Google has launched the Android mobile Nexus One together with mobile phone maker HTC. Google and HTC calls Nexus One a “superphone” where they refer to both hardware and software that on paper is something of the best we’ve seen among mobile phones. It sports 1GHz Snapdragon CPU, 512MB RAM and 3.7″ AMOLED display for hardware. The software is the new Android 2.1 operating system.
Google has developed voice control with Android 2.1 where you can not only call friends but also use it to type messages, something that was shown a lot during the Google press event.
Other news is Google Earth has come to Android and just like voice control this is something other companies’ phones will support when Android 2.1 (Eclair) starts to spread.
Other exciting functions of Nexus One is dual microphones where one is a rear-mounted mic used to cancel out background noise during phone calls. On the back we find the 5 megapixel camera sensor that can be used to record video at 720×480 pixel resolution. You can also get the case engraved for a more personal touch, and perhaps reduce the chance of theft.
Google pointed out that it was HTC that made the phone and that it simply markets the phone as Nexus One. That’s why Nexus One will be the first Google sells, but far from the last. Today you can buy a Nexus One from Google and have it delivered the same day, if you live in the USA, for 529 USD without contract, or bound to T-Mobile for 179 USD.
Those who venture to Google.com/phone will see that Nexus One isn’t available in many countries. Things points to Nexus One appearing in Europe this spring, but the price and way of distribution is still uncertain. So far only Vodafone has announced it will sell Nexus One in Europe, but we (really, really) hope more will follow.
Nexus One looks to become one of the most important Android phones this year, but even more important is that Google now considers itself a distributor and retailer. It has already revealed that it will launch more Android mobiles (among others Motorola Droid/Milestone) but we might see some more products in its own “web store”.
More on Nexus One at Google’s website.
