Google Game Changer

Google has changed the landscape of the Internet. And it's no surprise that they are expanding to change more industries including Internet/Television Providers and automated vehicles. It is obvious that Google has major influence in the mobile market with its Android OS. But it has been becoming more transparent that they want to disrupt to change the mobile experience than with just the operating system.

With the acquisition of Motorola earlier this year, they have been pushing to eliminate the two year contact plan that most Americans are on. Let's be clear that Google's attempts to provide unlocked phones at a "reasonable" cost began prior to buying Motorola especially with the groundbreaking price of the Nexus 4 (at $350). And recently, the Nexus 5 was released at the same price point as the Nexus 4. Google looked to change the "culture" of the mobile market with the Moto X which is software and hardware in perfect harmony. Even with the customization and manufacturing in the US, at $550 ($650 at release), the specification-obsessed consumers will most likely not buy it.

Motorola introduced the Moto G at the price of $179 without any subsidies. If you are one of the few individuals looking to buy a unlocked phones and weren't buying a flagship phone for over $600, you know how terrible that market is. Unlocked phones for under $200 have been been absolutely abysmal (you probably know BLU products).  Moto G breaks that mold with a great screen and a pure Android experience but contains a low-quality camera (5 megapixels).

It is no doubt the Moto G is an affordable phone. But consumers like to have the top of the line hardware and value; that still may go to the Nexus 5 and goes without much competition. But places that sell phones are definitely not helping Google's cause to help decrease unlocked phone prices. This is undeniable when you look at the prices at the stores for the Nexus 5, Sprint and Best Buy states retail price is $449; they will sell you the phone at that price if you go without a contract extension. Originally Best Buy set it at an ridiculous price of $799. If you look at RadioShack, you may find the "retail price" even more outrageous.

With the Nexus 5 initially selling out within 2 hours of the announcement, it is no doubt that Google is continuing to make an impact on how consumers purchase phones. Too bad Verizon bands are not support by the Nexus 5; Verizon customers seem to be stuck with the old expensive unlocked model (for now).

It'll be interesting to see how Google will continue to make that push and more intriguingly how Google will keep other phone makers from becoming jealous of the close relationship with Motorola.