Nexus One Emerges as Less than Revolutionary
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5. It will be one of many
According to Google, this first device is one of many devices that will be a
part of the Nexus One program. The company said other phones that meet certain standards
can use the Nexus One moniker. In other words, look for the Nexus One platform
to be more than just a single device that was designed by HTC.
There's no telling what could come from the Nexus One, but it's looking like
that line of products will be the most full-featured of any Android devices on
the market.
6. Where are all the apps?
Although the Nexus One has many new features that will set it apart from
other Android devices, it still works with applications from Google's Android
Marketplace. There's just one catch: Google's
store has far fewer apps than Apple's App Store. As with other Android
devices, that smaller selection of apps could prove to be a mark against the
Nexus One.
7. Turn-by-turn directions for the traveler
One nice feature that Google brought to the Nexus One is a built-in GPS
service that works on Google Maps. It also provides turn-by-turn directions.
That's no small addition. In order for iPhone owners to have the same
functionality, they're forced to pick up TomTom's app, which will set them back
$99. Google's built-in GPS feature adds
significant value to the device.
8. It's expensive
Unfortunately, the Nexus One is expensive. Unless users buy the device with
a plan from T-Mobile for $179, they
will be forced to shell out $529 for an unlocked version. Granted, that
means users can put that device on an existing plan with a GSM carrier, but
considering that the iPhone is available for much less, it might be a hard sell
to some who don't want to use T-Mobile's service.
9. Tethering? Not so fast
Google said in its press announcement on Jan. 5 that tethering support,
which lets you use your mobile phone to connect another computer to the
Internet, is not currently available in the Nexus One. The company skirted the
issue a bit in its question-and-answer session, but that omission could prove
to be a problem for Google as it attempts to bring its devices to the
enterprise. It should be noted that tethering is often a carrier issue, but
it's a glaring omission, nonetheless. Hopefully Google or HTC
will be able to add that feature in the future.
10. It's not revolutionary
In the end, the
Nexus One is simply not revolutionary. Rumors swirled before its
announcement about all the revolutionary features the device would offer. But
when it came time to actually make the announcement, Google unveiled a device
that, at least on paper, can't
quite match the iPhone. And considering just how expensive it is and the
state of the world economy, it might be tough for customers to justify spending
$529 on a device that lacks so many integral options.
