Google Plans Android Event, Nexus One Launch Approaching?
After Google
announced plans to hold a press event next month regarding its Android mobile
phone operating system, some are wondering if the event could be tied to the
Internet search giant's plans to release its own smartphone. The Google-branded
smartphone has become known as the Nexus One. Rumors have
suggested the phone will be launched on January 5, the same day as the
aforementioned press event.
The Nexus One is being tested internally by Google employees. Reportedly, the phone will be sold directly to consumers as a contract-free device, though a subsidized version may also be available through carriers. Although Android's share of the US smartphone market is relatively small in comparison to its competition, the mobile platform was able to double its share to 3.5% over the past year according to comScore.
Google hasn’t released official details concerning the Nexus One, but leaks suggest the smartphone will be a GSM-device with a 3.7-inch touchscreen, 5-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, accelerometer, and compass. It is expected to run the latest version of the Android operating system, Android 2.1.
The invitation-only event for the "Android press gathering" at the company's Mountain View, California, headquarters will be held two days before the Consumer Electronics Show begins in Las Vegas and just a day before many CES exhibitors have scheduled major press conferences.
The invitation didn't provide many details, only saying, "With the launch of the first Android-powered device just over a year ago, we've seen how a powerful, open platform can spur mobile product innovation. And this is just the beginning of what's possible." Following the press conference and presentation, there will be a Q&A session and demonstrations.
This isn't the first time a company has tried to upstage CES: In January 2007, Apple held its own press event and unveiled the iPhone at an event in San Francisco, even though many tech journalists and executives were in Las Vegas for the trade show. Will Google use the same tactic? If so, will it work? Guess we'll have to wait until next week to find out.
The Nexus One is being tested internally by Google employees. Reportedly, the phone will be sold directly to consumers as a contract-free device, though a subsidized version may also be available through carriers. Although Android's share of the US smartphone market is relatively small in comparison to its competition, the mobile platform was able to double its share to 3.5% over the past year according to comScore.
Google hasn’t released official details concerning the Nexus One, but leaks suggest the smartphone will be a GSM-device with a 3.7-inch touchscreen, 5-megapixel camera, Wi-Fi, accelerometer, and compass. It is expected to run the latest version of the Android operating system, Android 2.1.
The invitation-only event for the "Android press gathering" at the company's Mountain View, California, headquarters will be held two days before the Consumer Electronics Show begins in Las Vegas and just a day before many CES exhibitors have scheduled major press conferences.
The invitation didn't provide many details, only saying, "With the launch of the first Android-powered device just over a year ago, we've seen how a powerful, open platform can spur mobile product innovation. And this is just the beginning of what's possible." Following the press conference and presentation, there will be a Q&A session and demonstrations.
This isn't the first time a company has tried to upstage CES: In January 2007, Apple held its own press event and unveiled the iPhone at an event in San Francisco, even though many tech journalists and executives were in Las Vegas for the trade show. Will Google use the same tactic? If so, will it work? Guess we'll have to wait until next week to find out.
