Is Google's Nexus One a smartphone game changer?

Is Google's new Nexus One a smartphone game changer? What will be the market share impact of the Nexus One vis-a-vis the Blackberry, Pre and iPhone? Is the greatest opportunity for the Nexus One in the enterprise and or the consumer market? How rapidly will the new "superphone" gain traction in international markets, especially East and South Asia? And, what will be the response of Android OS OEMs selling their own smartphones?

These are just some of the critical questions facing Google, HTC and T-Mobile as they bring the Nexus One to market. For now, here are some of the key features from Google's announcement. Are they bona fide "differentiators" or mostly "me too" specs?

The Nexus One runs on Android 2.1, a version of the platform's Eclair software. It offers the following features:

Speed

• Snapdragon processor capable of speeds up to 1GHz

Voice-enabled keyboard and commands

• Voice-enabled keyboard for all text fields: speak a text message, instant message, or complete an email
• Voice commands: search Google, call contacts, or get driving directions by speaking into your phone
• Use voice shortcuts in noisy environments with an additional mic allowing for active noise cancellation

Personalization

• Dynamic, interactive, live wallpapers react to the touch of a finger
• More widgets and 5 home screen panels allow for further device customization

Camera-quality pictures and video

• 5 megapixel camera includes LED flash, auto focus, zoom, white balance and color effects
• View pictures and Picasa Web Albums in the 3D Gallery
• Record Hi-Res MPEG4 video and upload to YouTube in one click

Read your voicemail

• Get transcribed voicemail with Google Voice integration, without changing your number

Share your thoughts with our Smartphone Product and Service Forum.