Can the Nexus One on Verizon Be a Killer 3G Skype Machine?
The buzz surrounding the belief we’ll see the Nexus One appear on Verizon today clearly demonstrates the popularity of the Android platform, and the desire to see the best Android phone on the Verizon network. I would pick up a Verizon Nexus One in a heartbeat, and I am obviously not the only one.
One of the best features of the Android platform — for me — is the tight integration with Google Voice. I have multiple phones on different carriers and Google Voice makes it all work well with one simple phone number. It’s so tightly integrated into Android that it turns any phone into a real Google Voice machine. I get quite giddy thinking about the Nexus One, Google Voice and Verizon’s rollout of Skype.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see Verizon touting its Skype support alongside the Nexus One launch. It would create a tremendous amount of buzz in the smartphone space, and Verizon is getting better at that. This combination would give Verizon customers a powerful smartphone package, perhaps the best in the marketplace. The ability to use Skype for low-cost calling on the Nexus One is powerful enough, but when you throw in the possibility to use Google Voice in combination, you have a power user’s dream machine.
Related research on GigaOM Pro (sub req’d):
Can you make video call on the Nexus One? Does it have a forward-facing web camera?
i agree that voice and skype are great applications. i’m trying to determine how skype in particular would be used. you still have a data plan so it’s not as if you’re saving money. do you mean for long-distance calling? communicating with ppl on pc’s?
I’m thinking long distance calling, even international calls.
As far as I know, there’s not yet a Skype client for Android (am I right?) Would truly love to see one (hope that the Skype people are reading this…)
Hi JK – What about the Nexus One makes this a killer Skype phone, vs. any of the other Verizon Android devices, or even their Blackberries?
The Nexus One is IMHO the best Android phone currently available.
Gotcha. Best Android phone, and Android = great Google Voice integration, so GV + Skype = good $$ saving combo.
The problem is that it is not available!!! OR IS IT?!?!?
I’ve checked Google and Verizon’s sites this morning and neither mentions the Nexus One/Verizon connection. I’m very disappointed. As a Verizon customer, I’ve been looking forward to today for a month.
Anyone know anything I don’t?
It wouldn’t be there until a press release is issued. Hopefully soon.
So far it is speculation that an announcement will be made today. I hope so.
Verizon and Skype have a joint CTIA announcement / press event scheduled for this afternoon to unveil Skype Mobile, so stay tuned.
Also, if you perform a search from the VZW website for ‘Nexus one’ you will be redirected to the google website.
So it’s coming.
OK it is March 23… where the (insert 4 letter word) is my nexus one verizon?
but if verizon caps their 3G data usage at 5GB – i get much less excited to use the nexus one as a skype machine. (calls over wifi are a much different story).
add me to the many who are praying to any god that will listen that today is the day that the “G”-sus phone debuts.
From our post last month covering the Verizon / Skype partnership:
“On the Skype Mobile product page, this tidbit jumped out at me: “Skype usage won’t be charged against customers’ monthly Verizon Wireless data plans or minute allowances.” Last I checked, the smartphone data service on Verizon Wireless phones was unlimited, but this development is good news for folks with limited amounts of voice minutes. With solid 3G coverage and friends on Skype, you could save your voice minutes for non-Skype calls as needed.”
And Verizon doesn’t cap smartphone usage at 5GB, AFAIK. That limit is imposed on mobile broadband / data cards.
perfect. thanks for clarifying. i hate decieving information on the web (sad that i just contributed to it).
with that new information, bring on the skype and free / cheap international calling.
skype only requires you pay for international calls.
Skype is supposed to be offered on a selection of Verizon handsets so I am sure it will be on the Droid. I’m glad Nokia phones also have a native Skype over 3G so T-Mobile and AT&T users can have access to that feature.
what is skype?
Use google :-)
google?