Google revives Nexus brand

Google is to refresh its Nexus mobile brand with the launch of its latest handset, the Nexus S.

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The device, manufactured by Samsung, will run version 2.3 of the Android operating system, codenamed Gingerbread, and will retail for £550 or £35 a month.

Carphone Warehouse has started taking pre-orders for the Nexus S, which will be on limited release before Christmas, according to the retailer.

The phone will also feature near-field communications technology, which lets it communicate with compatible devices such as payment terminals and digital display ads.

Andy Rubin, VP of engineering at Google, says: “This device combines hardware innovation by one of our partners, Samsung, with innovations in the Android platform to raise the bar on what’s possible when it comes to creating a powerful mobile user experience.”

The partnership with Carphone Warehouse marks a change from the launch of the original Nexus One, which was supposed to be sold directly to consumers online.

However, Google eventually relented and opted to partner with Vodafone across Europe.

Separately, Google has launched online bookstore, eBookstore. The store, formally known as Google Editions, will compete with Apple and Amazon.

This story first appeared on newmediaage.co.uk