Google Nexus One Unlikely On VerizonGoogle Nexus One Unlikely On Verizon

Verizon Wireless is unlikely to carry Google's Nexus One anytime soon.

In launching the Android-based smartphone in January, Google said the device would be available through Vodafone in Europe and T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless in the United States. On Monday, Google cast doubt on the latter carrying the Nexus.

While announcing that Vodafone has begun taking pre-orders for the smartphone, Google said Verizon Wireless subscribers interested in smartphones running its Android operating system should consider HTC's Droid Incredible, which is set to be available in stores April 29.

"In the U.S., if you've been waiting for the Nexus One for Verizon Wireless network, head over to http://phones.verizonwireless.com/htc/incredible to pre-order the Droid Incredible by HTC, a powerful new Android phone and a cousin of the Nexus One that is similarly feature-packed," Google said in its Nexus One blog.

No further explanation was given, but in an interview with Bloomberg, a Verizon Wireless spokesman confirmed it didn't plan on carrying the Nexus One. "Obviously, if they want to do business with us or sell the device, we're open to that," Marquett Smith said of Google.

Vodafone, which owns Verizon Wireless along with Verizon Communications, plans to start selling the Nexus One in stores in the United Kingdom April 30. Soon after, the company plans to start selling the device in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Spain. Vodafone is Google's first European partner.

The announcement marked a change in Google's online-only approach to selling the Nexus One.

Verizon Wireless's plans to offer the Droid Incredible, not the Nexus One, still gives the service provider a strong Android-based offering. According to reviewers, the Nexus One and the Incredible are comparable, with the latter surpassing the Google phone in some features, such as a better camera and more built-in storage. One advantage of the Incredible is HTC's Sense user interface, which has gotten good reviews for ease of use in accessing online services, such as social networks.

The Nexus One is available for $179 through T-Mobile with a two-year subscription to the carrier's data service. An unlocked version of the smartphone is available for $529 and can also be used on AT&T's network. Sprint has announced that the smartphone will be available on its network, but hasn't said when.