The Google Nexus One continues to make headlines — for less than desirable reasons. It started with customer complaints about connection fees and developer complaints that the Android 2.1 development kit wasn’t released before the device’s launch. Now news of wireless-provider early cancellation fees have added to the grumbling.
The series of bad news around the just-released “superphone” has some observers wondering if many consumers will want the Nexus One by the time it becomes available on Verizon Wireless later this quarter. But Verizon may fare better than T-Mobile, which is offering the smartphone for $179 with a two-year contract and plenty of restrictions, including the offensive early termination fee.
Still, users are most concerned about issues with the phone itself. The termination fee may only become an issue if Google, manufacturer HTC, and T-Mobile can’t figure out how to solve the connection problem before customers begin demanding their money back.
On Monday night, Google released the Android 2.1 software development kit that developers have been clamoring for.
It’s Not About the Money
For Google, it doesn’t appear to be about the money. According to iSuppli, the Nexus One costs $174 to make. It’s unclear how much, if anything, T-Mobile may be offering Google for rights to sell the device. Still, the Nexus One could tarnish what has been an otherwise fairly sterling reputation for Google. Google was even chosen as the word of the decade earlier this week.
After hundreds of complaints on its forum, Google finally responded to the reported issues. “We are aware of the issues that have affected a small number of users, and are working quickly to fix any problems. We hope to have more information soon. When we do, we will post it to the user forum,” a Google spokesperson told us in an e-mail.
Part of the problem is Google’s…