Since launching the Google Nexus One, Google has shown signs that it is ready to enter the smartphone space.

And oh yeah, there’s this mobile phone operating system called Android that Google has developed as well and it already becoming a major competitor to the iPhone.

So does all of this mean that Google is getting ready to enter the cell phone service space?

Granted, their first experience with the Nexus One was a disaster, but that doesn’t mean anything really – it’s all part of the iterations of growth.

Ari Zoldan, an analysts with Quantum Networks, believe that Google is definitely moving in the direction of becoming a mobile phone service provider.

Zoldan stated that the search engine giant would likely make the move if they “could find an easy way to transition into the cell space.”

Thoughts?

via SearcEngineJournal

Someone made a recent comment on my “Why Google Is Smart To Close The Nexus Online Store” article asking “why Google stopped producing the Nexus 1.”

I think this is a great question because after all, aren’t there still a whole bunch of Nexus One customers out there who are still happy with their smarthphones?

Of course there are.

And the percentage of people that were complaining, or having issues with their Nexus One purchase, were a very small percentage compared to the overall customer base.

I believe the reason why Google ejected from the Nexus One is because of the simple economic principle of “comparative advantage”.

According to Wikipedia, comparative advantage is defined as:

In economics, the law of comparative advantage refers to the ability of a party (an individual, a firm, or a country) to produce a particular good or service at a lower opportunity cost than another party. It is the ability to produce a product with the highest relative efficiency given all the other products that could be produced

So even though, yes, Google can make the Nexus One and to a certain degree have
satisfied customers, it’s not there strong point.

Google’s strength is in creating platforms (i.e. Google search, Android OS,
etc…) that scale.

I think Google’s decision to eject from the Nexus One is a great lesson for
all us – they’ve taught us to focus on what we know, what we have a
comparative advantage in, and not spend our resources on things that we are
not “scaling”.

Google has launched a mobile platform for your Droid phone called “Car Home” which in fact is a travel companion for you in your car, while you’re driving. I mean, people are driving and texting anyway right, mine as well embrace it and help people get the information they want, faster, while behind the wheel. Car Home allows you to turn your Nexus One Android phone or your Motorola Droid Android phone into your own personalized dashboard of apps for your car. Some of the features that would work great in Car Home are the GPS navigation, voice activated commands, talk to text, and contacts. Read more about Car Home at the break.

via Google Mobile

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!

One thing is for sure, AT&T has had a celebration of data phone dominance over the past several years with the iPhone. But now it appears that Apple will be moving on from AT&T and taking their iPhone to carriers like Verizon and perhaps even Sprint or T-Mobile. The world without iPhone dominance is creating a new dynamic for AT&T, and it’s one they haven’t ever experienced before.

In the past, the iPhone was it!

Many other phones would come and go, even the Blackberry helps sustain AT&T. But nothing compares (or compared) to the iPhone on AT&T’s exclusive network. It was and will always be the ultimate business deal made in heaven for AT&T.

Now AT&T is making their move into the Android smartphone market. They are starting to build up a diverse lineup of Android devices like the Nexus One, and the HTC Aria.

And today, AT&T released the Samsung Captivate which is now their third Android powered device.

Android’s mobile OS is a new world for AT&T. But I think AT&T realizes it’s a mobile OS they have to embrace – they don’t really have a choice anymore.

However, Android is not going to be embraced with as much passion as the iPhone. But from a business standpoint, AT&T needs to detach emotionally from the iPhone and look at the business side of things.

Android devices have been saturating the mobile market place faster than any other mobile platform, even faster than the iPhone. It you’re a mobile phone carrier, you can’t really afford to ignore this fact.

AT&T now finds themselves in a position where they have to start embracing and accepting Android devices, or fall to the way side of competitors like Sprint and Verizon.

AT&T’s relationship with Android is surely going to be an interesting story to follow, so make sure you stay tuned.

AT&T isn’t wasting anytime to jump on the Android smart phone band wagon. With the iPhone being AT&T’s main bread and butter the last couple of years, they are now being forced to look to building their brand from other devices since the Verizon iPhone is likely on it’s way.

Android powered devices are just the ticket.

AT&T just released the Android 2.1 powered Samsung Captivate with its 4-inch Super AMOLED screen and 1GHz Hummingbird core.

You can read more, and even order, your Samsung Captivate here.

AT&T currently has two other Android powered phones in their inventory. The Nexus One and the HTC Aria.

You can purchase the Samsung Captivate for $199 with a 2 year contract from AT&T. The price without the commitment is $499.

Here’s a commercial for the Samsung Captivate:

[Read]

Nexus One show’s up in third party retail stores.

According to a press release by I wireless is an authorized T-Mobile affiliate has already started to sell the Nexus One on their website & through their retail stores.  The Nexus One will sell for $299.95 dollars with a two-year contract. Which is more expensive then going through Google’s website which cost $179.99 with a two-year contract. Which in order to get the subsidy you are only allow to choose the 500 minute plan. The Nexus One from I wireless will be able to be used with any T-Mobile plan. Seems like T-Mobile will have a wide variety of Android phones to choose from. Below is the full press release. To order the Nexus One from I wireless go to the company website here.

Source: i wireless

I WIRELESS INTRODUCES ANDROID 3G SMARTPHONES

Coralville, IA – i wireless continues to offer the latest smartphones by announcing the arrival of new Android operating system devices. Customers will be able to purchase Android devices, including models that are 3G capable, at over 250 retail locations or at the i wireless website beginning May 18, 2010.

Android devices allow users to personalize their phones look, feel, and functionality with over 40,000 applications (apps) available via download through the Android Market store. Preloaded with Google apps and built to multitask, Android feature-rich devices create a superior mobile experience.

“We are excited to add the most popular Android devices to our complete line-up of smartphones,” says Gary Baron, vice president of marketing, i wireless.  “Customers will be given the option to choose from Motorola, HTC, and Samsung models that best fits their lifestyle.”

i wireless will offer several Android devices including the Motorola Milestone, 3G Nexus One by Google, HTC Hero, and 3G Samsung Behold II, all designed take full advantage of the wide array of available apps.

i wireless customers will have immediate access to 3G coverage and 10x faster data speeds in T-Mobile markets including Des Moines and Ames, Iowa, and over 130 cities in the U.S. serving over 200 million people.  i wireless will rollout 3G service in the Quad Cities, Cedar Rapids, Waterloo/Cedar Falls, and Iowa City markets throughout the summer, with completion scheduled for August 2010. In addition to faster speeds, customers will experience the ability to multi-task – text, email, or surf the web while talking on their 3G phone.

Founded in 1997 and headquartered in Urbandale, Iowa, i wireless is a partnership between T-Mobile USA and Iowa Network Services (a consortium of 127 Iowa Independent Telecommunications Companies).  i wireless has over 250 full-service company stores and authorized dealers across Iowa, western Illinois, and eastern Nebraska, offering customers the largest regional and nationwide coverage on the most advanced high-speed voice and data network. For more information, visit www.iwireless.com or contact Sarah Harpring at 319-390-7254.

Motorola Droid is expected to get Android 2.2 (froyo)

When it came to Android 2.2 going out to handsets the Nexus One is the first to get the update & HTC has already mentioned which handsets will get it. But am sure a lot of you Motorola Droid owners are wondering if you will get the Android 2.2 update. Well according to a   Motorola spokesperson quoted at Slashgear has mentioned that Android 2.2 will be coming to the Motorola Droid in the near future.The spokesperson quoted :

“We’re excited to see Google’s news of the next version of the Android operating system and look forward to integrating it on our Android-based devices as it’s made available to the open source community.” “While I can’t comment on specifics, we do expect the Droid by Motorola users to receive Android 2.2 as a software upgrade in the near future.”

Unfortunately that’s all that the spokesperson could say about Android 2.2 for the Motorola Droid. So we don’t know if Android 2.2 is going to be the exact same as the Nexus One or if it will be missing a few features of the mobile operating system. Since the Motorola Droid is a Verizon branded phone it’s possible that Verizon could disable the tethering & portable Wi-Fi hotspot functions.

Josh Uhlemeyer

Former Author of Mobile News Now.

Source: Slashgear

Android 2.2 (froyo) coming to the Nexus One in the next few weeks

Well, yesterday Google sent out a message to everyone on Twitter as to when Android 2.2 ( Froyo) will be coming to the Nexus One & the rest of the open source community. The tweet stated that it would be coming to the Nexus One in the next few weeks. And OEM’s will be sent out to the open source community in the coming weeks.  Well that’s good news for all of you Nexus One owners. if you didn’t happened to watch the keynote live on You Tube you can go here to read about Android 2.2 new features.

Josh Uhlemeyer,

Former Author of Mobile News Now.

“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.

Today during the second keynote at Google I/O 2010 in CA was a big day for Google announcing a new version of Android. Google’s Vice-President of Engineering Vic Gundotra took a lot of shots at Apple’s closed environment, during the keynote. Vic Gundotra stated in the keynote that Android has 100,000+ new activations each day. And the mobile operating system is available in 21 OEM’s, 48 countries & 59 carriers. The Google Android mobile operating system is second in smart phone sales & first in web & app usage in the US. Vic Gundotra also stated in the keynote that the Android Market place has 50,000 applications and 180,000 developers.

Android 2.2 was also announced during the keynote. The new firmware update will included a lot of improvements to speed, improved Android Market & it will offer a lot of other new features.

Android 2.2 will have a new compiler called Davlvik VM Just-In-Time, which will allow applications to be able to run 2X to 5X faster, then in pervious versions of Android. A demo was shown with two Nexus One headsets one running Android 2.2 & the other running Android 2.1. The demo had both the handsets running the same game to show off the frames per second. The Nexus One running Android 2.2 (Froyo) never dropped below 30 FPS while the Nexus One running Android 2.1(Eclair) did.

Android 2.2 will also improve its Enterprise functionality with auto account-discovery, calander sync for Exchange & improved security. Android 2.2 will allow administrator to wipe the phone remotely, this will allow users to erase all the data on their phone from another location if the phone gets stolen. Android 2.2 will sync with Exchange calendars. Android will no longer have the pattern lock screen found on current Android handsets. Instead it will have numeric pin or alphanumeric for password security. Android 2.2 will have auto discovery which will allow a user to only need to input their user name & password and will be able to sync with their Exchange accounts. Android 2.2 will have “Global Address Lists look-up” which will allow user to auto-complete recipient names from their directory.

Android 2.2 has a lot of new features & services in the update one of them being portable Wi-Fi hotspot. With this feature enabled will turn cretin Android handsets like the Nexus One into a portable Wi-Fi hotspot. This will allow up to 8 devices to connect to the Internet using the handset’s 3G connection. Android 2.2 also comes with USB tethering, which will allow users to use their handset’s 3G data connection to browse the Internet.

The Android web browser has also been improved with the V8 JavaScript engine this will allow the phone’s browser to operate 2x-3x faster. Vic Gundotra showed the V8 JavaScript engine in a demo, which compared a Nexus One running Android 2.2 & a Nexus One running Android 2.1 & the Apple iPad. The Nexus One running Android 2.2 was able to beat both the Nexus One running Android 2.1 & the iPad in processing JavaScript task. The web browser also has accelerometer integrated. The camera is also accessible from the Android web browser. Android 2.2 will also have full support for Flash 10.1 & Adobe Air, this will allow the user to play Flash based web games & view Flash based websites.

Android 2.2 will also feature called “Could-to-device Messaging”, which was demoed at the conference. Using the Google Chrome web browser extension, which allows the user to send a Google Maps location to the phone. Once the information has been sent to the phone, Android will automatically open the Google Maps mobile application and show the directions to the location.

Android 2.2 will have voice search & foreign language translation. With this new feature you will be able to do searches on Google using voice input. In Android 2.2 you will also be able to call shops & company in Google Search using voice input from the Android web browser. Voice foreign language translation is a feature that will allow the user to translate their voice input into different languages. The video below show’s the demo of the foreign language translation feature.

Another announcement at Google I/O was  improvements to the Android Market. Android 2.2 will also feature an application search bar that will allow users to search applications from the home screen. Android 2.2 will allow for applications to be stored on the microSD card. Android Market will also allow the user to automatically update applications. Android 2.2 will also have the ability to send developers reports on their applications if the application crashes.

The Android Market place will be accessible from a PC or Mac from a web browser. The Android Market place will allow users to download applications on their PC or Mac and send it over-the-air to their phones. Android 2.2 will also have the ability to sync with iTunes music over-the air & stream it to their Android handset. This means user will not have to hook up their Android handset to their computer to sync their music. The video below shows the demo of streaming iTunes music to your Android handset.

Vic Gundotra also showed off mobile ads that will show ads relevant to what is being shown within the handset browser or applications. A demo was shown with the Flixter application. In the application an ad for Vampire Diaries was shown with a drop down menu. When the dropped down menu was tapped a video for the show would start to play.

Well, that’s about everything that I was able to cover from the Google I/O 2010 keynote. If you would like to watch the whole keynote please go to Google I/O 2010 YouTube channel. So tell me what do think of the new features of Android 2.2?

Josh Uhlemeyer

Former Author of Mobile News Now.

Last week Google announced they will be shutting down the Nexus One online store – the location where Google took orders for their new Nexus One mobile phone.

When exactly the online store will come down I’m not sure, (maybe someone out there has this info), but as of right now, you can visit the online store and you’ll see the Nexus One available for purchase >> Google.com/NexusOne

How Google Lost Their Way

I wrote an article not too long ago discussing how I felt that Google lost their way when they decided to become a mobile phone carrier like Verizon or AT&T.

Notice I said a mobile phone carrier! I don’t believe for a second that Google’s mistake was in launching the Nexus One mobile phone.  The problem was when they (Google) tried to become the carrier, distributor, manufacturer, and customer service representative for the Nexus One.

Google is made up of computer scientists – not customer service reps, and not even sales folks.  Quite frankly, a bunch of geeks work at Google who sit around all day (and night) developing new innovative technologies and applications. Not to mention the bread and butter of Google which is search.

When Google developed Android, the operating system that is now being utilized on multiple mobile phones and other devices (including cars), they were right in their element. Google is a master at developing systems and platforms upon which the rest of the world can run their applications.

The Nexus One, powered by Android, was a perfect example of a mobile phone running on the Android platform. And Google was keeping within their element when they opened Android up to a wide range of companies and developers.

But then Google made the mistake of trying to sell, ship, and service the Nexus One to customers via other phone carriers.

Someone at Google must have felt in their gut that launching the Nexus One store was a mistake. It was so far out of their element that someone, somewhere within Google had to sense it.

So as to be expected, whenever you try to do something where you don’t have the comparative advantage, Google failed miserably.

However, Google’s CEO Eric Schmidt will be quick to tell you that failure actually defines success.

If you’re failing, then you are in a sense experiencing success.

Almost immediately after Google launch the Nexus One, customers started complaining not only about the device, but the fact that Google’s customer service was basically absent.

Google isn’t designed to be a retailer – they are designed to be developers of amazing platforms and innovative applications.

So when Google announced they were closing their Nexus One online store, and in turn looking to distribute and sell the Nexus One through multiple carriers, I must say that I was proud of Google for making that decision.  And I know, me being proud of Google doesn’t really matter a hill of beans to Google… but still.

I’m impressed because Google isn’t afraid to try something new – and they definitely aren’t afraid to fail.

This has really been a point of inspiration to me.

But what else is inspiring, and very important to learn from, is that Google knows when it’s time to quit.

And because Google knows when to quit, it makes sense then that Google CEO Eric Schmidt defines failure as being an element of success.

Source: Google Official Blog
Josh Uhlemeyer,
Former Author of Mobile News Now.

Well the guys over at the phonescoop website have had a chance to go hands on with the LG Ally during a press event.  The LG Ally will have a 3.2 megapixel camera,600MHz processor,GPS,Wi-Fi,Bluetooth & pre-installed 4GB microSD card.The LG Ally will feature Android 2.1 and the 3D app drawer that’s found on the Nexus One. The device will have all the Google mobile applications.  The video below shows off some of the features of the handset. The LG Ally will be available on May 20th for Verizon,at this time a price has not been announced.

Souce: Phonescoop

Engadget

Josh Uhlemeyer,

Former Author Mobile News Now.

Android 2.2 & Flash running on the Nexus One

Adobe evangelist Ryan Stewart showed off Flash 10.1 on his Nexus One, Adobe also gave their employees Nexus Ones. And according to the NewYork Times Flash 10.1 is tied to Android 2.2 operating system. Judging by the home screen at the end of the video it seems to appear that Ryan Stewart’s Nexus One is running Android 2.2.

Ryan Stewart also shows on his Nexus One how the Nexus One handles various Flash enabled websites.

The Nexus One handles the sites very well with no lag going from one Flash website to the next.  He show’s how the Nexus One handles Flash embedded video on a sites & how it handles Flash web based games.  And according to a tweet on Twitter from Justin Mattson that Froyo statue has arrived at the Google Office, which means that Android 2.2 is on the verge of being released.

Source: Digital Back Country

Josh Uhlemeyer

Former Author of Mobile News Now.

Twitter:http://www.twitter.com/joshuhl

It seems like Sprint has done the same thing with the Nexus One as Verizon did in deciding not to carry the Nexus One.  According to Gizmodo Sprints Michelle Leff Mermelstein stated the reason the company wouldn’t carry the Nexus One is because of the “upcoming availability of the award-winning Evo 4G.”  Sprint also stated in the article that the handset is a “more robust, full-featured device.”

I am wondering what is going to happen to the Nexus One since the handset is only limited to AT&T & T-Mobile USA. The Nexus One has had a lot of issues from 3G issues with T-Mobile’s network to touch screen issues.  And with Google not working on the handsets 3G issues anymore, since it seems to be more of hardware then a software issue. And At this time am not sure if HTC is going to be recalling those defect handsets or not. It could be that the issues with the handset and Google not putting a lot of support behind the Nexus One might be the reason for Verizon & Sprint backing out.

It’s kind of sad to see that cell providers are backing away from the Nexus One, but since the Nexus One’s releases it has really set the bar for Android handsets. Maybe at the Google I/O 2010 conference we will get some answers as to the future of the Nexus One.  So what do you think is the reason for the lack of cell carrier support for the Nexus One?

Source: Gizmodo

Josh Uhlemeyer,

Former Author of Mobile News Now.

I’m sure you’ve heard by now about the customer service nightmare that unfolded within hours of Google launching their Nexus One mobile phone. The Nexus One was suppose to be the iPhone killer, coming onto the data device scene with a storm (no pun intended Blackberry), and becoming the overnight sensation and success that Google was looking for.

There were a lot of things that happened over night when Google’s Nexus One launched, but “sensationalism” and “success” were not one of them – unfortunately.

Google found itself in the middle of a customer service nightmare in fact. Forums started ripping Google on issues such as 3G not holding its connection and other hardware and software failures. And it was obvious that Google was not ready for this onslaught of customer service requests – in fact, it seemed as if Google wasn’t ready for anything actually. The only customer service line of communication that customers had was to submit a ticket via email to Google and then within 48 hours, supposedly the customer would hear back from the customer support.

The only problem here is that the problems were mounting very fast, and Google did not have the support in place to handle all the tickets. In fact, Google tried to off load the customer service inquiries to other companies, who in turn tried to offload the customer service demands back to  Google. Needless to say, it was a gaggle in the largest magnitude of the word.

I see the Google Nexus One phone as an example of how Google lost their way. And what I mean by this is Google is, and always has been, a provider of platforms. Obvious examples of being a platform provider is Google. Google search creates massive search volume on the web, and then Google has a platform (Google Adwords) upon which businesses can get exposure to all of those keyword searches. Another example of a platform that Google has built and thrives upon is Google Android. The Android OS has been designed, initially for mobile phones, but is quickly expanding into other devices such as TV’s and even cars.

You see, the point here is the Google is best at building, providing, and facilitating a platform upon which other companies build products and innovation. With Google Nexus One, Google truly lost their way and completely forgot who they were and what they were best at. Obviously Google has learned this lesson the hard way by launching a product and then dealing with the aftermath. I actually commend Google for trying, but when you look at who “Google” is, and what they are best at, then individual product launches is not their strong suit – platform provider and innovation is where Google excels.

Google Issues Tax Refund For Nexus One Purchases

Google launched their Nexus One data phone on January 5th, 2010. Since the moment Google put the Nexus One on the market for sale, there has been nothing but problems with the device for customers.

Most of the Nexus One issues, initially anyway, were associated with not keeping a 3G connection, and other software and hardware issues.

Today, Google presented a new issue they are having because of the Nexus One, and this time it’s with the actual purchase transaction with the customer.

It’s being reported that Google is starting to issue refunds to Nexus One owners who have overpaid the taxes associated with their purchase.

According i4u.com:

I received an email this morning, informing me that I had been overcharged on the tax on my Nexus One. As such, Google is giving me a refund. It isn’t just me either. It seems that everyone who purchased a Nexus One at or around launch is being notified.

Once Google sends you the email, you’ll have to verify the card you want to receive the refund on by signing into your Google Checkout account and choosing to view the order. If the card you originally used is no longer valid, you’ll be able to pick another. Google is also willing to mail you a check for the amount of the refund.

This is just another problem that Google is finding themselves plagued with over their Nexus One phone.

Google would have been better off just leaving themselves out of the physical mobile phone market and sticking to what they know best – building a platform (Google Android OS) upon which all other mobile devices can run and be developed.

Update: I found the press release and the LG Ally is going to be available on May 20th.

NASDAQ:GOOG: Google Focusing More On Android, Less on Nexus One

Google (NASDAQ:GOOG) shares trading at 529.29, +0.23 (0.04%)

The move by Verizon to not sell Google’s Nexus One phone is not something that I believe took Google by surprise.In fact, if I had to wager on the decision, Google more than likely had as much influence on the decision as Verizon did. I know the headlines read “Verizon Ejects Google Nexus One Phone” – but those are just media headlines. I believe there is a lot more at work here.

Google’s Trouble With Nexus One

Google figured that with the Nexus One, they could somehow add more saturation of their Android OS into the mobile phone market space. After all, more Android powered devices, the more market share Google commands, right?

In the short term, yes – but in the long term, it will actually start to hurt Google’s business model and in fact work adversely against Google, thus decreasing the Android OS market share.

Here’s why…

Google learned a valuable lesson when it launched their Nexus One phone. They learned that they just cannot handle, and did not foresee perhaps, the customer support demand that was going to be required of them upon the Nexus One getting into the hands of customers.

No sooner did people turn on their Nexus One devices and suddenly all sorts of problems started to arise – 3G was not stable, software was not booting up properly, apps were not working properly, and so on… And the fall out came when masses of customers needed customer support for help with their issues.

But there wasn’t any real Nexus One customer support available. People had to submit an email, and then within 48 hours (2 days) they would hear back from someone. Typically the response was very short, very non-specific, and very non-personable. Ultimately, customers weren’t getting support and so they turned to forums to start hammering Google on the Nexus One phone.

Google Needs To Focus on Android

I think that Google realizes that in the long run, the best way to increase Android OS market share is to focus on what they do best and that is developing, improvising, and optimizing Android.

This happens in a lot of different ways – encouraging app development, working with both hardware and phone developers to mobile phone carriers, and supporting open source.

What Google doesn’t need to do is try to be a mobile phone carrier or mobile phone manufacturer. And by trying to be something they are not in turn will create an ocean of angry, dissatisfied customers that will ultimately start working against Google’s reputation, and in having an adverse affect on the Android OS market share.

Google Probably Encouraged Verizon’s Decision

I believe that Google more than likely encouraged Verizon’s decision because they new that once Verizon started selling the Nexus One, then the whole customer service train wreck would be starting all over again.

So instead, even before Verizon announced that they will not be selling the Nexus One phone, Google was already encouraging people to buy the HTC Droid Incredible which is now available for pre-order.

So ultimately, Google is positioning themselves build upon their strengths and ejecting from the their weak points in the market place.

Verizon deciding to not sell the Nexus One was, in my opinion, more of a by product of Google’s decision making and less of Verizon’s influence overall.

NASDAQ:GOOG – Google Delays Verizon Nexus One, Stock Down

There are reports coming out that Google has delayed the release of the Verizon Nexus One phone. The Verizon Nexus One has been a highly anticipated phone for Verizon customers. Although not quite to the degree that the Droid Incredible by HTC was (or HTC Incredible).

Google is apparently recommending customers to buy the new Verizon Incredible phone, instead of waiting around for the Nexus One device. Here is what PC World is claiming that Google has said regarding the Verizon Nexus One phone and the Verizon Droid Incredible:

“In the US, if you’ve been waiting for the Nexus One for Verizon Wireless’ network, head over to  Verizon to pre-order the Droid Incredible by HTC, a powerful new Android phone and a cousin of the Nexus One that is similarly feature-packed,” says the Nexus One blog. The phone’s online order page has a similar recommendation.

I wrote last week about some of the reasons why the Verizon Nexus One might be getting delayed by Google, or even possibly by Verizon. And I’m of the opinion that the greatest factor influencing the arrival of the Verizon Nexus One is the terrible customer service that is associated with Google.

When Google launched the Nexus One phone, customer forums immediately started filling up with negative comments about hardware and software issues with the Nexus One, and also terrible customer service and support from Google regarding the Nexus One phone.

Google Stock Price Down

Google stock price (NASDAQ:GOOG) is currently down 1.96% (as of this writing) and is trading at $534.31 on the NASDAQ.

Whether the news on the delay of the Verizon Nexus One is directly impacting the stock price is unsure, but I do know that customers are not going to be very happy to learn that Google is delaying the Verizon Nexus One launch.

What do you think?

Do you think Google is now trying to distance themselves from dealing directly with the Nexus One, and letting the phone carriers pick up the tab on the customer support?

Verizon Nexus One Is A Work In Progress

Sure, you can visit the Google Nexus One website and see that the Nexus One is coming to Verizon. But what you don’t see is a release date for the Verizon Nexus One. You can even sign up via email to get alerts about the Verizon Nexus One release. But my point here is that what you don’t get is a solid release date!

And there’s a pretty darn good reason Verizon has yet to give a release date for the Nexus One and that is because of the deficiencies associated with the Nexus One phone.

You may remembered when Google first launched the Nexus One phone. It wasn’t but a couple of days later when reports were filling the web with Nexus One customer complaints about everything from hardware issue, 3G connectivity complaints, and even complaints about Google’s customer service – which has always traditionally been lacking.

So Verizon has absolutely no interest in bringing on the Nexus One phone, and then instantly jamming up their customer service lines with Nexus One complaints and service calls.

I believe that Verizon is going to hold Google to a very high standard regarding the quality of both the hardware and software of the Google Nexus One phone.

Verizon is not as ambitious as Google was when they first launched the Nexus One.

And the delay in the Verizon Nexus One is directly related to Verizon holding Google to a higher standard of quality.

If Google wants the Nexus One to come to Verizon, then they better get the hardware and software issues squared away. Because I don’t believe for a minute that Verizon wants to inherit the drama that Google experienced in that first week of the Nexus One launch.

Google Nexus One Shows off Flash Player 10.1 (Video)

One of the biggest selling points for Google’s Nexus One phone is the fact that it has the ability to run Flash Player 10.1.

Contrary to the iPhone (and Apple, and Steve Jobs, etc…) and the fact that they are adamant about not running Flash because, as Steve Jobs puts it, “it’s too buggy!”

Nonetheless, the Nexus One is proud to be able to run Flash and again, it’s one of the strongest selling points for the mobile device.

Below is a video I recently found that shows off the Flash Player 10.1 capabilities on Google’s Nexus One phone.

Check it out below:

What do you think?

So what do you think about Nexus One and it’s ability to run Flash Player 10.1 – and run flash on the mobile device?

Better yet, do you think Apple is making a big mistake by not running flash on the iPhone, and now the iPad?

The Verizon HTC Incredible, “Everyone will want one,” says Verizon

Yesterday, Boy Genius Report released a screen shot of the specs on the HTC Incredible smartphone.

The interesting thing about the spec sheet on the HTC Incredible is the Verizon logo that was at the top of the document.

A couple of the more rich features the HTC Incredible is going to offer is:

• camera with flash
• Camera – 8mp with auto focus and video capture
• RAM: 512MB DDR

Speculation on HTC Incredible release date:

Like the speculation on the Verizon Nexus One release date, and the iPad 3G release date for that matter, no one really knows the exact release date for the HTC Incredible coming to the Verizon.

From a comment on a previous HTC Incredible article:

“I asked a Verizon rep at a stand alone retail store if he could check his system for any info – he said that the info on his computer had 4/29 as a release date but also stated that they never know anything until about a day or so before and get the actual info through an email…”

Verizon Employee Sees 4/29 in his system

So since a Verizon employee was kind enough to search the database and inventory and discovered the 4/29 date is associated with the HTC Incredible, is this enough for us to assume that 4/29 is the arrival date?

iPhone 4G Could Beat Nexus One, HTC Incredible To Verizon

Hey Verizon, where’s the Google Nexus One phone?

Better yet, where’s the HTC Incredible release date announcement that we’ve been expecting from Verizon?

We thought an announcement would have been made by now concerning the dates of a Verizon Nexus One phone.

And of course we’ve known about the HTC Incredible coming to Verizon, but wouldn’t you think we would have heard something by now?

But here we are, April 14th, and still nothing – actually we hear crickets chirping…

The only major mobile phone announcement we’ve had lately has been the Microsoft’s “social networking” phones that hit Verizon.

But did anyone really care about that anyway?

Sorry… I shouldn’t be so hard on Microsoft.

iPhone Announcement June 22nd?

I just wrote about a possibly iPhone 4G announcement by Apple on June 22nd.

The reason I believe this might be the day for the iPhone 4G announcement is because (not yet confirmed) Apple has reserved The Yerba Center in San Francisco.

And typically, when The Yerba Center is rented out by Apple, a major announcement is coming.

So that’s why I believe June 22nd might bring an iPhone 4G announcement, and possibly even mention of an iPhone (Apple) – Verizon venture.

HTC Incredible Specs for Verizon

There is no debate as to whether or not the HTC Incredible is coming to Verizon, and it’s coming to Verizon very soon.

The only debate on the table is when will the HTC Incredible arrive, and when will Verizon announce the HTC Incredible and also the much anticipated Nexus One phone.

I’m also anxiously awaiting an iPhone / Verizon marriage announcement!

HTC Incredible leaked specs

Until then, there are some HTC Incredible specs that have supposedly been leaked – although with the proximity of the HTC Incredible release date, I question the “being leaked” claim.

HTC Incredible specs:

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The rumors surrounding the release of the HTC Incredible and the Nexus One surface continuously with new dates, new circumstances, and new possible reasons as to why a certain date will be used for their launch.

I wrote a few hours ago about the possible launch of the HTC Incredible being April 19th or May 15th.

This rumor was launched because I was contacted by someone who works in the inventory control at a Verizon store.

Here’s what he had to say about the HTC Incredible:

“It is not coming out on the 29th. It will be either April 19th or May 13th. How do I know? I’m one of the guys responsible for store inventory and for putting phones out on the floor for display. Verizon hasn’t told us yet what we’re doing on those dates, but these “store refreshes” always corespond with price changes and new equipment. The May date is a larger “refresh” and my money is on that one.”

HTC Incredible or Nexus One release date April 12 (email leaked):

New information is being leaked from BerryScoop from an insider email within Verizon that “a certain device is coming April 12th.”

The email has a subject title as:

The Journey Begins on Monday

This email was actually sent to all Verizon employees yesterday, Friday, April 9th.

Speculation about this referencing the HTC Incredible or Nexus One coming to Verizon:

Some believe that this email could only be referencing two possibilities – the Verizon Nexus One of the HTC Incredible, both of which are highly expected to be coming to Verizon soon.

HTC Incredible Release Date At Verizon is April 29

It has been talked about extensively on the web about the HTC Incredible coming to Verizon, but today Verizon has announced an official release date of April 29th.

The much anticipated smart phone has been talked about coming to Verizon since the end of February, and finally we are getting a release date.

The HTC Incredible, is similar to Google’s Nexus One but with a Sense UI. The phone is powered by Android 2.1 mobile OS.

HTC Incredible coming to Verizon April 29th (Video)

RIMM is trying to find any way it can to gain a foothold in the highly competitive mobile dataphone market with their flood of Blackberry devices. I mean, is it me, or are there a lot of different Blackberry devices on the market?

Anyway, there are rumors out there that the Blackberry Tour 2 is coming to Verizon. And some of the rumors are even placing the Blackberry Tour 2 at Verizon in May.

So even if the Blackberry Tour 2 does arrive at Verizon, what about the coming iPhone, or even the Nexus One, or how about the Motorola Droid that’s already a huge hit at Verizon?

The mobile phone revolution is here, and I guess what I’m trying to say is… where does the Blackberry fit in anymore – even if it is a brand new Blackberry Tour 2?

Very soon, you may be able to purchase accessories such as cases and covers for your Nexus One phone at T-Mobile.

According to TmoToday, T-Mobile has been receiving new shipments of Nexus One phone accessories. However, T-Mobile isn’t the only place where you can get Nexus One accessories; Google and Seidio both carry Nexus One accessories.

Items such as Nexus One cases and covers are said to be the primary accessories that are showing up at the T-Mobile stores. Does this mean the Nexus One is coming to T-Mobile?

According to TmoToday, if you take a look at the above image, you’ll see that the device’s name isn’t the “Google” Nexus One; for the first time, the phone is being branded as an HTC device. Also, there’s T-Mobile branding on the boxing around the accessories. Could this mean that the Nexus One is finally being brought into T-Mobile stores to be sold? Maybe.

Google’s move in expanding the Nexus One to T-Mobile makes perfect sense to me. Google desires to make the web accessible in every way possible, so it makes sense to expand the Nexus One to as many carriers as possible. Heck, you can even get the Nexus One for AT&T now if you’d like.