-branded smartphone is not coming to the largest wireless network in the U.S. after all.The Internet search giant posted the change of plan on its Nexus One blog without specifying a reason. "This is a reflection of the amazing innovation happening across the open Android ecosystem," the company simply said in an email statement.
Back in early January when Google started offering the Nexus One exclusively on its web store, it promised a version for Verizon’s network would be coming in the spring, and suggested those who could not wait to go for a Motorola DROID. However, it turned out the wait was a waste of time.
Instead of the Nexus One, Google now suggests Verizon customers to get the HTC Droid Incredible, a new and powerful Verizon smartphone that operates on the same Android 2.1 operating system. It packs many of the same traits as the Nexus One, and performs even better with its enhanced features, such as the 8-megapixel camera, 8GB of internal storage and HTC’s own Sense user interface.
Currently, the Nexus One is available at $179 with a two-year T-Mobile contract. An unlocked version that works on either T-Mobile USA or AT&T is sold for $529. Sprint Nextel also said in March that a CDMA version of the device will come to its network.
Some analysts believe Google’s decision has something to do with the lower-than-expected sales of the Nexus One. Although the company made a statement earlier that the phone represents a "profitable business", it declined to disclose the specific earnings numbers. Some also suggest Verizon does not like Google’s sales strategy for the Nexus One and prefer the Droid Incredible, which can be sold subsidized and at Verizon’s retail stores.
The availability of a Verizon-capable Nexus One could have helped to push the sales. But with Google’s new arrangement, it seems we will never find out.
No comments:
Post a Comment