Google Nexus One - Why?

The Question

Google's recent release of the Nexus One has stoked a lot of speculation and criticism. Why would Google release the "Droid-killer" Nexus One; a Google branded phone that directly competes with Google's partners, namely Motorola?

The Nexus One

HTC designed the new Nexus One, which boasts the newest Android 2.1 OS, and is getting mixed reviews. In general, the Nexus One tested faster than the Droid and iPhone 3Gs and offers great display resolution but suffers some minor design flaws such as a "too easy to hit" home button" and a low battery life. Overall, its a great phone, but is it an "iPhone-killer"? Probably not. So what is Google's ultimate goal?

Why

Google has received much criticism on its attempt to "balance" hardware manufacturers across all their products. This attempt by Google displays much confidence in the Android OS brand; perhaps too much. However, Google now holds about 70% of the PC search market share and the mobile search market is growing fast. Let us not forget that Google is an advertising company.

Google's ultimate goal may be, and surely is, to control this market and thus profit greatly through their ad programs, as Google mobile search is sure to be a common factor among all their hardware partners' devices. The release of the Nexus One will strengthen the Android/Google brand by creating competition amongst Android based hardware manufacturers. The Nexus One may simply be a tool to further strengthen to Android/Google brand and make Google search the defacto standard on the majority of mobile devices.

Google's seemingly endless supply of financial resources and expertise as well as their brand trust among users makes it a very possible to accomplish what Microsoft couldn't with the Zune "balancing" act. Google has mastered the art of providing great services for free, making their money on ads. Nexus One may be the "ace-in-the-hole" that Google's been holding. Google can't seem to fail, so it will be interesting to see how it all unfolds.

Wes

BlackBerry Storm - Touch Controls Lose Sensitivity

Quick tip for the Storm/Storm 2

Many users like to swap out different cases while leaving their custom skins installed underneath. This method is very convenient and on most BlackBerry devices, works just fine. However, using this method on the BlackBerry Storm may cause "sensitivity" issues.

The Storm has internal sensors that "sense" if you are holding the device, and thereby "activating" the touch controls. If your using a screen protector, a protective skin , and a case in combination (all three installed on your device at the same time) , your Storm may become less sensitive to touch functions, particularly the Main function keys. The problem is that too much bulk in the form of layers affects the ability of the internal sensors to work properly.

This problem will most likely occur if you use a heavy duty, multi-layer case over top of your skin. If you have a case installed over your skin and notice a change in the sensitivity of the controls and functions, you may need to use a thinner case or simply just remove something.

The skin underneath would be the logical choice to remove as you want to leave your main protective case installed to ensure adequate protection. Store your skin in the original packaging if it is available or carefully wrap it in aluminum foil and you should be able to install again later with another case that is less bulky.

Wes