All information in this post has been culled from various tech sites around the interwebs and should be considered unsubstantiated, until confirmed by Google and/or their partners.
What is the Nexus One?
The Nexus One is the name of Google’s own hardware smartphone device that will run the Android operating system.
When will it be available?
Google is holding a press conference on January 5, 2010, at which time it is expected they will announce details, including pricing and availability, of the Nexus One. The consensus is that the phone will be available shortly thereafter.
How much will it cost?
It appears the phone will be available unlocked for $530 and locked to T-Mobile for a subsidized $180 plus a 2-year contract with their Even More 500 plan.
What does “unlocked” mean?
An “unlocked” phone means that it is not bound to service from a single wireless provider. To change providers, you simply change SIM cards.
If I buy the subsidized phone, can I keep my existing T-Mobile rate plan?
It seems the only rate plan available for the subsidized version of the phone is the Even More 500 plan, which includes 500 Anytime minutes, unlimited text, and unlimited web for $79.99 per month. You must switch to this plan.
If you want to keep your existing plan – say your current one is less expensive or you are on a family plan – you must switch to Even More 500.
Where do I buy a Nexus One?
It will only be available from Google at http://www.google.com/phone. You must purchase it using Google Checkout and will be required to create a Checkout account if you do not already have one.
Can I buy more than one?
You may only purchase 5 phones per Google account.
What comes in the box?
The phone itself, a wall charger, a USB cable, and presumably some documentation.
What accessories will be available at launch?
- A desktop charging station – charge your phone while streaming music and backing up your phone: $40.
- A car docking station – Nexus One is dock-aware and will optimize its display for navigation and hands-free use: $50.
Can I personalize the phone itself?
You can have the phone engraved. You can do two lines of text on a metallic bar on the back of the device. Doing so, however, prevents you from being able to return the phone for any reason.
Will there be any exclusive apps?
The elusive Spotify is expected to be built into the 2.1 version of Android, which is the OS expected to be running on the Nexus One. Currently, Spotify is only available in Europe.
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So there you have it. All of the rumors to date. I’ll keep this post updated as its launch nears.
Update 1/4/10: Spotify is expected to be built into Android 2.1.
Update 1/5/10: And, here's the 320-page User Guide (22.6 MB PDF).
