December 9, 2010
By the ZippyCart Shopping Cart Reviews Content Team
Google and Samsung are poised to release their new Nexus S smartphone on December 16th, but buzz in the tech sector is far from positive. The Nexus S is Google’s follow up to their (also not too successful) Nexus One, which was released January 5, 2010. Whereas the Nexus One was hotly anticipated due to its hardware and software advances, then petered out after users got their hands on it (for a variety of reasons: cost, lack of networks, prevalence of other Android OS phones, etc.), the Nexus S may not even get that far.Reviewers are already panning the new phone for a variety of reasons, the importance of which can be as real or imagined as the prospective buyer thinks they are (although the price tag – $529 for an unlocked version that can be used on any network is definitely not imagined).
First off is the lack of an expandable SD Memory slot. The ability to swap out and add extra memory for heavy users is an ability that is wasted on some, and may only be missed once it is gone for others. For most, though, the 16 gigs of available memory will be enough to get them by (or at least not enough to dissuade them from buying it). Other factors are the lack of an LED indicator light (to tell users about missed calls, etc.), lack of high definition output (for playing HD content on compatible devices), lack of 4G compatibility, and the fact that while the next generation of smartphones are set to come with dual processors, the Samsung Nexus S has only one (blazingly fast) Hummingbird processor. Also some think that the 5 megapixel camera is too small.
While it is refreshing to see reviewers so unafraid to take shots at one of the biggest names in technology (the Big G – Google), some of their gripes come off more as petty grumbling than profound insights. In a world at a point in its history where the gap between rich and poor is still vast and seemingly insurmountable, and it’s easier to get a cellphone in certain parts of Africa than to get food or medicine, taking potshots at a cell phone for what it can or cannot do seems somewhat less than lofty – especially when articles are emblazoned with catty titles like “Six Things Not to Love about the Nexus S,” and “4 Reasons Why the Nexus S Will Fail.”
There are some redeeming features to the Samsung Nexus S, namely that it will be the first smartphone to feature Google’s latest version of the Android operating system, dubbed “Gingerbread.” The updated operating system brings new functionality to the table, especially when paired with a shiny new Near Field Communication (NFC) chip riding onboard. These new features, paired with a one-of-a-kind contoured touchscreen, and a flash to back up its camera, may just be enough to rescue the Nexus S from complete obscurity. Either way, I’m sure that Google and Samsung will be just fine.
Jack Cieslak grew up in New York State where he attended the New School, emerging with a degree in Creative Writing. Seattle drew him in with its focus on personal health and fitness, as well as the environment, and of course the great weather. Three-thousand miles later he is all dug in and ready to throw himself wholeheartedly into writing of all types - including reporting new developments in e-commerce, and places where social media and e-commerce cross paths. Jack revels in a challenge, whether it's writing, running, or lifting heavy objects - Jack says "bring it."
The title of the article is pretty misleading. There is nothing in this article to suggest that the Nexus S may be DoA. Perhaps they should add a “Think not” to the title.
Nice post! I’m looking forward to the new Samsung / Google phone, can’t wait for the HTC murderer, lets just hope they do actually release it on the 19th!.