Disappointed because not selling from us carriers..

[ybcthanerd]

naw too high fa me im paying 22 for my nexus 6 on tmobile

 

[recDNA]

So I guess you don't actually watch or read any reviews because several Huawei phones have been reviewed in the last year.
I'm typing this on a Huawei phone that has been rock solid the last year and cost half of what flagships do.
But that's OK, go get you a Droid Turbo or Maxx that will never see proper updates and only works on 1 carrier...

Posted via the Android Central App

Updates are not as important to me as great service. If update borks my phone what do I do - call China? I mean updates have been known to do that. Once Huway or whatever has sold and warranteed in USA for a couple of years I would consider them.

 

[nrfitchett4]

Updates are not as important to me as great service. If update borks my phone what do I do - call China? I mean updates have been known to do that. Once Huway or whatever has sold and warranteed in USA for a couple of years I would consider them.

They already have. Ascend Mate 2 bought online shipped from Ft Worth with 2 year warranty I haven't needed. Phone has been out about 18 months. To each their own.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[spawndoodling]

The problem is that no one will care. If it were me, I would want to sell my phone er as many places online and in stores as possible. I would want people to be able to handle the phone and see for themselves how great it is. Other than tech enthusiasts, no one is going to shell out hundreds of dollars for a device they haven't seen, touched, played with. Especially when they can go to their nearest phone store and buy a Samsung or iPhone and not have to pay everything upfront.

Posted via the Android Central App

You're right--the vast majority of consumers will not care--but that's besides the point. Google wants to push the market. And the market cares about one thing: profit. The market does not care about consumers. Our experience with smartphones is almost completely governed by the quality of our service provider. For the vast majority of consumers, the service provider is their only point of contact for the phone. And this is quite problematic.

I've spent a lot of time battling Sprint representatives over the past few weeks over technical issues with my N6, and I could sense a genuine lack of understanding of how my Nexus 6--which was bought through Sprint--worked and operated. Several representatives often asked me how to get to the settings menu. Imagine for a second how detrimental it would be to my experience with my phone if I was not a tech enthusiast? You could argue that service providers are far more knowledgeable about technical issues related to the iPhone and Galaxy lines, but this is not true. The spread of misinformation from service providers to customers is glaring.

The direct-to-consumer model fixes a lot of these problems, and it puts domain over the phone back in the hands of consumers. This is a fight that only a company with a ton of capital and a large share of the smartphone market--Google--can wage. Service providers are going the way of airlines and cable companies. Revenue streams are severely limited nowadays. There was a time when AT&T, Verizon et al. made a ton of money off of phone minutes, text messages, phone sales, and data. Now, that revenue stream has been limited to just data. And even then, Wi-Fi is squeezing a lot of profit out of service providers. Their response has been to introduce a no-contract leasing plan--a brilliant marketing strategy. Service providers are getting rid of the derided two-year contract--to great fanfare--and introducing an even bigger scheme into the fray: phone leases. iPhone buyers used to put out $200 to buy a phone and now are spending more money throughout the life of a phone to lease one.

I think Google is leading the charge against service providers--bloatware, massive delays in providing updates to consumers, poor customer service, abysmal technical support, and barriers to optimizing the battery life and data usage of phones--by selling the Nexus line directly to consumers. Nobody is saying (or at least I hope nobody is saying) that the Nexus line is going to outsell Apple or Samsung. Nobody is saying that service providers are sweating thinking about Google's direct-to-consumer model. However, it gets the conversation going about how phone manufacturers can reclaim agency over the smartphone market and deliver a better experience to consumers. As Apple starts implementing pieces of this model (they already are--iPhone repair through Apple Stores, for example), I believe it's going to revolutionize the market. By then, service providers will be on to their next profit-maximizing scheme (raising prices on grandfathered plans; increasing penalties for going over data; throttling unlimited data users; etc.), but at least phone manufacturers will again have control over their phones.

 

[WeAreAllUnique]

You're right--the vast majority of consumers will not care--but that's besides the point. Google wants to push the market. And the market cares about one thing: profit. The market does not care about consumers. Our experience with smartphones is almost completely governed by the quality of our service provider. For the vast majority of consumers, the service provider is their only point of contact for the phone. And this is quite problematic.

I've spent a lot of time battling Sprint representatives over the past few weeks over technical issues with my N6, and I could sense a genuine lack of understanding of how my Nexus 6--which was bought through Sprint--worked and operated. Several representatives often asked me how to get to the settings menu. Imagine for a second how detrimental it would be to my experience with my phone if I was not a tech enthusiast? You could argue that service providers are far more knowledgeable about technical issues related to the iPhone and Galaxy lines, but this is not true. The spread of misinformation from service providers to customers is glaring.

The direct-to-consumer model fixes a lot of these problems, and it puts domain over the phone back in the hands of consumers. This is a fight that only a company with a ton of capital and a large share of the smartphone market--Google--can wage. Service providers are going the way of airlines and cable companies. Revenue streams are severely limited nowadays. There was a time when AT&T, Verizon et al. made a ton of money off of phone minutes, text messages, phone sales, and data. Now, that revenue stream has been limited to just data. And even then, Wi-Fi is squeezing a lot of profit out of service providers. Their response has been to introduce a no-contract leasing plan--a brilliant marketing strategy. Service providers are getting rid of the derided two-year contract--to great fanfare--and introducing an even bigger scheme into the fray: phone leases. iPhone buyers used to put out $200 to buy a phone and now are spending more money throughout the life of a phone to lease one.

I think Google is leading the charge against service providers--bloatware, massive delays in providing updates to consumers, poor customer service, abysmal technical support, and barriers to optimizing the battery life and data usage of phones--by selling the Nexus line directly to consumers. Nobody is saying (or at least I hope nobody is saying) that the Nexus line is going to outsell Apple or Samsung. Nobody is saying that service providers are sweating thinking about Google's direct-to-consumer model. However, it gets the conversation going about how phone manufacturers can reclaim agency over the smartphone market and deliver a better experience to consumers. As Apple starts implementing pieces of this model (they already are--iPhone repair through Apple Stores, for example), I believe it's going to revolutionize the market. By then, service providers will be on to their next profit-maximizing scheme (raising prices on grandfathered plans; increasing penalties for going over data; throttling unlimited data users; etc.), but at least phone manufacturers will again have control over their phones.

I still disagree. I doubt that the average consumer cares much about bloatware. I don't believe the average consumer follows the updates, what they bring, and / or when the new updates are coming out. I doubt the average consumer wants to buy something as personal and important as a smartphone without handling it first. If the Nexus line does not sell through carrier stores at one point, the Nexus line will die out.

 

[nrfitchett4]

I still disagree. I doubt that the average consumer cares much about bloatware. I don't believe the average consumer follows the updates, what they bring, and / or when the new updates are coming out. I doubt the average consumer wants to buy something as personal and important as a smartphone without handling it first. If the Nexus line does not sell through carrier stores at one point, the Nexus line will die out.

I disagree. Millions of people pre-order the iPhone every year without holding it. It wouldnt surprise me to see Nexus in Best Buy but I'm hoping they never go back into the carrier stores.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[spawndoodling]

I still disagree. I doubt that the average consumer cares much about bloatware. I don't believe the average consumer follows the updates, what they bring, and / or when the new updates are coming out. I doubt the average consumer wants to buy something as personal and important as a smartphone without handling it first. If the Nexus line does not sell through carrier stores at one point, the Nexus line will die out.

The average customer doesn't care--but not out of some informed preference for bloatware or update delays. The average customer doesn't care because the average customer doesn't know. But that shouldn't preclude companies like Google from trying to improve Android for everyone. And you can't say it isn't working. Samsung is slowly but surely getting rid of a lot of bloatware. And while Samsung still insists on preloading their software, they're no longer preloading utter crap onto the phones. Milk Music and Samsung Pay, for example, are high-quality apps. Look at HTC and Motorola, doing away with bloatware and producing stock-like experiences. The Nexus line has consistently moved Android forward and has consistently served as a poster child for what Android can be at its best.

Apple is the exclusive manufacturer of iOS phones, but that's not the case with Android. There are a million Android manufacturers, it seems, and each one is determined to create a unique OEM experience for their customers. Nexus offers clarity and a model for OEMs. And the strategy is being used elsewhere Look at Microsoft and their Surface lineup, for example. They are fundamentally changing the way Windows hardware and software is being delivered to customers by creating a 'blueprint' for Windows tablets and devices.

I also think that your argument about trying before buying is a bit antiquated. Maybe five years ago, it would be a compelling argument. But we live in the age where more and more people are doing online shopping. If people can buy clothes, shoes, and televisions online, they surely can buy smartphones online. More customers are skipping the long lines and long waits at cellphone stores and ordering online. Buying a smartphone is not like buying a car. I will concede that shopping for smartphones online is not yet widespread. However, it's a growing trend.

Also, one last thing: service providers are woefully misinformed about the Nexus line. I've seen reps tell customers that the phones "are for developers and engineers only." I've seen other reps tell customers that the Nexus line "is only for international users." Another common phrase I've heard: "You should stick with Apple or Samsung if you ever want support for your phone." I agree with nrfitchett4: if anything, it's a good thing to get Nexus phones out of the service provider stores.

 

[WeAreAllUnique]

I disagree. Millions of people pre-order the iPhone every year without holding it. It wouldnt surprise me to see Nexus in Best Buy but I'm hoping they never go back into the carrier stores.

Posted via the Android Central App

I hate to say this, but the Nexus nor any smartphone is the iPhone. The same rules don't apply to them.

I will also add this; if you want iOS on your smartphone you have to buy an iPhone. You don't have to buy a Nexus to experience Android. You have so many other choices. So, tell me. If the average consumer is looking to buy a smartphone that isn't an iPhone do you believe that consumer would purchase a smartphone they haven't seen, touched, played with? A device they have to order and wait for it to be shipped? And pay the full price up front? Or... Go to the store up the street? Pay minimal cost up front? Have a chance to see, touch, and play with the smartphone that you have seen in numerous TV commercials? Buy accessories then and there? Have the screen protector put on for them? And walk out the door that day with their new device that has been set up for them already by One of the associates there?

The average customer does what in your opinion? And it you want to sell, make a profit, gain popularity, you must appeal to the average person. Reference Apple.

 

[recDNA]

You're right--the vast majority of consumers will not care--but that's besides the point. Google wants to push the market. And the market cares about one thing: profit. The market does not care about consumers. Our experience with smartphones is almost completely governed by the quality of our service provider. For the vast majority of consumers, the service provider is their only point of contact for the phone. And this is quite problematic.

I've spent a lot of time battling Sprint representatives over the past few weeks over technical issues with my N6, and I could sense a genuine lack of understanding of how my Nexus 6--which was bought through Sprint--worked and operated. Several representatives often asked me how to get to the settings menu. Imagine for a second how detrimental it would be to my experience with my phone if I was not a tech enthusiast? You could argue that service providers are far more knowledgeable about technical issues related to the iPhone and Galaxy lines, but this is not true. The spread of misinformation from service providers to customers is glaring.

The direct-to-consumer model fixes a lot of these problems, and it puts domain over the phone back in the hands of consumers. This is a fight that only a company with a ton of capital and a large share of the smartphone market--Google--can wage. Service providers are going the way of airlines and cable companies. Revenue streams are severely limited nowadays. There was a time when AT&T, Verizon et al. made a ton of money off of phone minutes, text messages, phone sales, and data. Now, that revenue stream has been limited to just data. And even then, Wi-Fi is squeezing a lot of profit out of service providers. Their response has been to introduce a no-contract leasing plan--a brilliant marketing strategy. Service providers are getting rid of the derided two-year contract--to great fanfare--and introducing an even bigger scheme into the fray: phone leases. iPhone buyers used to put out $200 to buy a phone and now are spending more money throughout the life of a phone to lease one.

I think Google is leading the charge against service providers--bloatware, massive delays in providing updates to consumers, poor customer service, abysmal technical support, and barriers to optimizing the battery life and data usage of phones--by selling the Nexus line directly to consumers. Nobody is saying (or at least I hope nobody is saying) that the Nexus line is going to outsell Apple or Samsung. Nobody is saying that service providers are sweating thinking about Google's direct-to-consumer model. However, it gets the conversation going about how phone manufacturers can reclaim agency over the smartphone market and deliver a better experience to consumers. As Apple starts implementing pieces of this model (they already are--iPhone repair through Apple Stores, for example), I believe it's going to revolutionize the market. By then, service providers will be on to their next profit-maximizing scheme (raising prices on grandfathered plans; increasing penalties for going over data; throttling unlimited data users; etc.), but at least phone manufacturers will again have control over their phones.

Your point is valid only if Google provides better customer service than provider. I dial 611 and get tech support. Granted it isn't always good tech support but I get a human who is sometimes helpful. Does Google provide this level of service? I there a tech support phone number I can call without jumping through hoops or waiting for call backs and get answers to questions? That isn't a rhetorical question. I have never bought a phone from Google so I don't know. I would be more likely to purchase from Google if I can get more than a reference to their website or an offer of an rma. Sometimes all you need is a little help. Often I will say to myself I should've known that. I've done that before but finding the answer in a forum could take hours or even days of searching or waiting for help.

I am intrigued by the possibility of trying a phone on T-Mobile. A Nexus might be just the thing to try with. If I purchase directly from Google what kind of customer support may I expect from them? I don't know anybody who has purchased that way.

 

[nrfitchett4]

I hate to say this, but the Nexus nor any smartphone is the iPhone. The same rules don't apply to them.

I will also add this; if you want iOS on your smartphone you have to buy an iPhone. You don't have to buy a Nexus to experience Android. You have so many other choices. So, tell me. If the average consumer is looking to buy a smartphone that isn't an iPhone do you believe that consumer would purchase a smartphone they haven't seen, touched, played with? A device they have to order and wait for it to be shipped? And pay the full price up front? Or... Go to the store up the street? Pay minimal cost up front? Have a chance to see, touch, and play with the smartphone that you have seen in numerous TV commercials? Buy accessories then and there? Have the screen protector put on for them? And walk out the door that day with their new device that has been set up for them already by One of the associates there?

The average customer does what in your opinion? And it you want to sell, make a profit, gain popularity, you must appeal to the average person. Reference Apple.

The last smartphone I bought from a carrier store in person was the HTC HD 2. Since then I have bought online only: HTC HD 7, HTC Thunderbolt, HTC Rezound, HTC Droid DNA, Samsung Galaxy Note 2, HTC One M7, LG G2, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Ascend Mate 2, and Moto G (2015).
I don't know anyone who goes into carrier stores anymore.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[nrfitchett4]

Your point is valid only if Google provides better customer service than provider. I dial 611 and get tech support. Granted it isn't always good tech support but I get a human who is sometimes helpful. Does Google provide this level of service? I there a tech support phone number I can call without jumping through hoops or waiting for call backs and get answers to questions? That isn't a rhetorical question. I have never bought a phone from Google so I don't know. I would be more likely to purchase from Google if I can get more than a reference to their website or an offer of an rma. Sometimes all you need is a little help. Often I will say to myself I should've known that. I've done that before but finding the answer in a forum could take hours or even days of searching or waiting for help.

I am intrigued by the possibility of trying a phone on T-Mobile. A Nexus might be just the thing to try with. If I purchase directly from Google what kind of customer support may I expect from them? I don't know anybody who has purchased that way.

That is a good point. People have had problems with Google support in the past though I haven't had great support from the carriers either, requiring multiple calls and escalating tiers to get simple problems solved. I think it's an area that all could be better at.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[WeAreAllUnique]

The last smartphone I bought from a carrier store in person was the HTC HD 2. Since then I have bought online only: HTC HD 7, HTC Thunderbolt, HTC Rezound, HTC Droid DNA, Samsung Galaxy Note 2, HTC One M7, LG G2, Samsung Galaxy Note 3, Ascend Mate 2, and Moto G (2015).
I don't know anyone who goes into carrier stores anymore.

Posted via the Android Central App

That's not reality.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[Crashdamage]

If you dial 611 for support for a Nexus phone you'll get basic support unless it's a Nexus 6, because T-Mobile sold the N6. By basic support I mean general, non- device specific support. T-Mobile's reps will politely help with generic email setup, APN setup, stuff like that. But if you have a question about when your Nexus 5 will get Marshmallow or can your new 6P do WiFi calling you'll be outta luck.

You can't blame them, really. It's hard enough doing tech support for the dozens of phones they do sell, never mind the hundreds more they don't.

 

[hpilot]

I still disagree. I doubt that the average consumer cares much about bloatware. I don't believe the average consumer follows the updates, what they bring, and / or when the new updates are coming out. I doubt the average consumer wants to buy something as personal and important as a smartphone without handling it first. If the Nexus line does not sell through carrier stores at one point, the Nexus line will die out.

As long as there are enthusiasts, it will not die out. That's really who it is made for. The reason I bought this phone is that carriers did not put their paws on it. They don't have to sell as many as the iPhone to keep them coming.

 

[WeAreAllUnique]

As long as there are enthusiasts, it will not die out. That's really who it is made for. The reason I bought this phone is that carriers did not put their paws on it. They don't have to sell as many as the iPhone to keep them coming.

I hope you are right. But I didn't think it was a good sign that carriers decided not to sell it.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[atg284]

I'm seeing advertisements on TV for the new Nexus lineup so that will probably help. I will be curious to see how the 5x & 6P will stack up against yesteryear's sales numbers.

 

[WeAreAllUnique]

I'm seeing advertisements on TV for the new Nexus lineup so that will probably help. I will be curious to see how the 5x & 6P will stack up against yesteryear's sales numbers.

Without carriers selling them, I would imagine sales would be worse.

Posted via the Android Central App

 

[atg284]

Without carriers selling them, I would imagine sales would be worse.

Posted via the Android Central App

Does anyone know why the carriers are not selling them?

 

[mogelijk]

I hope you are right. But I didn't think it was a good sign that carriers decided not to sell it.

Posted via the Android Central App

My understanding is that it is the other way around, that Google decided not to let the carriers sell it. The big issue for Google, not having to produce carrier specific builds of Android for the various carrier sold devices, as well as keeping the Nexus bloat free.

 

[Almeuit]

My understanding is that it is the other way around, that Google decided not to let the carriers sell it. The big issue for Google, not having to produce carrier specific builds of Android for the various carrier sold devices, as well as keeping the Nexus bloat free.

This.