Google stops selling Nexus One online

In a blog post, Google said that the global adoption of Android had exceeded expectations, but that the web store had remained niche and customers wanted to get their hands on a device before buying it.

Andy Dubin, VP of engineering at Google, said: "We launched Nexus One in January with two goals in mind: to introduce a beacon of innovation among Android handsets, and to make it quick and easy for people to buy an Android phone."

"We’re very happy with the adoption of Android in general, and the innovation delivered through Nexus One. Already, a lot of the innovation that went into creating Nexus One has found its way into numerous Android handsets, like the HTC Evo 4G from Sprint and the Verizon Droid Incredible by HTC."

"But, as with every innovation, some parts worked better than others. While the global adoption of the Android platform has exceeded our expectations, the web store has not."

Google will be closing the web store and instead use it as a online shopping window.

But this will take time, as it wants to give customers more choice through retail channels such as Vodafone. It also wants to make sure these outlets are fully stocked.

Rubin said: "Innovation requires constant iteration. We believe that the changes we're announcing today will help get more phones to more people quicker, which is good for the entire Android ecosystem: users, partners and also Google."