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Nexus One (Google Phone)

The Google Nexus One is a touch screen smart phone that operates on Google’s Android mobile operating system and is manufactured by HTC on behalf of Google. The Nexus One is in a unique position: it is sold in a non-exclusive fashion, unlike the Apple iPhone, which is only available on a contract through AT&T in the United States. Not that this matters much in Australia, where the Apple iPhone is available outright, but at a substantially higher cost up front.

The Nexus One was released on January 5th, 2010 and is sold solely through Google in the United States. Carriers in other countries, like Vodafone in the United Kingdom have offered to carry the device (presumably both subsidised and unlocked, like the T-Mobile arrangement in the United States). It is unclear whether Google will still maintain this sole point of sale when Vodafone/Hutchinson Australia begin carrying the device.

Availability

The Nexus One is available in two modes: 'Outright' and 'carrier-subsidised'. 'Outright' allows a mobile device to access any carrier without restriction, aka “unlocked”, providing such a device supports the carrier's network. Carrier-subsidised means that the device is available at a substantially cheaper price, though you are required to remain with the carrier for a period of time (typically 12 or 24 months) to pay off the device through use of their services, also known as a contract. Most mobile devices are usually 'network-locked' or 'carrier-locked' as a barrier to help prevent the device being used on other carrier networks while under contract. Despite being available on a contract, the Nexus One is not carrier locked.

The current price for the Nexus One, outright is US$529. T-Mobile (in the United States) offer the phone, subsidised for $179, through Google. If you choose to break contract, you must pay the difference up to the outright price.

Currently the Nexus One is being “tested” in a select few countries: the United States, Canada, United Kingdom1, Singapore1 and Hong Kong1. It has been announced that the Nexus One will be available for purchase in Europe on April 30th 2010.

The Nexus One is not officially available for purchase in Australia at this time, though rumours have surfaced that the Nexus One will be released shortly after the Europe release (supported by Vodafone EU) as Vodafone operates as a global corporation. Images have surfaced that the Nexus One has the “A Tick” certification required by every mobile device for use on Australian cellular networks, therefore won't be delayed by certification for use in Australia.

1 Currently only available outright (as of January 2010).

Specifications

The Nexus One is driven by a Qualcomm QSD 8250 1 GHz ARM processor, codenamed “Snapdragon”, with 512MB of RAM and 512MB of onboard storage, with MicroSD card support up to 32GB (4GB is included), however 32GB MicroSD cards are not yet available. The Nexus One’s screen is a capacitive touch screen capable of multi-touch2 at the hardware level like the Apple iPhone and Apple iPod Touch and is based on the AMOLED display technology. The Nexus One runs Android 2.1 out of the box.

Other inputs include a default microphone as well as a second microphone for noise cancellation assistance, a track ball, proximity and ambient light sensors, three-axis accelerometer, GPS receiver (that is Assisted GPS capable) and a digital compass.

The Nexus One possesses a five megapixel autofocus camera, capable of capturing 720x480 video at 20 frames per second or higher (depending on lighting conditions) and an LED flash. Android introduced geo-tagging to supporting devices in an earlier revision.

The Nexus One is capable of connecting to WiFi 802.11a/b/g networks and hardware support exists for ‘n’ based networks though allegedly driver issues have hindered this at this stage. Bluetooth 2.1+EDR, USB (Micro), quad band GSM (850, 900, 1800, 1900) and triband UMTS (Either 900/1700/2100 or 850/1900/2100 – see below).

Frequently asked questions

When will the Nexus One be available in Australia?

It is not exactly clear when the Nexus One will be officially available for purchase or contractual agreement in Australia at this time. Speculation suggests that when Vodafone EU receives the Nexus One for sale in April, Australia shouldn't be far behind. This is because Vodafone operates as a global entity, rather than separate entities operating under the same name.

There was a rumour that the Nexus One was to be released by 3 in the first week of March (supposedly because of the VHA merger) but this turned out to be false.

Vodafone Australia has confirmed that the Nexus One will be provided by them in 2010 though they are tight-lipped as to when this will happen.

Am I able to pre-emptively get a Nexus One in Australia?

Yes, it is possible to get a Nexus One from Google in the United States unofficially into Australia. Be aware that a US, UK, EU or Asian Nexus One will not be warranted in Australia by Google or HTC and must be returned to the country of purchase to have warranty service carried out on the device. Also be aware that you will have to use a freight forwarder or a purchase agent in the United States to do so. A list of purchase agents and freight forwarders is listed below, as well as how to order a Nexus One from Google. For DOA (Dead on Arrival) units, you will need to contact HTC to swap for a replacement, they will post a replacement device to your freight forwarding agent and you will then need to post your faulty one directly to them. Please beware that you cannot get a REFUND at any stage as the phone cannot be Shipped back to US due to the LION battery which is classified as a dangerous goods category. HTC will not refund without you sending all the accessories.

Will the Nexus One work on Telstra NextG? If I'm with 3, can I roam onto Telstra NextG?

Short answer: Yes, a UMTS 850MHz/1900MHz/2100MHz model has been release as of 16/03/2010

Long answer:

It all depends on which version of the Nexus One you get. There are now several versions of the Nexus One available, including an AT&T (and thus Telstra) compatible model available. Please note that the AT&T/Telstra compatible Nexus One will not be 3G compatible with Vodafone#, Optus# or Virgin in rural areas where 900MHz transmitters are being used as the Nexus One is not Quad-band UMTS/HSDPA, but two seperate UMTS versions (see below). For general frequency information about carriers in Australia, see Mobile Phone Frequencies.

The interesting thing about this is that all three devices would have to operate on three different sets of frequencies (2G GSM not shown):

  • UMTS 850MHz/1900MHz/2100MHz (Telstra NextG, 3^, AT&T),
  • UMTS 900MHz/1700MHz/2100MHz (Vodafone, Optus, Virgin, T-Mobile), and
  • CDMA (Verizon/Sprint).

It is important to note that there is no longer a CDMA network operational in Australia and therefore the Verizon/Sprint is not applicable in a 3G market in Australia, though it can still operate on the 2G network. It is presumed that all three Nexus One models will support all four GSM (2G) bands: 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, 1900MHz.

Unfortunately, Quad-band UMTS devices are not yet a reality, which would at least dissolve the 900MHz/1700MHz and 850MHz/1900MHz devices into one, and still leave the CDMA version left.

^ The AT&T version of the Nexus One is be capable of roaming from 3 onto the Telstra NextG network. You will also be able to roam onto the Vodafone 2G network with this version, though you won't be able to use Vodafone's rural 900MHz network with the AT&T compatible version.

# This includes resold services running on these two networks.

Why am I unable to access paid applications in Market on Optus or Virgin?

This problem has now been resolved. If you are still having trouble, you may have a deeper problem. Ask for help in the android forum.

The below paragraph is left as it is informative, though no longer applicable to the average user:
Accessing paid applications on the Android Market on Android based handsets is controlled through the SIM card (including over Wi-Fi). While all carriers in Australia now support paid applications, if you root your Android handset and install a "market enabler" application you can set your SIM identifier number to any carrier. As a result, this new carriers rules on paid applications will apply to your handset. Be warned though that rooting your phone is a grey area with regards to warranty, and may void it.

Are all of the features of the Nexus One available in Australia?

While Google Maps still works on all Android phones, Google Maps Navigation isn't currently available officially in Australia, as Google do not fully own the maps they use for it. There has been rumor that Google Maps Navigation will be activated in Australia sometime around January or February, however this is just rumor at this stage.

Unofficially, Google Maps Navigation can be used with these modified packages, both on stock and rooted devices. Navigation is world wide, including Australia.

Google Voice is not currently available outside the United States however there have also been rumors of it coming to other parts of the world. It is unknown or even rumored when Voice will arrive though.

Does Nexus One support multi-touch (e.g. pinch zoom)?

Yes. As of android 2.1-update1 multi-touch is supported in core applications. 3rd party applications can support it if the developer chooses to implement this feature. All newly purchased Nexus One's will come with this update.

The Nexus One supports multi-touch within the hardware layer of the device, therefore it only required a software update to enable it. Originally, the Nexus One did not support multi-touch in the United States due to a software patent owned by Apple around this method. Because the European Union does not recognise software patents, multi-touch was enabled on Nexus Ones based there. It is important to note that while multi-touch may be disabled in the operating system, third party applications were still able to utilise it. Google has now released an Android update that enables multi-touch in the core of the operating system therefore creating no distinction between US and EU models. This update can be modified for other countries as well.

The new update enables support for multi-touch (as written above) as well as an improved version of Google Maps and improved 3G reception (though this is debatable at this stage).

Obtaining a Nexus One

How do I purchase a Nexus One from Google?

1. Sign up to one of the below listed purchase agents/shipping forwarders and note their US based address.
2. Using your existing Google account (Google accounts based in Australia do work with this method), add a second shipping address with the noted US address of the purchase agent/freight forwarder.
3. Go to the US phone store and complete the purchasing procedure for a Nexus One using the Google account (with freight forwarder/purchase agent address) and a credit card.
OR
Download Hotspot Shield (free) and install it. Using Hotspot Shield, browse to www.google.com/phone and complete the purchasing procedure for a Nexus One using the Google account (with freight forwarder/purchase agent address) and a credit card. (note: more likely to result in Google account verification delays)
4. During the order process specify the Australian address for billing and the US address for shipping.
5. Await the arrival of your Nexus One.

Note
Some purchasers have had their Google Accounts suspended for up to four days whilst their identites (and shipping information) is verified by Google. This is to prevent fraudulent transactions and shouldn't happen if an existing Google account is used, and a secondary shipping address is added instead of the primary address. Despite this, Google may still suspend accounts to verify the transaction. Suspension does, however, seem to happen more often when using Hotspot Shield rather than the direct US phone store link.

How does Google verify my identity?

Google will ask for two different forms of identification to verify that the transaction is genuine: a form of government issued identification:

  • Passport,
  • drivers licence, or
  • government identity card (like the NSW Photo Card issued by the RTA), and

billing address confirmation (to confirm your Australian billing address and must not be older than four months):

  • bank statement,
  • credit card statement, or
  • utilities bill.

This information can either be faxed to Google or it can be uploaded via a special Google Checkout page, which the purchaser will be notified of whilst Google seeks to verify the identity of the buyer.

List of freight forwarders and purchase agents

A list of purchase agents and freight forwarders can be found in this Google Docs spreadsheet which automatically calculates the final cost based on a regularly updated exchange rate.
At this time, it is only capable of converting from US dollars to Australian Dollars, though multiple currencies are planned. Please whim deltafalcon (#86616) to request another agent/forwarder be added.

List of purchase agents/freight forwarders

  • PriceUSA
  • Shipito.com
  • Ship2me.com
  • Addy.us
    • Currently not accepting orders (and not in spreadsheet because of this), though interest can be registered.
    • $680AUD total estimate
  • COMGateway
  • MyUs
  • MyUSABox
  • ParcelItOn!
  • VPost!
    • $529USD + $0 Sales tax (Oregon 0%) + A$0 agent fee + approx $77SGD shipping to AU (including insurance approx ($25AU) = $670AUD
    • Currently not in the spreadsheet due to currency conversion issues, though will be added soon.

Note

  • Credit cards may charge an additional 2.5% for international purchases.
  • The phone in packaging is 1.7 lbs (1.866 kg) and measures 10" x 8" x 7" (25.4cm x 20.32cm x 17.18cm). The volumetric weight of the packages is 5 lb (2.267 kg).
  • Customs charges Applicable on Combined Packages: ( (Item value) * (5%) + (Postage costs value) ) * 10% GST.
    i.e. ( (2 phones = $1060) * (5%) + ($80 postage) ) * 10% GST = $1312USD ($1443.53AUD), or $172 duty ($189.2AUD).

I ordered via a proxy and now Google has sent me an email saying my account has been suspended. Why? How long will it take?

This is designed to prevent credit card fraud. A number of people have had the problem with varying circumstances. The most likely explanation is that it's a combination of factors. These may include:

  • Using a free proxy that has been identified as being for fraudulent transactions,
  • having a shipping address that is different to the billing address,
  • shipping to an identified freight forwarder,
  • using an incorrect billing address (don't list your shipping address as your billing address), and/or
  • paying via a newly created Google Checkout account (or newly created Google account).

Google requests that you provide proof of your identity to reinstate your account. The Google response time to this has been reported as being as quick as 24 hours or as long as several days.

Links

Nexus One website

Nexus One page on HTC

Nexus One specifications

Nexus One – Google News search

Nexus One User's Guide

A YouTube video showing the unboxing of the phone

A YouTube video of Optus setup and configuration, also brief walkthrough of the device in Australia.

Nexus One: The Story

Google has released a series of short videos highlighting the processes and thoughts of the development and production of the Nexus One. These are well worth watching as it is quite rare for a company to do this.

Nexus One: The Story – Episode 1: Concept & Design

Nexus One: The Story – Episode 2: Display & 3D Framework

Nexus One: The Story – Episode 3: Testing

Nexus One: The Story – Episode 4: Manufacturing

Nexus One: The Story – Episode 5: Day One

Google Nexus One Whirlpool threads

General discussion threads

Nexus One ordering/delivery

Optus' blocking of Android Marketplace (no longer an issue)

Threads of interest

These links are specifically targeted at threads that would be of general interest to the entire Nexus One commmunity.

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