Is Google About to go Mobile? Tuesday, January 5, 2010 Looks Like the Big Day

Interesting rumors swirling around the Googleplex today with the belief that Tuesday, January 5, 2010 is the day that Google goes mobile with the launch of the Nexus One. As expected, details are scarce, but what is known is that Google has scheduled a press conference at its Mountain View, CA headquarters...a mere two days before the largest consumer extravaganza in Las Vegas...the Consumer Electronics Show (CES). Sure, this press conference could also be announcing some new acquisition or addition to their search business, but if you believe that, I have a bridge to sell you..

So, what's the big deal about the Nexus One? Well, on this one I think the jury is still out. Right now, the belief is that Google will have built in the Nexus One a great device and software experience. What that means is TBD, but it almost assuredly means a GSM phone (aka, doesn't work on Verizon or Sprint...but will work globally), a high quality camera, and the Android operating experience. Beyond that, unless you are a Google employee, the best summary of details is probably here.

What will be new however, is that the phone is being sold as "unlocked"...which means it will (in theory), work on any carrier's network. In the US, however, this means the Nexus One will work on T-Mobile and AT&T...but more importantly, will be under the full control of the person who buys it. Additionally, this means that the device will likely be sold at "full cost" and not subsidized by any carrier. But that also means no contracts or commitments by those who buy one.

While this model is standard around the world, it will be interesting to see how it takes off in the US. Generally speaking, US consumers have been trained to pay less than $200 for their smart phones. Given that a phone like the Nexus One probably costs between $500 and $600 to make, it is expected that this full cost will be passed on to the buyer. Don't forget, it wasn't until the iPhone dropped into the $200 range before it really took off. Finally, there is a real possibility that Google will make enemies of the carriers that it relies on for future mobile ads and acceptance of the Android operating system. Google is certainly taking a chance with their go-to-market plans...

Any way you cut it however, the world of mobile in 2010 is off to heckuva start. If 2009 was defined by the launch of the Palm Pre by Sprint and Verizon's Droid (as well as, AT&Ts challenges with the iPhone), 2010 is shaping up to be a barnburner of a year for mobile. Not only will we start off with the launch of the Nexus One, but in late January Apple is expected to launch the (iSlate), and throughout 2010 there will be numerous 4G launches with Clearwire going fully national and LTE coming into the market. Throw in the possibility that the iPhone will move from AT&T or at least to multiple providers and things will certainly be interesting.

LINK: Google Nexus phone to debut Tuesday?