Samsung and Google have announced Nexus S, the world’s first handset to feature the latest version of Google’s Android platform. Powered by Android 2.3, Samsung and Google have packed Nexus S with powerful technology and the latest in hardware features.
“Samsung and Google have worked together closely to deliver the best Android smart phone experience for consumers. It has been our ambition in working with Google to continue to push the Android platform forward and create a smart phone that has both superior functionality and a stunning user-experience. It is extremely satisfying to see this partnership again bear tremendous fruit,” said JK Shin, President and Head of Mobile Communications Business, Samsung Electronics.
“Google was always likely to try selling own-branded smartphones again, despite the underwhelming performance of the original HTC-produced Nexus One. There’s very little reason for Google not to pursue its own devices and there’s a lot it can learn from doing so. However, whether the new Samsung-built Nexus S can establish itself among the Android handset elite or – better still – claw consumers away from Apple’s iPhone, remains to be seen,” said Tony Cripps, Principal Analyst, Ovum.
Nexus S is designed with Samsung’s brilliant Super AMOLED touch screen technology providing a premium viewing experience. The 4-inch Contour Display features a curved design for a more ergonomic style and feel when held to the user’s face. Nexus S also features Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which allows you to read information off of everyday objects like stickers and posters that are embedded with NFC chips. Powered by a 1 GHz Samsung application processor, Nexus S produces rich 3D graphics, faster upload and download times and supports HD-like multimedia content.
Nexus S is equipped with a 5 megapixel rear facing camera and camcorder, as well as a VGA front facing camera. In addition, Nexus S features a gyroscope sensor to provide a smooth, fluid gaming experience when the user is tilting the device up or down or panning the phone to the left or right. Nexus S also comes with 16 GB of internal memory.
Android 2.3, Gingerbread, is the fastest version of Android yet. It features support for Near Field Communication (NFC), a new and improved keyboard with multi-touch support, Internet calling (VoIP/SIP support), and a clean new user interface. Nexus S also includes popular Android features such as portable Wi-Fi hotspot, true multitasking, access to Google mobile services such as Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps with Navigation, Voice Actions, Google Voice and YouTube, and access to over 100,000 apps and widgets on Android Market.
“Google is excited to co-develop Nexus S with Samsung, ensuring solid integration of hardware and software to deliver the lead device for the latest version of Android, Gingerbread,” said Andy Rubin, Vice President of Engineering, Google.
“I cannot help but wonder though, if it is a good thing for the second largest phone vendor to give up its brand on a device. Is this a mean to an end for Samsung and in the wholeness of things it does not matter if it means they will be the first vendor out with their on Gingerbread product – possibly a Galaxy S update? Or is this the first step towards turning into a Google ODM?” said Carolina Milanesi, Research Vice President, Gartner.