Google has started selling phones directly to customers again—well, one phone at least. The company is now selling the flagship Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich phone, the Samsung Galaxy Nexus, directly from its Google Play store.
The Galaxy Nexus is currently the only physical product in the Google Play store. Google is selling an unlocked GSM version with access to HSPA+ networks, meaning it will work in AT&T and T-Mobile in the US and 200 other providers worldwide. The phone started out as a Verizon exclusive at $299.99 with at two-year contract, but recently became available on Sprint for $199.99. Google dabbled in direct sales with another of its flagship phones, the Nexus One made by HTC, which was also sold unlocked at the time.
Unfortunately, the Android 4.0 phone is available only to customers in the USA, but we don't doubt a gray market could swell up to fulfill any lust for the Galaxy Nexus overseas (the unlocked GSM version has been available in Europe, though for higher prices). The fully unlocked handset is priced at $399.99 without a contract, and comes with a $10 Google Wallet credit.
Read the comments on this post
from Ars Technica http://arstechnica.com/index.php
