Morning:
8°c
Google launches 'iPhone Killer' to take on Apple
6 Jan 2010
Internet giant Google has launched Nexus One its own smartphone nicknamed the 'iPhone Killer' to help take on rival Apple.
The touchscreen device named Nexus One was unveiled last night at the group's base in Mountain View, California.
Billed as a point of convergence "where web meets phone", it uses Google's Android software and is meant to challenge Apple's hugely successful iPhone.
The pencil-thin Nexus handset incorporates applications including Google Maps Navigation and a weather widget to give users an immediate forecast for their precise location.
Phone users can also use voice recognition for text messages, emails, Facebook updates and Twitter, as well as search Google, call contacts or obtain driving directions by speaking into the phone.
Google said the new handset would be sold initially directly through its US web store.
Consumers can expect to pay 529 dollars (about £330 plus shipping costs) or 179 dollars for a two-year contract with T-Mobile USA.
It will be available soon through the Vodafone network in Europe and Verizon Wireless in the US.
The product is being seen as a strategic move by the search engine powerhouse to tap into increasing direct web use by mobile phone consumers.
The Nexus One handset has a 3.7-inch display screen and weighs 4.6oz.
Features include a five megapixel auto-focus camera with flash.
Andy Rubin, Google's vice-president of engineering, said: "The Nexus One belongs in the emerging class of devices which we call 'superphones', with the 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset making it as powerful as your laptop computer of three to four years ago.
"It's our way to raise the bar on what's possible when it comes to creating the best mobile phone experience for consumers."
Reader views (7)
The iPhone is a one trick pony, Android is multiprocessing OS. It will out strip the iPhone in the not too distant future. I do not think that the Nexus will do it.
I prefer the Java/Linux open source approach to the IT world. Apple = rip off.
- Frank, Home Counties, England., 07/01/2010 09:30
Report abuse
Lance,
Thank you for this most civilised debate, we'll agree to disagree!
- Decency, London, UK, 06/01/2010 15:13
Report abuse
Decency,
I certainly do not buy into the Apple lifestyle I use products for function and compatibility. Theres a lot around the Apple empire which I find annoying, from their Apples stores where its almost impossible to purchase anything to the genius bars etc etc. Its all about the time frame, the Android/Google phone may be better (or as you say on par) but the iPhones dominance of the market means it will constantly evolve and always stay one step ahead of the Android/Google. It will get smaller, more powerfull etc.
I will happily try the Nexus 1 for my next 12 month contract but I'm certain I will always keep my iphone 3gs as back up.
- Lance Johnson, Canterbury, Kent, 06/01/2010 13:43
Report abuse
At Lance,
I seem to recall the iPhone too had bugs in its infancy. The HTC Magic was one of the first "Proper" Android OS endowed phones to hit the market and the maturity of it has moved on significantly since that release.
I have been using the HTC Hero since last summer and Android OS 1.6 is a rather polished product (in my opinion).
My colleaugues in America have been using the Motorola Droid/Milestone which runs Android 2.0 and most agree that it is on par if not better than Apple OS.
At the end of the day (again, personal opinion) Apple products are very slick and polished but I refuse to buy products which force me into service contracts which are overpriced.
It's a clear choice, those who buy into the liftstyle/marketing spew of Apple will always buy their products even if it really is just cow pat wrapped in a shiny materials.
Those who don't buy the blurb, Android FTW!
- Decency, London, UK, 06/01/2010 12:31
Report abuse
At Decency,
I have had both the HTC magic which uses googles Android software and Apples iPhone, the iphone never once crashed or caused problems, the Android software constantly required re-starts after locking up. The Nexus 1 may become the superior type of phone due to ease of software etc but I remember the VHS v Betamax battle and the better system failed due to the advance sales of the lesser format. The iphone will only get better and become a more polished iconic product.
- Lance Johnson, Canterbury, Kent, 06/01/2010 11:42
Report abuse
At Lance - You ignorance is of no surprise but the Android OS has been quickly catching up to Apple OS in 2009 (by popularity), it is also much more developer friendly with it's Linux based core.
A lot has been made of the term "iPhone Killer" over the past 3 years, most have been hollow claims but the Google Nexus One has the genuine potential to rival the iPhones claim (and may I add, deservedly so) as the best smartphone on the market.
My order has already been placed with Google. Delivery expected next week.
- Decency, London, UK, 06/01/2010 11:08
Report abuse
Another iphone killer? Didn't we hear all this when other companies started to challenge Apples ipod? Apple's iPhone is to far ahead now in the market and with a 5mp camera upgrade due in the summer the nexus one, apart from a great name is already dead in the water.
- Lance Johnson, Canterbury, Kent, 06/01/2010 10:42
Report abuse
