New Google handset in Carphone Warehouse
CARPHONE Warehouse has today confirmed it will exclusively stock the new Google-phone, as revealed in City A.M. in October.
Industry sources say Google is experimenting with its distribution model after releasing the previous Nexus model through a deal with carrier Vodafone in the UK.
Google’s initial distribution model, which sold the handset exclusively through its website, was heavily criticised by users who had nowhere to direct questions.
Google found its website swamped with complaints and was eventually forced to stock the phone in carriers’ stores to overcome the problem.
Carphone Warehouse chief operating officer Andrew Harrison said: “I’m absolutely delighted that the Carphone Warehouse is working with Google to offer such a strong product exclusively to our customers.”
The Nexus S – the first phone to run on the latest version of Google’s Android platform – will feature a contoured screen the firm says will fit the shape of a user’s face, as well as limiting glare.
It will also come with Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows the phone to read information from “smart” objects by touching the handset to anything embedded with a special microchip.
The phone, manufactured by Samsung, will be available free with a contract.
The Nexus One, built by HTC, failed to make a splash when it was released earlier this year, but Google’s Android software is now growing faster than phones powered by Apple or RIM.
The release of a successor shows the Californian firm is committed to developing Google-branded phones as well as pushing its Android software.
It is desperate to control the mobile advertising market, which rival Apple has made a significant push into, recently releasing a new iAds platform.