Andrew Watson

Google Nexus One (Googlephone)

Posted on 05. Jan, 2010 by Andrew Watson in Google, Hardware

Another announcement and release from Google – although this one has been anticipated for sometime – yes it is here – the Googlephone; and what a phone. Rightly, this is one of the most hotly-anticipated new mobile phones, and yet another challenger to Apple’s crown.

The Nexus One boasts a highly-developed touch screen and a number of other enhancements to set it aside from other Android handsets, and was unveiled at Google’s headquarters today. The phone is based on the latest version of the Android software, which it first launched two years ago, as a way of moving into the mobile market.

While the handset may not be radically different to other Android handsets, Google has worked closely with Taiwanese manufacturer HTC to make significant improvements that it hopes will set it apart in the market.

Other additional technological improvements should also help the Nexus One to grow market share, including a 5 megapixel camera (compared with the iPhone’s 3 megapixels) and its 3.7in screen)

The decision by Google to make its own phone, rather than watch more established mobile phone companies grow on the back of the Android platform is perhaps one of the most significant steps. Despite plenty of Android handset releases last year, developed by companies including Motorola, HTC and Samsung, Google decided to oversee the launch of the Nexus One itself.

The project had been kept quiet for several months, but attempts to keep the launch a secret slipped before Christmas when thousands of Google employees were given the phones as gifts from the company.