Google to close web store, will sell Nexus One live and in person

The dream is over. Google's plan to change the way cellphones are sold has now officially ended. The Mountain View based firm will no longer offer the Nexus One directly to consumers and instead, the handset will be found at T-Mobile locations to start. Part of the reason for the failure of this plan has to do with the desire of Verizon, AT&T and Sprint not to miss out on the revenue from selling the device. Another reason why the experiment failed had to do with the phone itself. Immediately after launch, reports circulated of problems with the phone's 3G connectivity and lagging multitouch support on the touchscreen. Also important was the fact that Verizon and Sprint-both originally expected to hook up the Nexus One to their respective network-each had launched or was preparing to launch similarly built HTC Android phones with better specifications. Late last month, we reported that Google itself was telling Verizon customers to buy the Droid Incredible instead of the Nexus One. Sprint users will be able to purchase the EVO 4G starting on June 4th. Google VP Andy Rubin said, "While the global adoption of the Android platform has exceeded our expectations, the web store has not. It’s remained a niche channel for early adopters, but it’s clear that many customers like a hands-on experience before buying a phone, and they also want a wide range of service plans to chose from.” More information will be announced during Google's I/O show next week.

HTC Nexus One Specifications | Review

source: Google

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posted on 20 Oct 2010, 01:46

1. Doakie (Posts: 2227; Member since: 06 May 2009)

Well that's true. The inability to get a Nexus One in store on my existing company plan is what lead me to get a Cliq XT. Which to my own surprise I really like Motoblur and would actually prefer to have it over stock vanilla android. So in some ways I'm sad I don't have a nexus one, but in others I REALLY like my Cliq XT.

posted on 14 May 2010, 16:40

2. vine2winesd (Posts: 3; Member since: 02 Mar 2010)

I am kind of bummed about this. I think the carriers have us so brainwashed into thinking we need them to purchase these phones through them exclusively. Granted for most users, holding and using a phone are totally valid. However for people that read this website, you are probably more interested in getting an unlocked phone. I dont think this is the end of it until the platform has more diversity in its products. This isnt the end of Google's online retail presence methinks.

posted on 14 May 2010, 17:46

3. remixfa (Posts: 14604; Member since: 19 Dec 2008)

I love the concept of what they did but they made the plans and crap sooo rediculous they shot themselves in the foot. Then again if it was an instore phone they prob woulda sold 10x more.

posted on 14 May 2010, 20:26

4. wade1968 (Posts: 224; Member since: 12 Apr 2010)

just gonna say this google straight talk and walmart and a warranty. oh i hear the crys now straight talk aint gsm. no its about making money. cdma antenna and walmart what do you have to lose goolge?

posted on 14 May 2010, 22:09

5. dyster (Posts: 63; Member since: 31 Mar 2010)

+ 1 Good point wade. If Google would have partnered just with Wal-Mart for the nexus, that would be far better than selling at the various stores IMO. I thought the retail of $500 something was a bit ambitious.. I keep reading on various blogs that a lot of people think $199 is a lot for a high end smartphone, and I think their nuts! Well, at least they tried. G can't always succeed.