Google's flagship has major interface changes

A new hands-on with Google's Nexus One early today has confirmed several details of the phone, particularly its interface. The Android 2.1 platform has both the seen animated backgrounds but, according to Engadget, "3D elements" in the pull-out app tray. It also now has not only more home screens but a grid view of the pages that mimics the webOS card view seen in the Palm Pre and Pixi.

As a Google phone, the HTC-made hardware unsurprisingly comes preloaded with beta Google features like Maps Navigation and Goggles.

Little is mentioned regarding the phone itself beyond what's already known about its features, but a series of FCC filings (one, two, three) have confirmed that it should at least support T-Mobile and many European carriers for 3G. It will still support at least GSM and EDGE for AT&T and will have Wi-Fi for other networks.

Tellingly, the phone doesn't have the HTC logo from previous photos and has a guide that points to google.com/phone/support (currently inactive), suggesting that Google will ultimately claim the device as its own rather than give added credit to HTC. It's already believed that Google directly designed the phone and, if true, is willing to risk challenging its partners to promote Android.

The Nexus One may primarily avoid challenging LG, Samsung and other non-HTC partners by selling only as an unlocked phone with a full price.

By Electronista Staff