Google to Offer Android 5.0 Nexus Devices Directly to Consumer Through Play Market

[Edognights]

Recently Google began offering the Galaxy Nexus contract free on their Play Store and it seems that it was only the beginning. According to a report from The Wall Street Journal Google may have plans that could drastically effect how we buy future android devices. The report states that Google will be opening their Nexus program to multiple OEMs and that they plan to offer these new Android 5.0 devices on their play store by Thanksgiving this year. Not only will this comfort those worried that Google would show favoritism to Motorola, but it will also give their fans multiple options for carrier unlocked contract free devices. So far Google has yet to comment, but expect more details at their upcoming I/O conference. Until then, let us know what you think in the forums.

Source: Phandroid

 

[LoudRam]

I'm sure you're going to be paying a stiff premium for this. Anyone want to guess the price? $499? $599? $699? Higher?

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[DigitalDroid57]

I'm sure you're going to be paying a stiff premium for this. Anyone want to guess the price? $499? $599? $699? Higher?

Sent from my HTC Rezound using Droid Forums

Agreed.....totally

 

[BodyBagz]

You do realize that Google, or anyone else for that matter, are not twisting your arms forcing you to pay 1 red nickel for the device right?:blink:

 

[LoudRam]

I don't have a problem with Google doing this. They can charge whatever they want. It's a free country (for now).

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[bdsullivan76]

The devices may actually be cheaper than expected. Google alone will be profiting, no middleman to share profits with.
Think about it samsung, moto, htc make a device. Then the propose it to a carrier for a price. The carrier then has to put a markup on the device to make a profit even if it is from renewals. If you can buy it wholesale straight from the manufacturer the cost could be greatly reduced. It would make not make sense in these tough economical times to sell a product only a few could afford.
A carrier unlocked phone for $300-400 would sell like hotcakes.

Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk

 

[LoudRam]

The devices may actually be cheaper than expected. Google alone will be profiting, no middleman to share profits with.
Think about it samsung, moto, htc make a device. Then the propose it to a carrier for a price. The carrier then has to put a markup on the device to make a profit even if it is from renewals. If you can buy it wholesale straight from the manufacturer the cost could be greatly reduced. It would make not make sense in these tough economical times to sell a product only a few could afford.
A carrier unlocked phone for $300-400 would sell like hotcakes.

Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk

Agreed, it'll all come down to the price. But remember if they sell these for cheap all the phone prices could drop. That's good for us but bad for them. Do you think they would shoot themselves in the foot like that?

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[syndicate0017]

This is great, but it does no good for those of us on CDMA.

 

[liftedplane]

Agreed, it'll all come down to the price. But remember if they sell these for cheap all the phone prices could drop. That's good for us but bad for them. Do you think they would shoot themselves in the foot like that?

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to force the prices lower on other phones? they will still be making profit at 400 per phone, it will just be straight to them instead of vzw or ATT or whomever

 

[The Robot Cow]

$400 for a unlocked nexus phone, and possibly a moto nexus? Hell yea im down! As long as they can get Cdma version of the phones for those of us who are on verizon, sprint, and possibly other carriers like metro pcs/cricket/Virgin Mobile etc. Here's a quick idea, why not make the phones have both the cdma and gsm radios? Problem solved for everyone. Im getting this idea from the droid 2 global, make it compatible with a bunch of cell phone carriers around the world, but not having it locked down. Imagine, now we wouldn't have to be worried about the phones not being compatible with various carriers. We have the technology(i think it gets complicated when we start adding the 4g lte radios in).

I say $400(excellent price point for the gsm gnex) and maybe $500 is a good price point. There are already people buying smartphones for $300, so an extra 100-200 for a phone without a contract extension and not being locked to a carrier seems like a decent option. I wouldnt hesitate to do so. I just got my mom a gnex through the play store and its a win/win situation. I got her a smartphone, she doesnt have to pay for a data plan/contract extension.

 

[syndicate0017]

Here's a quick idea, why not make the phones have both the cdma and gsm radios? Problem solved for everyone.

Sigh...if only it were that simple. Google already no longer officially supports the CDMA handsets because the CDMA proprietaries are locked down by Qualcomm (if I remember right). Nothing I'd love more than a contract free VZW Nexus.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[ryanr509]

Price isn't that bad on the nexus they are offering. Although GSM I think its $399 unlocked? Where as at AT&T or Verizon its probly $599 off contract.

 

[CJM]

Can't wait to see what this will be like

 

[Shadez]

I see it as a step forward, and market demand will control how pricing is effected.

If it doesn't work, prices may even go down if you purchase directly from the app store.

 

[CBdubz]

Umm

Never mind Jelly Bean bring us Ice Cream Sandwich!:icon_evil: