Google Shifts Nexus One Sales to Retail, Will Ditch Web Store
Posted in: Android, Google, nexus one, Today's Chili
Google on Friday said it will soon make its Nexus One smartphone available in more retail stores, and that it will eventually shut down its Web store in exchange for this increased brick-and-mortar presence.
“While the global adoption of the Android platform has exceeded our expectations, the Web store has not,” Andy Rubin, vice president of engineering at Google, wrote in a blog post. “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.”
Google unveiled the Nexus One in early January. Users could purchase the device online at www.google.com/phone for $529.99 unlocked or $179.99 with a two-year contract from T-Mobile.
There were soon reports, however, that sales were somewhat sluggish, and in recent weeks, Verizon Wireless and Sprint versions of the Nexus One have been abandoned.
On April 30, Vodafone became Europe’s first carrier to sell the Nexus One. Google said Friday that going forward, it will follow this model rather than Web sales.
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