Google\u2019s \u201copen\u201d strategy began with its multi-billion-dollar bid for wireless spectrum in an FCC auction two years ago. The company bid enough to get open-access rules attached to some of the airwaves, but stopped short of actually purchasing any. Two years ago, the prevailing thought in the industry was that Google wasn\u2019t interested in getting into the cellphone business.<\/p>\n
Then it introduced its Android operating system. And now the Nexus One handset. It seems Google is looking to make a splash in the cellphone business after all.
\nThe device, a Snapdragon-powered, HTC-built phone looks \u2014 on paper, at least \u2014 like the ultimate Android handset, combining a newly tweaked and tightened user interface with killer industrial design. A sleek, streamlined phone that can easily go toe-to-toe with the iPhone 3GSs, Pres, and Droids of the world, powered by the latest version of Android (2.1 \u201cFlan,\u201d if you\u2019re counting), and hand-retooled by Google. But is it all it\u2019s cracked up to be? Can the Nexus One possibly live up to the hype ascribed to it? And more importantly, is the appearance of the phone the death knell for the OHA and a sign of the coming Android autocracy? In our exclusive review of the Nexus One, we\u2019ll answer all those pressing questions and more\u2026 so read on for the full scoop!
\nGoogle Nexus One unboxing and hands-on<\/p>\n
Note: The unit we have in hand is \u2014 by all appearances \u2014 a production model, save for the QR code imprint on the back, which is likely an employee-only Easter egg. However, Google is making its official announcement tomorrow, and there could always be differences. If anything changes with the device, or there are revelations about the marketing or sale of the phone, we\u2019ll be sure to update the review with new info.
\nThis normally would be the place where I\u2019d embed the relevant YouTube video. But this is one video Google doesn\u2019t want on its video site, and the company is pulling the footage down as quickly as it can. (This is where I imagine the Viacom guys chortling and rubbing their hands).
\nIf Google\u2019s strategy is successful at getting other carriers to \u201cunlock\u201d popular handsets, it would move the U.S. closer to aligning with European and Asian markets, where consumers typically buy cellphones directly from manufacturers and then connect to any network they choose. This could put pressure on carriers to increasingly improve their network speeds and capacities, since they will no longer be able to lure customers only with the hottest handsets.<\/p>\n