Google's new flagship smartphone, made by Samsung, is the first to run Ice Cream Sandwich. It's also the first Android device to offer a premium experience, writes Matt Warman.
By Matt Warman, Consumer Technolgy Editor.
Android now powers the majority of smartphones sold, but the approach is
nothing like Apple. Google does not promote itself as the purveyor of
perfect devices. Indeed, until recently Google’s chief mobile engineer, Andy
Rubin, was still describing the platform as one ‘for early adopters’.
Increasingly, however, Google realizes it must offer the smooth experience
that makes devices such as the BlackBerry and the iPhone feel so consistent
and coherent. It’s this sense that inspires the devotion of users, which
Google is seeking inspire with its new flagship handset, the Galaxy Nexus.
The first thing that strikes you is Its huge, 4.65-inch high definition
display. Soon after the 1.2GHz dual-core processor proves it has plenty of
oomph - thankfully, a slightly improved battery life just about lasts a busy
day.
Manufactured by Samsung, the device builds on the success of the Nexus One,
made by HTC, and Samsung’s follow-up, the Nexus S.
All of these devices were used by Google to debut new versions of Android and
to drive manufacturers to make the hardware it thinks its operating system
deserves. With this latest version, codenamed Ice Cream Sandwich, the search
giant is finally getting there.
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