Vodafone Hutchison Australia (VHA) has announced it will launch Google's Nexus One smartphone in Australia on 1 July.
Available exclusively through Vodafone in Australia, the Google Nexus One is the only Google-branded Android smartphone. The handset is built by HTC but branded and marketed by Google in overseas markets.
The Google Nexus One includes a 3.7in, capacitive OLED display with multitouch, a 5-megapixel camera with video recording capabilities, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and GPS. It comes with a 4GB microSD card. It also includes a speech-to-text as an option whenever the keyboard appears, allowing users to enter text by speaking.
Vodafone currently lists the Australian Nexus One as running Android 2.1, though it's likely an over-the-air update will be available for the latest version of Android 2.2 (called Froyo). The Froyo software update offers a number of new features, including improved speed and enhanced security for businesses.
The Google Nexus One will be available for $0 on Vodafone's $79 cap over 24 months, which includes $800 worth of calls, 1GB of data and unlimited SMS and MMS messages. The plan also offers free, unlimited Vodafone-to-Vodafone and Vodafone-to-3 calls in Australia.
According to VHA, stocks are strictly limited and online customer orders will be fulfilled on a first come, first served basis either through Vodafone's Web site, or by calling 1300 303 130.
