Samsung, Google officially announce the Galaxy Nexus
(Credit: Samsung)
The handset features impressive specifications in the form of a speedy 1.2GHz TI OMAP4460 processor, which is different from the one found on the Galaxy S II. The smartphone further sports a huge 4.65-inch Super AMOLED HD display with a 1,280 x 720-pixel resolution.
However, unlike the Galaxy S II or the recently launched Apple iPhone 4S, the Galaxy Nexus comes packing only a 5-megapixel camera. Samsung is promising that there will be no shutter lag when taking pictures.
(Credit: Samsung)
Like the Nexus S, the Galaxy Nexus features a contoured display. Samsung and Google had previously teased about the feature in an invite for the canceled October 12 event. We'll be getting a hands-on with the smartphone after the unveil, so stay tuned for more pictures.
The Galaxy Nexus is also the result of a partnership between Google and Samsung, though we wonder how Google's acquisition of Motorola Mobility will affect the relationship. With the Korean chaebol providing the hardware for the smartphone, the operating system is supplied by Google in the form of Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich).
Android 4.0 merges the smartphone-based Android 3.2 (Gingerbread) and the tablet-only Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) operating systems into one. It's no surprise to see the new handset reflecting this combination. Unlike previous Android handsets, the Galaxy Nexus borrows from the Honeycomb tablet design and lacks any physical menu buttons.
(Credit: Samsung)
We're curious to find out how usable the handset will be, and will share with you our thoughts when we get hold of a unit.
Besides the removal of physical buttons, Android 4.0 adds a bunch of new features, including a new Face Unlock, which as the name suggests, uses face recognition to unlock the phone. Also announced was Android Beam, which uses NFC to share information such as Web pages and apps by simply tapping another phone.
Google+ also seems to be integrated into the OS thanks to a new People app (which sounds quite similar to what Microsoft has on its Windows Phone 7 handsets). You can also edit pictures and add filter effects to the images.
The Galaxy Nexus will be available in Asia, Europe and the US from November, though we don't have any information of the exact rollout schedule. Pricing has also not been disclosed.
About the author
Aloysius Low is a Senior Writer at CNET Asia and covers all things mobile. A former World of Warcraft addict, he now dabbles in social media to stave off the withdrawal symptoms. As a lover of all things furry, he's also the unfortunate slave/minion of two adorable cats.
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