Google to sell its own cell phone directly to consumers

[Pastiche]

http://gizmodo.com/5425146/the-real-...-different-now

The Wall Street Journal says it's made by HTC and called the Nexus One. It'll be sold online, directly by Google. You'll have to get your own cell service (which suggests it's an unlocked device).

A bunch of Google employees tweeted stuff like the phone is "like an iPhone on beautifying steroids."

My take: Very interesting development in the mobile phone market. This is essentially an attempt to break up the manufacturer/service provider business model where the service providers sell the manufacturer's phone with an existing service contract.

Google could still subsidize the phone under a model of harvesting the surfing data from consumers who use the phones. Rumours are the Google could roll out as soon as next month.

The timing, from a Canadian perspective, couldn't be better as the Minister of Industry recently gave Globalive a waiver from the CRTC decision that effectively halted its efforts to enter the market.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...rticle1398178/

Globalive is apparently offering a $40 a month flat unlimited voice and $20 unlimited data. Perfect for this new phone.

Things are getting very interesting the wireless industry.

[GoinAllTheWay]

Crazy, rumours have been floating around for that phone pictured in that main link is supposed to be the HTC Dragon which has a 1Ghz processor. Should be a remarkable device.

[jeremywilhelm]

Originally Posted by Pastiche

http://gizmodo.com/5425146/the-real-...-different-now

The Wall Street Journal says it's made by HTC and called the Nexus One. It'll be sold online, directly by Google. You'll have to get your own cell service (which suggests it's an unlocked device).

A bunch of Google employees tweeted stuff like the phone is "like an iPhone on beautifying steroids."

My take: Very interesting development in the mobile phone market. This is essentially an attempt to break up the manufacturer/service provider business model where the service providers sell the manufacturer's phone with an existing service contract.

Google could still subsidize the phone under a model of harvesting the surfing data from consumers who use the phones. Rumours are the Google could roll out as soon as next month.

The timing, from a Canadian perspective, couldn't be better as the Minister of Industry recently gave Globalive a waiver from the CRTC decision that effectively halted its efforts to enter the market.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/...rticle1398178/

Globalive is apparently offering a $40 a month flat unlimited voice and $20 unlimited data. Perfect for this new phone.

Things are getting very interesting the wireless industry.

Is it coming to canada?

[mykalberta]

Originally Posted by jeremywilhelm

Is it coming to canada?

Its unlocked so there shouldnt be a problem. If there is then just order it and get it shipped to one of those shipping forwarder places.

[OBCT]

My interest has been piqued. Definitely piqued.

Any ideas on the price range it will be in? I mean, will we be talking $100? $200? $500? $1000?

I know it could be difficult to predict given the the fact it's a new product and part of a new sales concept within this realm, but I'm trying to get my head around just what this phone is "all about".

[FlamesPuck12]

Damn, I was going to get a new smartphone within the month but I'm gonna have to wait for this one now.

[REDVAN]

My gf wants an iphone... perhaps I'll get this and she can have my iphone.

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by Pastiche

[url]
A bunch of Google employees tweeted stuff like the phone is "like an iPhone on beautifying steroids."[/I]

Small issue with this comment, but I doubt this. While Google is undoubtedly awesome at creating new and exciting technology, their "beauty" skills in terms of product and interface design is nowhere near Apple's. I mean, just look at their logo.

Definitely looking forward to what they have to offer though.