Google Nexus One Android Smartphone Called Super Phone

Google Inc. officially announced the new Nexus One Android OS smartphone, or "superphone" as the company likes to call the device.  The sleek touch screen phone is manufactured by HTC Corporation, and it's available at a new web store hosted by Google where customers can buy the Nexus One in the US without service for $529 (any GSM network SIM card can be inserted into the device) or it can be purchased with service from one of Google's operator partners, starting with T-Mobile USA for $179 with a two-year contract. Verizon Wireless in the US and Vodafone in Europe plan to offer Google's Nexus One soon as well.

"The Nexus One belongs in the emerging class of devices which we call ‘superphones,’ with the 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon™ chipset making it as powerful as your laptop computer of three to four years ago. It's our way to raise the bar on what's possible when it comes to creating the best mobile experience for consumers," said Andy Rubin, VP of Engineering. "We look forward to working with handset manufacturers and operators to bring more phones to market through this channel worldwide."

Nexus One Hardware Features

• Display: 3.7" AMOLED 480x800 WVGA display
• Thinness: 11.5mm; Weight: 130g
• Processor/Speed: Qualcomm Snapdragon™ 3G QSD8250 chipset, delivering speeds up to 1GHz
• Camera: 5 megapixel auto focus with flash and geo tagging
• Onboard memory: 512MB Flash, 512MB RAM
• Expandable memory: 4GB removable SD Card (expandable to 32GB)
• Noise Suppression: Dynamic noise suppression from Audience, Inc.
• Ports: 3.5mm stereo headphone jack with four contacts for inline voice and remote control
• Battery: Removable 1400 mAh
• Personalized laser engraving: Up to 50 characters on the back of the phone
• Trackball: Tri-color notification LED, alerts when new emails, chats, text messages arrive

Nexus One Software Innovation

The Nexus One runs on Android 2.1, a version of the platform's Eclair software, which offers advanced applications and features including:

• Google Maps Navigation: offering turn-by-turn driving directions with voice output.
• Email: multiple Gmail accounts; universal inbox and Exchange support.
• Phone book: aggregate contacts from multiple sources, including Facebook®.
• Quick Contacts: easily switch between communication and social applications.
• Android Market: access to more than 18,000 applications.

In addition, the Nexus One introduces new functionality and software enhancements:

• Enter text without typing.
  • Use a voice-enabled keyboard for all text fields: speak a text message, instant message, tweet, Facebook update, or complete an email.
• Tell your phone what you want it to do.
  • Search Google, call contacts, or get driving directions by just speaking into your phone.
• Take personalization to the next level.
  • Dynamic, interactive, live wallpapers react to the touch of a finger.
  • More widgets and five home screen panels allow for further device customization.

• Capture camera-quality pictures and video with your device.
  • 5 megapixel camera includes LED flash, auto focus, zoom, white balance and color effects.
  • View pictures and Picasa Web Albums in the new 3D Gallery.
  • Record Hi-Res MPEG4 video, and then upload to YouTube with one click.

• Read your voicemail messages.
  • Get transcribed voicemail with Google Voice integration, without changing your number.