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With Google days away from unveiling its unlocked, HTC-built smartphone, the devil is in the details. The Nexus One handset, which has been revealed to have some intriguing features, is said to pack a $530 price tag. But without an exclusive phone carrier and multiple price plans, consumer reaction is hard to predict.<\/p>\n
\n“It will all depend on how the device is rolled out,” said Kirk Parsons, senior director of wireless service analysis at JD Power and Associates. “Will it be picked up by a carrier or sold separately? What are the price points for the device? All these decisions will definitely impact consumer reaction and, ultimately, its popularity.”<\/p>\n
\nAs a case in point, Parsons added, “the iPhone did not pick up mass appeal until they dropped the device price to $199 — from previously $399.”<\/p>\n
\nLaunch Imminent<\/p>\n
\nAs it stands now, the Nexus One, expected to be launched on the eve of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on Jan. 7, is expected be sold directly by Google. Or with a two-year plan from T-Mobile, the device could cost $180, plus $39.99 a month. With unlimited texting and data, the monthly cost would be closer to $79.<\/p>\n
\nIt remains to be seen what other plans will be available for the smartphone, which uses Google’s Android mobile operating system.<\/p>\n
\nGoogle held a press gathering Tuesday to talk about how Android has “spurred innovation in the market.” The Wall Street Journal and other sources have said the company will roll out the homegrown Nexus One in early January.<\/p>\n
\nThat would take a page from the playbook of Apple, which introduced the iPhone right before the consumer show in 2007. A launch would rival Apple’s anticipated announcement of a tablet computer, said to be called the iSlate, also in January.<\/p>\n
\nGood Reviews<\/p>\n
\nSneak previews of the Nexus One have earned… <\/p>\n
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