Today Google finally took the wrapping paper off it’s newest marquee smartphone, the Nexus 5. The phone is the first phone out of the gate with android 4.4, or KitKat. As a bonus, the phone will be broadly available in carrier stores across the nation. It will will be sold through AT&T, Sprint, and T-Mobile, with only Verizon Wireless opting out of carrying the device.
The Nexus 5 multi-carrier push is a 180 turn from the launch of the Nexus One, Google’s first attempt to get into the phone business. It was sold through its own store, which eventually shut down amid complaints of poor customer service. Subsequent Nexus phones had one or two carriers selling them at their stores, but little carrier support.
The Nexus 5 is offering nearly universal single device able to run on all bands supported by three of the big US carriers. It will sell for the attractive unsubsidized price of $349 for the 16 GB model, and $399 for the 32GB version.
It is available today unlocked in 10 countries through Google Play.
