There are rumors starting to float around that we may one day see a Facebook phone. That’s right, and actual phone released by Facebook that will supposedly run on the Android OS. Although these rumors have been denied directly by Facebook, a couple of former insiders are keeping the wheels turning. And according to Gizmodo, Facebook’s recent hire of Google Android’s senior product manager Erick Tseng helps fuel the “Facebook Phone” rumor along as well.

via Gizmodo

Seven months ago Google decided to launch their own mobile phone, the Nexus One. But instead of working through carriers like AT&T or Verizon, Google decided instead to take on the challenge by themselves. But this ultimately ended up on a customer service, and PR nightmare for Google.

So after seven months of the Nexus One being available at the Google store website, Google made their official announcement moments ago by changing out their website to the following:

After Google failed to live up to customer’s expectations in regards to customer service, phone support, and other direct carrier obligations, the search giant decided to focus on what it does best for mobile phones, and that is distribute and optimize their Google Android OS (mobile operating system).

This is a great move in my opinion since Google has:

1) Never been known for great customer service

2) Has a bunch of computer scientists and engineers, and so what they do best is create amazing software applications.

Google will do far better in the mobile market by focusing on the development of Android, and the distribution of Android to a growing mobile phone market.

And I think ultimately what we are seeing here is that Google is not afraid to try something and fail. In fact, I believe Google would define success – in some aspects of the term – as failing!

“The web store as a direct distribution model is really a very small part of the overall Android strategy. With the Nexus One we had the objective of bringing to market a very technologically sophisticated phone, which we did, which really set a new bar for quality. And I think you’ve seen a lot of the phones in the market today, that have come to market in the past few months, have been influcing, in many ways … by what the Nexus One was able to do.

“The web store was another element of the strategy. It was, in many ways, an experiment for us. … Android was in a very different place six months ago. … And today, we believe that the right thing to do from a distribution perspective is different from what it was a few months ago. And so we’ve chosen to double down on our partnerships … we’re focusing on building great technology — being an Internet software company — and working with our partners on distribution.”

Source: Android Central

Josh Uhlemeyer
Former Author of Mobile News Now.

Google Mobile ‘Whisper Ads’ Display Ads As You Talk (Video)

This video is hilarious! The Onion put together this great Google Whisper Ads video to show how Google might one day soon be presenting ads on your mobile phone based on keyword identification in your phone conversation.

The intention of the concept is that ad supported phones (ad presentation during your phone conversation) will help to drive down the cost of mobile phones.

I thought that by now, Google would be giving phones away for free. In fact, I wrote back in February about how I believe that the future of mobile phones will in fact be free mobile phones.

The funniest part of the video below is the 911 call – ads coming across the phone during your 911 call would be awesome.

HTC EVO 4G Release Date, Pre Order By End of May (Video)

The leaked information about the 4G HTC EVO coming to Spring set off a spark of interest and discussion across the web today. More importantly, HTC EVO fans are super excited to know that the new, Android powered, 4G HTC EVO will be available for pre-order at the end of this month – May.

According to the HTC EVO 4G video review below (published in March, 2010), the HTC EVO is the first 4G device available in the United States.

Here’s a video review of the HTC EVO 4G (provided by CNET):

Here’s the HTC EVO 4G fact sheet provided by Sprint:

HTC EVO 4G Fact Sheet
The ultimate multimedia experience at Sprint 4G speeds

The world’s first 3G/4G Android handset, exclusively from Sprint, HTC EVO 4G, offers a rich mobile Internet experience with a fully integrated suite of services built on the AndroidTM 2.1 platform. HTC EVO 4G includes a blazing-fast 1GHz Qualcomm® Snapdragon processor, the award-winning HTC SenseTM user experience, an 8.0 megapixel auto-focus camera with HD-capable video camcorder and a forward-facing 1.3 megapixel camera. The large vibrant 4.3 inch display, built-in kickstand, 3.5 mm headset jack and HDMI output make HTC EVO 4G an unparalleled platform for wireless entertainment. Download music, pictures, files, or videos in seconds – not minutes – and watch streaming video on the go on a network with download speeds that are up to 10 times faster than 3G speeds.1 With built-in mobile hotspot functionality, HTC EVO 4G also allows up to eight Wi-Fi-enabled devices, including laptop, camera, music player, video player and any other Wi-Fi-enabled device, to enjoy the benefits of 4G speeds on the go.

PRODUCTIVITY

* 3G/4G capability
* Qualcomm® Snapdragon QSD8650 (1GHz) processor
* 4.3” capacitive display with pinch-to-zoom and tactile feedback
* World-class HTML browser – bandwidth and quality that rival that of netbooks
* Android 2.1, with access to more than 30,000 apps on Android Market
* GoogleTM mobile services including Google SearchTM, Google MapsTM, Google TalkTM, GmailTM, YouTubeTM , and syncs with Google CalendarTM
* Access to Google Goggles to search with pictures instead of words
* Sprint Navigation, with turn-by-turn driving directions and 3D maps
* Updated HTC Sense, award-winning user experience, which includes Friend Stream to integrate Facebook, Twitter and more into a single flow of updates
* Visual voicemail
* Messaging – personal and business email, IM and text messaging
* 3G/4G Mobile Hotspot capability – connects up to eight Wi-Fi enabled devices
* 4G data speeds (WiMAX) – peak download speeds of more than 10 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1 Mbps; average download speeds of 3-6 Mbps.
* 3G data speeds (EVDO Rev A.) – peak download speeds of up to 3.1 Mbps; peak upload speeds of 1.8 Mbps; average download speeds of 600 kbps-1.4 Mbps.

ENTERTAINMENT

* 8MP autofocus camera with dual LED flash and 1.3MP front-facing camera
* High-quality video streaming and downloads at 3G and 4G data speeds
* Capture and share HD-quality video (720p) from your phone
* Output pictures, slides and videos in HD quality (720p) via HDMI cable (sold separately)
* Live video sharing with Qik
* Built-in kickstand for hands-free viewing
* Media player with 3.5mm stereo headset jack
* FM radio and Amazon MP3 store
* Sprint applications including Sprint TV® and NASCAR Sprint Cup Mobile(SM)
* Bluetooth® 2.1 with A2DP Stereo and EDR
* Built-in WiFi®: 802.11 b/g
* Digital compass, G-Sensor, proximity sensor, light sensor, GPS
* Expandable memory: 8GB microSD card included; supports up to 32GB

SPECIFICATIONS:

* Dimensions: 4.8″ x 2.6″ x .5″ (LxWxT)
* Weight: 6 ounces
* Main display: 4.3” WVGA (800×480) 65K colors
* Standard removable 1500mAh Lithium (Li-on) battery
* Memory: 1GB ROM, 512MB RAM

1 “Up to 10x faster” based on download speed comparison of 3G’s 600 kbps vs. 4G’s 6 Mbps. Industry published 3G avg. speeds (600 kbps-1.7 Mbps); 4G avg. speeds (3-6 Mbps). Actual speeds may vary. Sprint 4G currently available in over 25 markets and counting, and on select devices. See www.sprint.com/4G for details. Not all services available on 4G and coverage may default to 3G/separate network where 4G unavailable.
Note: Device features, specifications, services and applications are subject to change.

Nexus One vs iPhone

Although this video is 2 months old and has over 1.1 million views, I figured there might be a few of you left who haven’t seen it. It’s a great video that shows a side by side comparison of the Nexus One Google Phone vs the iPhone.

I would say that in the end, the Nexus One comes away the winner. The iPhone, however, got a solid jump on the Nexus One in the marketplace and  is empowered by a stronger brand.

Here’s the Nexus One vs iPhone Video:

HTC Incredible & Nexus One Heading To Verizon

Verizon is determined to the be carrier that is facilitating the mobile revolution. Earlier today I wrote about how Verizon may have hinted via Twitter that the HTC Incredible was about to be released.

Now, on top of the HTC Incredible rumors we also have Google’s phone Nexus One coming to Verizon.

One of the moves that allude to Verizon making room for the HTC Incredible and the Google phone Nexus One is their announcement that they will will slash the prices of the Palm Pre Plus and Pixi Plus to $49.99 and $29.99 only. Both palm phones will come with a 2 year contract and will sold on a “buy one get on free” basis.

Additionally, Verizon is throwing in its Mobile HotSpot plan for free (normally $40/month). With this service your Palm phone will turn into a 3G modem, allowing any other Wi-Fi capable device such as a netbook or iPad to connect to the Web, according to OZCarGuide.com.

Below is a chart comparing first week sales of various mobile phones:

It’s probably a good thing that Google hasn’t sold a lot of these phones, because then they’d have more people upset about their customer service.  From the feedback that people have been sharing, and according to customer complaints, the Nexus One has trouble connecting to and holding a 3G internet connection.

And for customers who are upset, they have the choice of either emailing a complaint and waiting 3 days for a response from Google – or which is probably very scripted and not much help.  Or, they can try to call HTC, then get routed to T-Mobile, then get routed back to HTC, and ultimately not get their issues resolved.

To be honest, I would have thought the sales for the Nexus One would have been a lot stronger based on the buzz and anticipation that was built up around the initial launch.  But 20,000 units sold in the first week sounds like a really small number, especially when comparing it to the iPhone 3GS with 1.6 million units sold.

If you visit the homepage of Youtube right now, you will see a large ad at the top that markets the Nexus One.  This is, once again, the benefit of owning the most popular web properties in the world – you can advertise your own products on them!

It’s also a lesson to every business in the world – build a strong presence on the web with your own website or blog, and you can benefit from the ownership and exclusive marketing on that property!

Here’s a snippet of the YouTube homepage marketing the Nexus One:

I’m wondering if they shouldn’t be using Twitter to handle all of their support issues?

Why not?  They already have a Twitter profile @googlenexusone

This Twitter profile could very easily be used as the central base for customer service issues.  Plus, if Google used Twitter and created a hashtag like #googlenexusone, and that’s what everyone used to post their problems, then the Twitter community could come in and help people out.  This would take the burden away from Google trying to keep up with customer support demand.

Problem solved…

Primarily, the issue of customer service is killing Google right now because in order to get any questions answered, you have to email Google and wait 2 – 3 days for a response.

But the early termination fee might be worse then any customer service complaint you might have!

According to PC World:

…yes, you can buy an unlocked version of the Nexus One for $529. You can also buy the phone for $179 with a two-year T-Mobile contract. But if, within the first four months of the latter option, you decide T-Mobile’s not for you after two weeks of ownership, Google sticks you with a $350 early termination fee in addition to the $200 fee from T-Mobile, plus the original $179 price tag.

What do you get for that $729 phone? One that only fully works with T-Mobile, anyway. The Nexus One isn’t equipped to run on AT&T’s 3G network, only the slower EDGE network, and it can’t run at all on Verizon Wireless or Sprint. Google says it’s working on a phone optimized for Verizon Wireless, but it’s certainly possible that you’d end up with the opposite situation — a phone that partly works with Sprint, doesn’t work with T-Mobile or AT&T, and carries the same early termination fees.

But Google decided to create it’s own branded phone – the Nexus One.  And along with that “own branded phone” and “direct sales” approach comes all of the customer service issues as well.

And Google is finding itself completely unprepared for the challenge.

Right now, the only customer service that Google is offering is by email.  And with that, Google promises a 2 – 3 day response to your email support question.

This is unacceptable to most people who are used to calling a support line, or finding helpful open forums to answer their questions.

Google’s Nexus One was a great news line for everyone, but now Google’s image might be getting dragged through the mud over the support being offered for their new phone.

I remember watching this video when there was only around 60,000 views – but now, the video has surpassed 1 million views (1,064,952 views as of this article).

Here’s the video that is at the top of YouTube’s Technology category and captivating the world with 1 million plus views in less than 7 days:

One of the “advanced” features – or I should say “amazing” features – is that with the Nexus One you can manage multiple Gmail accounts. That’s right, add as many Gmail accounts as you’d like and they can all be managed directly from your Nexus One.  Plus, all Gmail accounts are synced automatically when you use your phone – so no need to worry about missing that important email.

Check out the promo video for Gmail on the Nexus One:

I’ve had a few people ask me lately about the comparison and since I only own the iPhone 3GS, I’m not really able to give a solid answer – aside from the specs that are published.

So here’s a decent video that highlights the Nexus One Google Phone and then gives you a side by side chart comparison to the iPhone – enjoy!

And as of yesterday at about 3:21PM, it’s finally here.  You can follow Google’s official Nexus One Twitter profile here @googlenexusone

The Nexus One Twitter profile has only been in existence for a little more than 24 hours and already it has over 5000 followers.  So go ahead and follow the Nexus One Twitter profile by click in the link above, and get the latest and greatest directly from Google themselves about their new phone!

Google has even launched a promotional webpage specifically for the Nexus One where you can buy the phone and watch a flash demo of all the cool features.

But for the marketing of the phone, Google has turned to a very unique platform.  And this strategy is, I do believe, a first for Google!

Google is promoting the Nexus One right from the homepage of Google.  Google.com is one of the most visited web properties globally, and I don’t believe Google has ever “official” promoted a product from their homepage before.  So I do believe that the Nexus One makes it a first for Google.

But then again, when you own the product you are promoting, and you also happen to own the world’s most visiting website, then I suppose you can probably do whatever you want!

Here’s an image from the homepage of Google.com:

The Dell Mini 3 will be released exclusively with AT&T, according to the announcement made today in Las Vegas.

And the smart phone will be powered by Google’s Android OS (operating system).

Here’s a video review of the Dell Mini 3 smart phone that was made prior to the announcement today with AT&T.

With rich features such as turn by turn GPS navigation, Google Stree View, layers to show you points of interest along the way, and alternate route suggestions when traffic is heavy, the Google Maps for the Nexus One phone is unprecedented.

Here’s more from the Google LatLong blog along with the featured video:

“The Nexus One also comes standard with a super fast 1GHZ processor, 3.7” high-resolution AMOLED display.   You can also use the Google Maps Navigation (beta) for turn-by-turn guidance and traffic.  And having such a large, clear display makes a world of difference.  Maps are more readable, and satellite and street-level imagery look amazing. And when I pull up to my destination and a large, crisp Street View is shown automatically, I know exactly what to look for.”

See the Nexus One Google Maps video below:

The Google Phone Nexus One comes equipped with Flash Player 10.1.  And because the Nexus One has Flash support, this puts it at a huge advantage over the iPhone.  With the support of Flash on the Nexus One, you’ll be able to experience web pages, interaction, and online gaming in ways that are not possible on the iPhone.

Watch the Flash Player 10.1 on Google’s Nexus One Phone video below:

Flash is the missing piece in mobile web browsing that really brings the web to life, and the Google phone Nexus One gains a substantial advantage over the iPhone because of Flash support.

Here’s a video

Right along with the breaking news are a slew of YouTube videos about Nexus One.  So with that, it only makes sense that Google has launched it’s own official Nexus One YouTube Channel.

View the Nexus One YouTube Channel here.

The Nexus One YouTube channel only has (as of this second) 135 followers, but I’m sure that number will increase dramatically as more people find out about it.

The channel features videos about how to get started with your new Nexus One phone, and other helpful tutorials on using all the features.

If you’re interested in learning about the Nexus One Google Phone, then check out the official YouTube Channel here.

Right along with the announcement of Nexus One, we are now seeing Google launch tutorials on how to use Google products on the Nexus One such as Gmail.

Here’s more from the official Gmail blog on how to Gmail integrates nicely with the Nexus One Google phone:

Not only does the just-announced Nexus One have a beautiful display, snappy processor, and five megapixel camera complete with flash and geotagging, but you can also buy it online with or without a service plan. Plus, it runs Android 2.1, which adds a couple of new features to the native Gmail application:

• Quick contact badge: Press the contact status icon within Gmail, and a handy box shows all of the ways you can reply to a contact — including email, chat, SMS, and Facebook.
• Voice input: Swipe the keyboard, then just speak to select contacts or write an email, complete with punctuation. Period!

Nexus One also features the Gmail updates of Android 2.0, including:

• Multiple Gmail accounts: Sync multiple accounts to the same device and switch between them without leaving the app.
• Undo: A handy ‘undo’ link makes it easier to retrieve messages when you hit archive or delete by mistake. (Note: you can’t yet undo send as you can with the desktop version of Gmail).

Here’s a video from Google as well featuring Gmail on the Nexus One Google Phone:

Here’s the site >> http://www.google.com/phone

Buying The Nexus One Google Phone

As of right now, if you try to purchase the Nexus One you only have 2 options:

1) Buy it from T-Mobile for $179 and you must be eligible for service and accept a new two year contract to qualify for this pricing. Existing T-Mobile customers may qualify for upgrade pricing. Show more.

2) Buy the phone unlocked and just insert your current SIM card.  The cost for the unlocked version is $529.  This will allow you to use your current cell phone provider.

Both Verizon and Vodaphone are schedule to be available in Spring 2010.

Read more at the official Nexus One website here.

Engadget

Watch the live blogging happen here.

Google’s Nexus One

The Google Phone (Nexus One) has been talked about a lot both here on my blog and throughout other sources, but Engadget has confirmed it’s actually being announced on a stage.

Here’s more from Engadget:

“So, the nitty gritty: 3.7-inch AMOLED display, 1GHz Snapdragon processor, compass, GPS, accelerometer, light and proximity sensor, and a multicolored LED under the trackball. There are also two mics onboard for the purpose of noise cancellation, similar to Motorola’s CrystalTalk, and the phone is naturally running the brand new Android 2.1. The phone is actually HTC branded, unlike the pre-release versions we’ve seen.”

Google has scheduled a press event for Tuesday, January 5 at its Mountain View, California, headquarters. Though the company hasn’t mentioned Nexus One, the invitation mentions Android, Google’s mobile operating system for phones, and the company is widely expected to show the device that has had smartphone industry watchers buzzing for weeks. [source:  Wired.com]

Here’s a video that has leaked onto YouTube previewing the Google Phone Nexus One:

I thought this was a very strange idea indeed, and wasn’t sure how the concept would be received.

Well… I’m happy to say that I’m not the only one thinking that the Google Phone “Nexus One” could be free!  Today I found an article from Android Guys that was making the case for a free Google Phone!

Again, the argument here is that Google gives all of their amazing products away for free.  And most of them are in an attempt to either help you become a long term advertiser on Google Adwords, or to help you more quickly access web pages (where Google ads are showing).

The same is true for mobile phones.  The easier Google can make for you to get on the web via mobile phones, and the faster Google can help you browse faster on those phones, then the more ad exposure Google advertisers will receive – and of course, the more ad revenue Google will collect.

I’m telling you – just remember where you heard it first when the Google Phone “Nexus One” is given away for free!

One of the main features that immediately caught my attention was that a) the phone was jail-broken for use on AT&T, and b) the phone’s Internet speed is only Edge (indicated by the “E” on the phone) and not 3G.

This is going to be huge point of discouragement if in fact, once the Google Phone Nexus One is released, there is only Edge speed and not 3G.

But on the other hand, if AT&T does carry the Nexus One, then Google has successfully gotten their Android OS into the 2 main phone carriers in the US – Verizon and AT&T.   T-Mobile is said to already be a partner for the Google Phone Nexus One.

Along with 3D imagery on the main face of the phone, you apparently are going to be able to select different themes for the dashboard as well.

This will be following suit with the customization that is possible with the Google Chrome browser.

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