Google to close web store, will sell Nexus One live and in person

The dream is over. Google's plan to change the way cellphones are sold has now officially ended. The Mountain View based firm will no longer offer the Nexus One directly to consumers and instead, the handset will be found at T-Mobile locations to start. Part of the reason for the failure of this plan has to do with the desire of Verizon, AT&T and Sprint not to miss out on the revenue from selling the device. Another reason why the experiment failed had to do with the phone itself. Immediately after launch, reports circulated of problems with the phone's 3G connectivity and lagging multitouch support on the touchscreen. Also important was the fact that Verizon and Sprint-both originally expected to hook up the Nexus One to their respective network-each had launched or was preparing to launch similarly built HTC Android phones with better specifications. Late last month, we reported that Google itself was telling Verizon customers to buy the Droid Incredible instead of the Nexus One. Sprint users will be able to purchase the EVO 4G starting on June 4th. Google VP Andy Rubin said, "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.” More information will be announced during Google's I/O show next week.

HTC Nexus One Specifications | Review

source: Google