The Samsung Nexus S, the once rumored Android follow up to the HTC Nexus One, was front and center at the Web 2.0 Summit this morning. Not only did the Nexus S make an appearance, but Google’s Eric Schmidt confirmed that Android Gingerbread (version 2.3) will be available in the “next few weeks” with NFC in tote.
Despite being the featured handset in the demonstration today, the Samsung Nexus S is still considered an “unannounced phone” from an “unannounced manufacturer”. While Google may have wanted to keep the device under wraps, it has done little to prevent two key tidbits of information from the proverbial slip – T-mobile and Samsung. A quick look at the slides from the presentation shows both the manufacturer’s name, Samsung, as well as the carrier, T-Mobile, on the home screen.
The Samsung Nexus S is in fact the replacement to the Nexus One and at this point there is little Google or Samsung can do to stop the buzz. Even more important to would-be Samsung Nexus S buyers this holiday season is a new feature confirmed by Schmidt- Near Field Communication (NFC). This short-range frequency has been rumored on the iPhone 5 and many believe it could eventually replace credit cards.
There was plenty of additional insight revealed by Schmidt during the conference, including Google’s stance on Chrome OS and Android, specifically regarding devices. Schmidt confirmed that the Chrome OS is aimed at what he’s calling “keyboard based solutions” whereas Android is “optimized for touch”. Questions about Android OS as a tablet platform remain unanswered (much to the demise of Samsung) since these statements do not officially rule out Chrome OS appearing on tablets somewhere down the road.
The Google overload was in full force today and the official unveil of the Samsung Nexus S and Android 2.3 Gingerbread loom on the horizon. While the “next few weeks” is not exactly the answer we were hoping for, it still provides the minimal confirmation Android fans need. Anyone up for a guess on the official Android 2.3 or Samsung Nexus S release dates?
TBA | Engadget
