When I had to choose my Android handset, the choice was clear. Nothing at the time topped the functionality of the Nexus One. It wasn’t a perfect handset, but after looking at all the others I couldn’t justify getting anything else. It miffed me a bit that I had to order it online rather than purchase it at a T-Mobile retail outlet, but whatever. Google provides free overnight shipping, so it was in my hands in no time. It looks like I would have been better off waiting.
Not only has HTC announced two top-end devices (and has already released one), but now we learn that Google will eventually end online sales of the Nexus One. They want to get it into more retail stores, which is good. It will mean more people get to see it and play with it, which should increase sales. Many people won’t purchase an electronic gadget that they haven’t demo’d. That usually works, because most of the time you can go to a store and play with it before ordering online. Not so for the Nexus One.
Google did make one important point in its farewell post.
But, as with every innovation, some parts worked better than others. While the global adoption of the Android platform has exceeded our expectations, the web store has not. 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.
Emphasis mine. Now that Android has reached a higher rate of adoption, they don’t have as great a need for the Nexus One. It was a good idea, and for a few months filled a market need. Again, it was easily the best Android handset until the Incredible hit Verizon. But now that the major carriers are starting to get other high-end Android handsets, the need for the Nexus One has faded.
Was it a failure in comparison to other high-end handsets? Yes. But it did succeed in its limited purpose. And who knows? Maybe, like a cult classic that fares poorly at the cinema but surges on DVD, the Nexus One will get another life in retail outlets.
