So it’s officially over for Google’s Nexus One online store. At the start of 2010, Google announced an innovative new business strategy when it made its foray into the mobile phone business – a completely online retail model whereby users may purchase Nexus One only via Google’s online store located at Google.com/Phone.
The flaw in the model quickly came out to the fore – customers were wary of purchasing a phone that they could not touch and feel before purchase. A lot of customers did not get to see a phone in action even from friends and family when they ordered unit. The lessening demand saw Google quickly make arrangements for the phone to be available via retail stores.
Now finally, Google appears to have resigned to the fact that an online model for smartphone may not work. The Google.com/phone website now shows a message that reads
I’m not sure if this has something to play with Google’s stock market performance. The Google stock (NASDAQ:GOOG) is down 1.86 points (-0.39%) since the market opened this morning. This may as well be knee-jerk reactions and expect the market to stabilize soon.