5 reasons why we think the Nexus One will fail
Google is making a big deal about its new phone, the Nexus One. It even dedicated a spot promoting it on its homepage, a spot that is considered by many to be the web’s most expensive, if not priceless, ad spot.
Dont get us wrong, we love Android. But we think Google has made some poor strategy decisions that are ultimately going to prevent the product from becoming a success. See why after the jump:
1. The Price is too high
Sure, the first-gen iPhone’s ridiculous initial price tag did not keep people from camping out of stores to get one, but Google is NOT Apple. Its sad, but people expect Apple products to come with a premium price tag. Google has a tradition of buying companies that used to charge for their products and make them available for free.
People expect Google products to be cheap or free. Remember about all the rumors surrounding the Nexus One’s price? No? We’ll refresh your memory: It was rumored that the Nexus One would be available for either very cheap or free, unlocked.
Sure, you could argue that the $179 subsidized price is more than reasonable, but little do you know, you’re still getting shafted. Which brings us to our next point:
2. A Ridiculous Early Termination Fee
Normally when you buy a phone at a subsidized price, you will sign a contract. This contract locks you with the carrier and allows them to offer you the device at a discount. $175 early termination fees were the standard until recently, when Verizon started charging $350 if you bought a smartphone. People all over the country, including me, were not happy with that change. But google has managed to out-do verizon and charge a ridulous, unheard of $550 early termination fee. That’s right, the early termination fee now costs more than unlocked the phone itself.
3. Abysmal Customer Service
Customer Service (Or lack thereof)
Not all companies are perfect. Yes, not even Google. If there is one area that Google severely lacks across all of its products, it’s customer service. Even they admit it. But if I am paying $500+ for a phone, it better have good support and customer service.
The forums pictured above are flooded with user complaints. Google does not provide support phone numbers and T-mobile representatives are neither trained nor authorized to help you with any issues with your phone. You are stuck with the forums and e-mail support. Yup, that’s it.
If your phone breaks, you cannot even bring it to a store to get it fixed. In fact, you can’t even buy the phone at the store. Which bring us to the next point:
4. No in-store purchase, retail presence
I love shopping online. I do it all the time and love the experience. But sometimes there is nothing like getting a closer, personal look. Also, if you’re like me, you simply can’t wait to get your hands on your new toy. I could have easily ordered my iPhone 3G[S] online but chose to drive down to the Apple store and get it right away. Google has chosen to sell the phone online, and online only.
A lot of people are hearing about the Nexus One and are heading to the T-mobile store to see one in person, only to find out you can only get it online. Google, you fail on that one.
5. Android is still not as user-friendly as iPhone
Android still has a way to go when it comes to UI. Dont get us wrong, it’s perfectly fine for us geeks. But android’s UI still needs improvement for the average joe user. Apple has spent years of research & development to develop iPhone’s UI, and it shows:
Overall, We think Android as a platform is on the right track, but we think Google still has a way to go if it really wants to challenge the iPhone’s dominance.
Categories: Featured
