A new challenger has appeared! The Nexus One may not have sold all that well, but it’s still the beastiest Android handset available on US carriers. Speaking of US carriers, add one more to the Nexus One’s supported list.
Since day 1, the T-Mobile version of the Nexus One has worked with AT&T — as long as you didn’t mind that it couldn’t hop on AT&T’s 3G network. Today, with fanfare limited to a post on Google’s Nexus One blog, Google has released a version of the handset jam-packed with AT&T 3G-friendly radio.
This was a bit out of the blue for everyone – we expected to see it eventually after the AT&T’d-out Nexus One cleared the FCC, but then Google made no mention of it whilst heralding that the Verizon Nexus One was “Coming Soon!”. It may be a surprise, but it’s a very much welcome surprise.
Alas, the handset is only being sold unlocked, sans contract. There’s currently no way to get it subsidized with an AT&T discount, implying that AT&T wasn’t interested in offering the phone officially. I wonder why.
[Thanks Martin]
Greg, when are we going to see the Xperia 10 stateside?
What’s with this lack of communication from SE/AT&T on this handset? Why the hell aren’t they building it up?
Who cares. I hate those contracts anyway. Already ordered my unsubsidized phone, the way it should be. Now I can finally add apps without Apple’s OK first! I shall enjoy the freedom while it lasts!
Finally. AT&T gets its first real Android handset. Sorry… that crappy, hobbled Backflip doesn’t count.
@James, not everyone wants to drop $500+ on a phone. In fact I’d say most people don’t want to.
I’d like a subsidy.
@Josey, Backflip does appear to suck.
@thebonafortuna, I’m going with either the Xperia X10 or the Nexus One, whichever comes to AT&T with subsidies first. That includes the HTC branded Nexus One that is said to be coming.
I was super stoked about the X10 but it seems to be losing its appeal.
That sounds reasonable, I’ve heard plenty of good things about HTC/Nexus One. You’re absolutely right, the X10 is losing its appeal and it’s because of this mind boggling strategy of SE and AT&T to not tell us anything about it – or, God forbid, bring it to market.
How long have we been hearing about this device? What is the hold up? SE earned my loyalty with the rock solid w810i – which I still use – but this is approaching “meh” territory. The x10 was the first handset I’ve been excited about in years, but now I’m just annoyed.