Google Nexus One: Just 20,000 sold in first week?
The HTC-made Google Nexus One smartphone sold an estimated 20,000 units in its first week, according to research by market analytics firm Flurry.
That compares with 250,000 units sold for the Motorola Droid and 60,000 units sold for the T-Mobile myTouch 3G in their first week, according to the research.
Wondering about the Apple iPhone 3GS, by the way? That's 1.6 million in its first week, according to the study.
With all the talk swirling around about the potential disruption caused by the unorthodox sales model of the Google handset -- which sells for $530 unsubsidized and $179 with two-year contract from T-Mobile -- that's a whole lot of hype for not a lot of units shipped.
In some ways, though, it's no surprise. The Nexus One has been popular only in geeky Internet circles (such as on this blog) and not a part of the awareness of the greater population.
In comparison, the iPhone has had three generations to build a reputation, the myTouch 3G has had regular advertisements for it and the Motorola Droid has benefited from a $100 million marketing push by Verizon Wireless.
But it's only the first week, of course, after the holiday rush to boot. We'll see what Google plans to do as it rolls out the device for Verizon and Vodaphone in spring 2010 -- will it keep it relatively quiet, or actually begin marketing the device beyond the cleverly-placed text links on its own pages?
There have also been a few hiccups along the way. Google has come under fire for shoddy customer service for the phone, despite great reviews for the actual HTC-made device.
The other problem is the Amazon conundrum: Google lacks the ability to offer the hands-on retail experience that comes from distribution to brick-and-mortar stores.
Finally, with the Nexus One only on T-Mobile, the smallest major carrier in the U.S., it's tough to get the word out. T-Mobile isn't running any ads or promotions for the device, either.
The methodology, by the way: Flurry monitors the usage of more than 10,000 developer applications on iPhone and Android platforms. From that, it is able to discern first week sales for iPhone and Android smartphones.