Google branding Android handsets is like Microsoft branding Windows computers. At the time, I think that Google felt they had to put their brand name into the handset market to jump-start some Andorid interest, but the fact is that they really didn't. The Droid was selling well, and the Nexus One never sold anything near it. In fact, Google's entrance was really a slap to Motorola, anyone remember Moto co-CEO Sanjay Jha showing up late and looking surly at the N1 Release Event? Plus, with the N1 currently the ONLY Android device officially supporting 2.2, it just makes the other handsets look crippled and/or outdated, which can't please the OEMs OR the carriers. So, it only makes sense for Google to get the divisive Nexus One out of sight.
But don't be surprised if we see a another device from the Googleplex at some point in the future should the Android market seems to loose some steam or stray too far from where Google really wants Android to go, which is driving people to Google services and by extension advertising sales. It's a rather nice club to hold over the heads of the rest of the Android world.
We all knew that the Nexus One‘s days were numbered, but it looks like the end time is almost finally upon us.
Google announced back in May that it would stop selling the doomed HTC-made smartphone online and let the rest of the inventory run out in stores.
Now, the Goog has just received its last batch of Nexus One phones. Once they’re gone, kiss the Nexus One goodbye. Or at least in the United States as Vodafone in Europe and KT in Korea, among others, will still be carrying the Nexus One. For how long remains to be seen, but at least anyone who has a Nexus One can still expect customer service support for their mobile devices.
