Google unveils Nexus 9, Nexus 6, Lollipop and more

[fjtorres]

From CNET:

http://www.cnet.com/news/google-unve...ayer-streamer/

The Internet giant on Wednesday introduced the Nexus 9, a tablet with an 8.9-inch display manufactured by Taiwanese hardware maker HTC, the Nexus 6, a smartphone with a 6-inch display made by Motorola Mobility, and the Nexus Player, a streaming media player by Asus and the first device running Android TV. As with past Nexus launches, the devices serve as a showcase for the latest version of Google's Android mobile operating system, dubbed Lollipop, but previously referred to as "L."

The Nexus 9 and Nexus Player will be available for preorder on October 17, and hit stores on November 3. The 16Gb version of the Nexus 9 will cost $399, the 32GB version will cost $479 and the 32GB version with LTE will cost $599. The Nexus Player and remote control will cost $99 with an optional controller for $40.

The Nexus 6 will be available for preorder on October 29 and available in November, sold unlocked or through carriers. Sprint, US Cellular, AT&T and T-Mobile will sell the Nexus 6 in the US. The 32 gigabyte version of the Nexus 6 will cost$649 unlocked, while the 64 GB version will cost $699.

More details at the source.

[tubemonkey]

So it's lollipop

[tubemonkey]

The Nexus 6 will be available for preorder on October 29 and available in November, sold unlocked or through carriers. Sprint, US Cellular, AT&T and T-Mobile will sell the Nexus 6 in the US. The 32 gigabyte version of the Nexus 6 will cost$649 unlocked, while the 64 GB version will cost $699.

$649 unlocked? Google's crazy! That's way overpriced.

[Crowl]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

$649 unlocked? Google's crazy! That's way overpriced.

No, it just means that they are not going to subsidise highend components like that high-rez display this time round.

With Google pushing for their hardware partners to do less pointless customisation it also makes sense for them to not antagonise them by selling a high-end device at cost.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Crowl

No, it just means that they are not going to subsidise highend components like that high-rez display this time round.

With Google pushing for their hardware partners to do less pointless customisation it also makes sense for them to not antagonise them by selling a high-end device at cost.

There's a huge gap between cost and the new unlocked prices. No matter what their reasoning is, I won't be shelling out that kind of money for a phone.

[Shane R]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

$649 unlocked? Google's crazy! That's way overpriced.

Compared to what?

That's what unsubsidized smartphones cost. The previous models in the Nexus line cost the same, but were subsidized; but no more.

[Shane R]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

There's a huge gap between cost and the new unlocked prices.

Only for parts. Add in the 'soft' costs, R&D, marketing, benefits, etc...and you get pretty much standardized pricing for high end cellular phones.

[Jack Torrance]

Originally Posted by Shane R

Compared to what?

That's what unsubsidized smartphones cost. The previous models in the Nexus line cost the same, but were subsidized; but no more.

Beat me to it...Unless you want a Jitterbug, they can be had for about $75.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Shane R

Compared to what?

That's what unsubsidized smartphones cost. The previous models in the Nexus line cost the same, but were subsidized; but no more.

You mean Google priced them near cost and didn't make a huge profit.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Shane R

Only for parts. Add in the 'soft' costs, R&D, marketing, benefits, etc...and you get pretty much standardized pricing for high end cellular phones.

Apple showed everyone how to achieve high profit margins and get away with it.

[Shane R]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

You mean Google priced them near cost and didn't make a huge profit.

No, I think I got it the right the first time.

High end cellular phones cost what they cost. There's no magical vacuum where the cost of parts is the major or only cost involved.

[Shane R]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

Apple showed everyone how to achieve high profit margins and get away with it.

What are they getting away with?

If consumers weren't willing to support these prices, the companies would lower them or add incentives.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Jack Torrance

Beat me to it...Unless you want a Jitterbug, they can be had for about $75.

This just means that I'll no longer get a Nexus. If Lenovo doesn't mess Motorola up, then a mid-range phone like the Moto G is a viable option.

[tubemonkey]

Originally Posted by Shane R

What are they getting away with?

If consumers weren't willing to support these prices, the companies would lower them.

Exactly!

[Shane R]

Originally Posted by tubemonkey

Exactly!

So there's the disconnect: most consumers, subsidized or out-right purchasers, see good value in the current prices for a device that they use multiple times a day, every day, for 24 or more months.

Blame the consumers for having a value system distinct from yours, not the companies filling the need.