It looks like the great experiment that is the Google Nexus One isn’t exactly going to plan.
First off, Google’s plans to bypass the mobile carrier and sell unlocked smartphones directly to consumers won’t transpire in Europe – at least not right now. Vodafone UK announced today customers could pre-order the Nexus One directly from Vodafone UK and get it for free if they sign up for a two-year agreement on a GBP35 monthly price plan. In another break from the U.S. model, Vodafone customers in Europe will be able to get support directly from Vodafone UK instead of from Google.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Google “moved to offer the phone in Vodafone stores in Europe because it believed it was the best way to reach consumers in that market and that it has no plans to do the same in the U.S.”
We can’t help but read it another way.
“Europeans would never agree to the model we were pressing for so we finally agreed to let Vodafone deal with the customers.”
Also – notice that the phone is free with a new two year agreement? This seems to signify demand isn’t exactly up to snuff for the Nexus One. The best way to get rid of the inventory? Offer it for free (of course with a new two year agreement).
If that wasn’t bad enough for the Nexus One, Google also announced today that the smartphone would NOT be available for Verizon Wireless. Instead, the company recommended folks interested in the Nexus One to consider getting the upcoming DROID Incredible – also made by HTC.
WSJ notes that Verizon Wireless was quick to “distance itself from Google’s announcement.” According to VW spokesman Marquett Smith, “Verizon had never made a comment or statement about the product coming to our network,.. In the beginning, Google made the statement about the product coming to the Verizon Wireless network and we never made comment around it.“
It’s important to note that while the Nexus One MIGHT be a commercial flop for Google, the Android OS is most certainly NOT a flop thus far. In fact, it’s the rapid success of the Android OS that can be attributed to the demise of the Nexus One. With so many manufacturers on board with the Android OS, and new models coming out at a rapid pace, it was inevitable that the Nexus One would quickly become outdated. The same can’t be said about the iPhone simply because there’s only one manufacturer for the iPhone – Apple.
Only time will tell whether Google continues with this great experiment of selling unlocked smartphones directly to consumers.
Our advice to Google – focus on making great software and services and leave the hardware/consumer business to companies actually experienced in it.
