Google Nexus One Garnering Heavy Criticism Over Fees, Tech Support

It's only been a week since its release, but already it seems the Nexus One's pink fluffy cloud has dissipated. Practically since the moment the first consumer got his or her hands on the device, complaints have come flying from all directions.

The first of those complaints, and perhaps the most worrisome for the average user, is the device's reportedly flaky 3G connection. Google support forums are filled with tales of the smartphones constantly switching between 3G and EDGE, or failing to pick up a 3G signal entirely. And these all came from areas in which T-Mobile supposedly has solid 3G coverage. Further exacerbating the problem is confusion over where to turn for technical support. Although customers are buying the phone directly from Google, the search giant is currently offering support solely via e-mail. T-Mobile isn't selling the phone, so it's pointing customers to the phone's manufacturer, HTC. Bewilderingly, HTC is then directing the disgruntled users back to T-Mobile, since HTC isn't able to test potential network issues.

To make matters worse, consumers and activists are complaining that Google has apparently imposed a $350 ETF (early termination fee) on subsidized phones purchased with T-Mobile service. That fee applies if service is canceled within the first 120 days (to help Google recoup the cost of the phone). The problem is that T-Mobile imposes its own ETF -- one that can amount to $200. That means a customer who cancels after the 14-day trial period -- but before the fourth month of service -- could be hit with $550 in penalties.

Consumers aren't the only ones upset, either. Developers are frustrated that, even though Google has unleashed Android 2.1 on the world with the Nexus One, it took almost a week to update the SDK (software development kit) to reflect the latest OS. Android 2.1 packs enough user interface changes and enough new features to make it significantly different from the 2.0 version that first shipped with the Droid just two months ago.

We expect many of these issues will be ironed out shortly. Google has invested a lot in this new way of selling phones, and doubtless has no desire to see its experiment fail. And that's not to mention that Android's success rests on the support of developers; their happiness should be almost as high a priority as the customers'. [From: PCWorld and Engadget]

Tags: android, complaints, google, htc, nexus one, NexusOne, smartphone, T-Mobile, top