Google Nexus One Getting Patch, Coming to Walmart

By Geoff Duncan January 26, 2010

nexus-one — Image used with permission by copyright holder

Google‘s Nexus One “superphone” has gotten off to a bit of a rocky start. Although many users like the Android-bearing phone, may have been frustrated with Google’s purchasing and support experience (the phone is only available online via Google Checkout, and Google seems to have been caught flat-footed with the idea it might have to support customers). Still other Nexus One users have bee stymied by 3G connectivity problems—while some users’ frustrations stem from T-Mobile’s comparatively small 3G footprint, other users have reported 3G problems in areas with plenty of signal and where other 3G T-Mobile devices are functioning just fine.

Google is apparently planning to deal with these issues. In its online support forums, a Google engineer has stated Google has been testing a “software fix that could improve connectivity for 3G for some users.” If the fix gets through testing, the company apparently plans to roll it out to customers “in the next week or so.” The fix won’t magically expand T-Mobile’s coverage areas, but may help the Nexus One’s performance in areas where other T-Mobile 3G devices function without difficulty.

And on the sales front, Google appears on the verge of taking the Nexus One to the most mainstream of retailers: mega-retailer Walmart‘s online store is now listing the Nexus One under a “Coming Soon!” banner—and, if the listing is to be believes, Walmart’s versions of the Nexus One will support 3G on AT&T, Sprint, and Verizon: if true, the expanded wireless capabilities may be one possible fix for lack of 3G coverage from T-Mobile. Walmart’s preview page doesn’t list any pricing information, although we imagine the retailer would want to cut a deal so it’s offering the Nexus One at a price cheaper than Google itself.

Editor Update 1/26/2010– It looks like the feed for the Google Nexus One is coming through at Walmart’s Lets Talk… Looks like the retail giant will be sporting Google’s Nexus One smartphone.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Mobile

If you’ve ever wanted the Google Pixel Watch, this deal is your excuse

The Pixel Watch on a person's wrist.

With the arrival of its successor, those who have been interested in the Google Pixel Watch should be on the lookout for its appearance in smartwatch deals. Crutchfield is an excellent source for such offers, and it currently has the wearable device on sale for a very affordable $180 following a $100 discount on its original price of $280. We don't expect this bargain to last long though, so if you've been waiting for an excuse to buy this Google smartwatch, take advantage of the savings by making your purchase immediately.

Why you should buy the Google Pixel Watch
The Google Pixel Watch may have been overshadowed by the Google Pixel Watch 2, but it's still a worthwhile purchase because of everything that it provides at a relatively affordable price. Its colorful always-in display offer brightness of up to 1,000 nuts, and it's protected by Corning Gorilla Glass 5. The Google Pixel Watch also comes with a comprehensive suite of health-focused features, including workout tracking, heart rate monitoring, ECG measurements, sleep tracking, fall detection, and much more. The smartwatch is water-resistant up to 50 meters so you can wear it while swimming, and its battery can last up to 24 hours on a single charge.

Mobile

Your Google Photos app may soon get a big overhaul. Here’s what it looks like

The Google Photos app running on a Google Pixel 8 Pro.

Google Photos is set to get a long-overdue overhaul that will bring new and improved sharing and notification features to the app. With its automatic backups, easy sorting and search, and album sharing, Google Photos has always been one of the better photo apps, and now it's set to get a whole slew of AI features.

According to an APK teardown done by Android Authority and the leaker AssembleDebug, Google is now set to double down on improving sharing features. Google Photos will get a new social-focused sharing page in version 6.85.0.637477501 for Android devices.

Mobile

T-Mobile is buying one of the largest carriers in the U.S.

If you were impacted by T-Mobile's latest price hike and were looking for an alternative carrier, we have some bad news — T-Mobile is buying US Cellular. For those unaware, U.S. Cellular is the fifth-largest carrier in the U.S. despite being a regional carrier based mostly in the Chicago area. Unlike mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) like Metro by T-Mobile or Visible, which piggyback on a parent carrier’s network, US Cellular has its own towers and stores.

The deal would see T-Mobile pay $4.4 billion to take over US Cellular’s wireless customers, stores, and 30% of its spectrum assets. It includes a combination of cash and T-Mobile assuming $2 billion of U.S. Cellular’s debt. US Cellular will keep control of 4,400 of its towers and 70% of its spectrum portfolio, but T-Mobile will extend its leases for 600 US Cellular towers and sign new long-term leases on 2,015 more towers. In a conference call about the deal, T-Mobile also committed to hiring a significant number of U.S. Cellular associates.