Google Nexus Deals

What are Google Nexus phones?

Google Nexus phones are powerful, next-generation smartphones made by the company behind the world's most popular internet search engine. All Nexus phones run the voguish Android operating system that was created by Google. They're also home to beautiful touchscreen displays, are easy to use and are positively packed with great apps.

Why choose a Google Nexus phone?

Pick a Google Nexus phone and you're getting a handset that's at the very cutting-edge of mobile communication. Here, we'll talk you through some of what makes them so great to explain just why they're so sought-after.

Apps

Apps, or applications, are perhaps one of Google Nexus phones most compelling selling points. Simply by heading to the Android Market (a kind of online software store), you'll be able take your pick from tens of thousands of fun games and practical business tools. Best of all, though, is that many of these are completely free.

What's more, to get you started with Android phones, Nexus phones come with a host of great apps pre-installed. These include YouTube, FaceBook and Gmail.

Updates

Google regularly creates what are called operating system updates for the Android system, which you can load onto your Google Nexus phone simply by pressing a button on the handset to confirm you want to upgrade. Each time you get an update, you'll find a whole host of new, up to the minute functions are added to your handset. It's almost like getting a brand new mobile every time!

Updates for Google Nexus phones also address and fix any problems that have been discovered with earlier versions of the Android platform.

Get new features before anyone else

Before Android updates are pushed out to phones, many manufacturers who make Android phones, such as HTC and Samsung, must ensure that they are compatible with their particular phones which will use specially customised versions of the operating system. This often leads to a delay that can last some months. However, because Google Nexus phones run an unadorned version of Android, owners can get the latest versions on their phones straight away.

Advanced imaging capabilities

All Nexus phones come with excellent cameras that take great snaps and video in rich high definition. Select models also feature front facing cameras, which enable you to make video calls and actually see your friends and family while you're speaking to them.

What's the difference between a Nexus phone and an Android phone?

Both Android phones and Nexus phones run Google's Android platform. However, the main difference between the handsets is that any Android phone not specifically branded a Google phone will feature a special customised user interfaces that are particular to the manufacturer you choose. By contrast, Nexus phones feature an unadorned version of Android.

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History of Google Nexus phones

The first Nexus phone was the Nexus One, which arrived after years of speculation from phone fans who were keen to see what the company would bring to the table. Manufactured by HTC on Google's behalf, the Nexus One debuted in early 2010 and was sold solely through Google's website. Unlike, other phones it was not available to buy in high street retailers - a sales model that the company soon abandoned. Although unconfirmed, it was thought that the Nexus One's name was derived from Philip K Dick's science fiction classic Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?

For some time after the Nexus One was released it was not clear whether Google would release a follow-up or would concentrate on updates for the platform instead. This impression was compounded by the company's Chief Executive Officer Eric Schmidt's comments that the company had no plans for another branded phone.

However, this all changed in late 2010 when it was confirmed that the Nexus S was on the way. This time Google chose Galaxy S-maker Samsung to build the handset, which is expected to be the first in a long line of sequels to the original Nexus smartphone.

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