Fail: Google’s Phone Web Store. Nexus One Headed to More Retail Stores
by Antonio Wells
May 14, 2010 4:02 PM –
It was an idea to try to break the habit of subsidized phones in the U.S. mobile phone market; to sell unlocked smartphones via the Web only. Today Andy Rubin; VP, Engineering for Google Android announced changes in availability for the Nexus One. The web store will change to stop selling phones online and showcase Android phones available globally and there will be more retail presence. For early adopters, like myself, it was great but your average to even prosumer needs to touch, feel and experience the phone hands-on plus consider wireless plans in purchase decisions.
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.
[Via Official Google Blog]