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

[Xplorer4x4]

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

Is $500 really that bad for a non contract phone? I always buy on contract. While I dont like it, I also cant justify spending $400-$500 or whatever on the phone up front. Not unless I was rich that is.

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

Maybe I am missing something but this just makes Google the middle man rather then VZW,ATT,etc.

 

[trestevenson]

I think this really has the potential to shake things up in the industry! I would definitely purchase a Nexus device direct from Google once my current contract is up! :i-m_so_happy:

 

[tgyberg]

Hope they work something out on the CDMA deal so we can play!

 

[sbenson]

Hope they work something out on the CDMA deal so we can play!

This will never happen sadly. Also, don't expect Google to ever deal with Verizon directly on a Nexus device again. This whole ordeal with the Nexus has cemented Verizon's stance on open handsets. This will be my final contract with Verizon and I'll be buying directly from Google next time around and going GMS (this will work out nicely since I'll most likely be living overseas anyway). Verizon's closed network is ridiculous.

 

[The Robot Cow]

Like I've said why not just include both gsm and cdma radios? The droid 2 global(and I think the razr and droid 4 also have them) had them. But I think the problem lies with trying to get 4g lte.

 

[syndicate0017]

Like I've said why not just include both gsm and cdma radios? The droid 2 global(and I think the razr and droid 4 also have them) had them. But I think the problem lies with trying to get 4g lte.

And like I've said, its not that simple. Google would not be able to fully support a phone with a CDMA radio because they don't have access to the CDMA proprietaries. CDMA is closed source and not open like the GSM technology. I have a feeling that we won't see a Nexus on a CDMA carrier again unless something changes.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

 

[The Robot Cow]

And like I've said, its not that simple. Google would not be able to fully support a phone with a CDMA radio because they don't have access to the CDMA proprietaries. CDMA is closed source and not open like the GSM technology. I have a feeling that we won't see a Nexus on a CDMA carrier again unless something changes.

Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using Tapatalk 2

Oh I see, thanks.

 

[2ns]

Okay, little behind the curve here. Which carriers are CDMA and which are GSM?

 

[syndicate0017]

Okay, little behind the curve here. Which carriers are CDMA and which are GSM?

Most carriers across the ocean are GSM along with T-Mobile, AT&T (and many more here). The CDMA carriers that I'm aware of are Verizon, Sprint, and (I think) Cricket.

 

[2ns]

Thanks

 

[WestOkid]

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

I don't buy the mark up theory. Everything I've read about the mobile business says that carriers do not profit from phone sales. The manufacturer does. Many times there is an immediate loss for the carrier (e.g iPhones) . Carriers subsidize and don't recoup until somewhere in the contract period. It's why you must get a data plan. That $30+ is what they bank on. This is also why pay-as-you- go phones are never cutting edge. Google will not be able to go too low on anything remotely cutting edge. They are still selling the relatively dated GNEX for $400. They sold the nexus one for 500+ back in the day. If anything, I like the opportunity and options this gives us.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

 

[93fuelslut]

I'm confused...what does this mean?

 

[2ns]

Will those play market nexuses work on boost?

edit- never mind, doesn't look like good option

 

[ryanr509]

U could use it with straight talk they have att sim cards

 

[2ns]

U could use it with straight talk they have att sim cards

Starting to look into that. Seems to be unlimited everything. Looks to good to be true, what's the catch?