Locals hoping to get their hands on Google's much-anticipated mobile phone, Nexus One, will not be disappointed.
Google and its development partner, HTC, unveiled the phone on Tuesday, saying it would be distributed by HTC's partner Leaf in the US, UK, Singapore and Hong Kong, leaving out all the emerging markets.
Reports indicate that Leaf has no plans to distribute the device in SA or other emerging market locations. However, Vodafone subsequently announced a distribution deal, which sealed its distribution rights in Europe.
Vodacom locally says Google's agreement with Vodafone covers all its geographies, including SA, through the mobile operator.
Over the next few weeks, the phone will start its tour in the UK and the rest of Europe will follow. Other global territories will receive the phone this year, although Vodacom cannot say exactly when that will be.
According to the company, country details regarding the distribution in other parts of the world, including SA, “will be announced in due course”. Local distribution and pricing options will likely be disclosed when the product becomes available in SA.
The Vodafone Group has yet to announce the pricing for the UK offering; however, the phone can be bought via Google's Web site in certain countries for $529 (around R3 800).
The Nexus One runs on Android 2.1, a version of the platform's Eclair software. Customers will see applications like Google Maps Navigation; GMail; aggregated contacts, including sources like Facebook; and access to Android Market sporting around 18 000 additional applications.
The Nexus One represents Google's first foray into the hardware market.
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