Liu+J.+blog+post+analysis

Liu J.

TO: Proximity Mobile Team FROM: Jesse Liu SUBJECT: Tim O’Reilly on //A Few Thoughts on the Nexus One// DATE: Jan 31, 2010

Our team was asked to analysis a mobile blog post in order to help us to prepare the Proximity’s Spring Focus group section. In this post, I have incorporated a summary of //A Few Thoughts on the Nexus One// covering the Google Experience Phone – it’s a new cutting edge, innovative flagship Android powered smartphone from Google. This article provides a brief rundown of pros and cons of the Nexus One, as well as how does the new Google Android phone revolutionize the mobile industry. I recommend setting up a focus group for TU students to see what type of devices attracts users and how users are using their devices and their priorities.


 * What Nexus One provides**

Since the newly released Google Nexus One smartphone, it has generated hypes and interests in the smartphone market. The new smartphone is running Android 2.1. It is a thin, fast, web based phone with a 3.7-inch touch screen that allows users to perform endless possible tasks on such large display. Nexus One offers multiple home screens in one single phone, allows users to have customizable task-specified environment, such as having one home screen for Facebook, one for Twitter, one for contacts etc. It also allows users to multi-task without experiencing any delay. Asides from its distinctive features, what Nexus One has that really shines is it’s a web-native device. As Mario Queiroz, a Google Vice President of Product Management, mentioned: “The Nexus One is where the phone meets the web”. Unlike other phones where users need to sync up the data back to the device from their computer, Google’s web based Android phone are always up to date. Email, calendar, address book, games, etc. are always syncing in real time, there is no more going back to the computer again to find your next calendar schedule.

While other phones have several similar features Nexus One has (wifi, GPS), there are a few key features that Google has stand out from the crowd, and will bring users and clients the next level of mobile technology:
 * What are the significances of the Nexus One different from its competitors (i.e. iPhone)?**
 * __ Buying experience __ – Unlike other subsidized phones by the network carriers (i.e. AT&T, Verizon etc.) where the device is strictly bounded to the carrier. An unlocked Nexus One can be purchased without any plan. Users then have the ability select from any GSM network they prefer to use this device on around the globe. It is a world phone. A CDMA version of this phone will be later introduced as well.
 * __ Always Syncing, always connected __ – As pointed out earlier, the turning point of this phone is it’s a “Web-native device”, it’s a very powerful feature that sets aside from other competitors. Most users find themselves working on their calendar schedule or downloading games or apps under the desktop environment, which later they will have to sync these data back onto the phone in order to get the latest updates. Nexus One solved that issue for many. The tasks will always be connected to the cloud, and can be accessed from anywhere users go.
 * __ Google integration __ – Google mobile ad has just gotten easier. With the ability to integrate Google Mobile Ads right on the mobile, users can reach their content networks, track clicks etc on the mobile device anywhere they go – bringing a true direct business prospects right in the palms.
 * __ Multiple Desktops __ – Unlike stacking up icons on the same desktop like the iPhone, Nexus One has multiple desktops that allow users to customize each to suit their environments, and many widgets can be installed on these desktops. For instance, the Twitter Widget allows users to update their Twitter status right from the desktop screen. Google Search is also integrated on each of the home screen. Users can find it easy to navigate and able to complete tasks just at a fingertip.
 * __ Open Source and Better Apps __ – Google currently has 16,000 active apps in the Android market, and it’s still growing rapidly. Many apps can be purchased and downloaded within one clicked, thanks to the convenient Google Checkout. Android is an open source Linux system, which means many developers will be able to share their perspectives and ideas, and aid Google on bettering the Android.


 * Questions for the Spring Focus Group**

In addition to determining whether the Nexus One will be the next big thing in the mobile industry, we need to find out how users are now using the devices, and their priorities. We will set up two sets of question as follow: The Proximity Clients need to answers these questions to determine what the current mobile trend is.
 * Do you regularly use multiple applications at the same time, and how important is it to you?
 * How likely would you prefer to purchase your next favourite phone and be able to talk on your favourite carrier without restriction?

__Reference__

O’Reilly, T. (2010, January 05) A Few Thoughts on the Nexus One. //Radar O’Reilly//. Retrieved Jan. 31, 2010, from [].