Google has announced the availability of its new version of the Nexus One smartphone on AT&T, in direct competition with Apple’s iPhone.
The new version of Nexus One became available on Tuesday and supports AT&T’s frequencies for 3G. Previously, the original version of Nexus One also worked on 3G supported by other carriers in Europe and USA, this according to Wall Street Journal.
Apple’s iPhone also runs on AT&T’s 3G version, deepening the competition between the two companies.
Since the iPhone-AT&T exclusivity is expected to end one day, the carrier is now placing its bets on the Nexus One and Google’s Android OS.
“We’ll accept a compatible device on our network”, commented AT&T spokesman Fletcher Cook, without referring directly to Google’s Nexus One though.
Google has reportedly told media about “sharing our plans and progress with AT&T for several weeks”, adding it would include Verizon and Vodafone in their strategy.
However, Google will sell Nexus One on AT&T’s network at its full price, $529, more than the $179 price for a Nexus One subsidized by T-Mobile or the $99 starting price of an iPhone subsidized by AT&T.
Earlier this month, Apple sued HTC, Nexus One manufacturer, for patent infringement. Although Google’s name wasn’t mentioned in the lawsuit, analysts believe the case continues to underline the fierce competition between the iPhone maker and Google.
