UPDATE: Google has filed for a patent on ‘Nexus One’, and a video has leaked onto the internet showing the Nexus One booting next to it’s packaging! We really need Google to comment on this, it’s getting out of hand.
The interwebz has almost literally been set on fire since Saturday over the bits and pieces of information coming out about the Google Phone / Nexus One / HTC Passion.
Here is a brief recap of some of the newer bits that have come out in the past two days or so:
- A possible release date is January 5th (yes, this is seemingly way too soon)
- The phone will go on sale directly from Google unlocked, or via T-Mobile at a reduced price with a service contract agreement
- Pricing is still very hazy: $199 unlocked in stores, $100 rebate (bringing it down to $99) for customers with an “old Google account” using Google Checkout (this seems far too cheap to be true)
- Verizon turned down the phone, supposedly, so it will be an unlocked GSM device; meaning you can bring it to T-Mobile or AT&T Mobile, but not Verizon or Sprint in the States
Despite all the ‘information’ that has come out, Google themselves have yet to make a detailed announcement outside of their original (and vague) blog posting. This is a bit of a concern, especially coupled with the quick turn around time to get this on the market, and the almost ridiculously low price.
Along the lines of this being ‘too good to be true’, a renown industry insider by the name of Eldar Murtazin has come out stating this is all just a fake rumor, propagated by a rival company, and maybe even Apple themselves (!). Lofty claims, but one has to admit this is all coming way too fast. Going on the assumption that the device is 100% real, and from Google, you’d think that they would want to let this simmer for a few more weeks, instead of launching such a high profile device within 4 weeks of mentioning it through a very vague blog posting. Even more so, is the price point being mentioned. A full priced non-contract iPhone costs upwards of $500 USD or more, so seeing a phone that is supposedly going on sale for $199 (with $100 off!) that is vastly more powerful is hard to accept.
In any event it’s all certainly very interesting. Google will need to comment on this sooner or later, and we all know that they’ve pulled rabbits out of their hat very quickly before with surprise shockers, so this just might be the latest trick up their sleeve, or a VERY good rumor.
Sources:
Google phone with T-Mobile contract in Jan: source
Reuters: Nexus One Available Directly Through Google Website January 5
Couple new Google Phone Nexus One photos
