While the Nexus One was only available online, in the United States the Nexus S from Google and Samsung will be available exclusively through Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile, both in store and online.

Nexus S is available after Dec. 16 in all Best Buy big box stores, the 157 Best Buy Mobile specialty stores and on BestBuy.com. Customers can purchase Nexus S for $529 as an unlocked phone without a contract. Nexus S optimized for T-Mobile USA?s network is available for $199 with a two-year service agreement and qualifying voice and data plan.

"Android-based smartphones are consistently among the top sellers at Best Buy Mobile," said Scott Anderson, head of merchandising for Best Buy Mobile, Minneapolis. "For Nexus S, we fully expect excitement to build and build leading up to the launch of the device."

With the addition of Nexus S, Best Buy Mobile now offers more than 20 Android phones across all four major carrier networks, a line of accessories for the devices and mobile associates trained to provide support and guidance.

Nexus S also is launching in all Best Buy and Carphone Warehouse stores in Britain later in December (see story).
 
Nexus S is the world?s first mobile phone to feature a four-inch contour display.

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Mobile Marketer?s Dan Butcher interviewed Mr. Anderson. Here is what he had to say:

What is Best Buy?s strategy behind its partnership with Google for the Nexus S smartphone launch?
Bringing Nexus S to Best Buy Mobile is an extension of the customer promise on which we have developed this business.

It is about the best choice of smartphones, networks, operating systems and accessories, straightforward pricing, impartial, informed advice and someone to truly be there for the life of the phone.

As we have seen already, we expect to see a tremendous amount of excitement around Nexus S specifically as the most advanced Android smart phone and first to feature Gingerbread.

For Best Buy, we are thrilled to help Google bring this phone to market.

Consumers will be able to visit all of our Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile standalone stores to see and feel the Nexus S.

In addition, we offer an array of services aimed at making it as easy and simple as possible to purchase a device like Nexus S.

Walk Out Working is the perfect example of this, as we make sure customers are able to use their new smartphone?for phone calls, email or social networking, whatever?before they even leave our stores.

We have invested a lot of time and resources to ensure people get the smartphone and support that is right for them, and we expect to see significant consumer excitement focused on Nexus S.

This is a groundbreaking mobile device that you have to see to believe, and that is exactly what people can do at every Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile location.

We could not be more excited to partner with Google and Samsung to launch this phone in time for the holidays.

What is Best Buy?s projections for prospects for the success of Android-based smartphones in general and the Nexus S in particular?
Android-based smartphones are consistently among the top sellers at Best Buy Mobile. We currently offer more than 20 Android smartphones across all major networks.

For Nexus S, we fully expect excitement to build and build leading up to the launch of the device.

Final Take

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