Best Buy announces the exclusive North American launch of the new Nexus S smart phone, co-developed by Google and Samsung, the world’s most advanced Android smart phone.

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’s network is available for $199 with a two-year service agreement and qualifying voice and data plan.

Best Buy Mobile has rapidly become a leading destination for mobile technology purchases with the most smart phones under one roof. With the addition of Nexus S, Best Buy Mobile now offers more than 20 Android phones across all four major networks, a full line of accessories for the devices and highly trained mobile associates providing support and guidance.

Nexus S also is launching in all Best Buy and Carphone Warehouse stores in the UK later in December.

Nexus S is the world’s first mobile phone to feature a 4” Contour Display. Its unique design and curved display make it easy to use while the powerful 1GHz application processor combined with the newest version of Android 2.3 or “Gingerbread” means users will enjoy one of the fastest and most seamless user experiences available. The combined Flash and HTML5 technology means internet browsing is high-speed and sophisticated.

Additional Nexus S features include:
16GB of internal memory
Near Field Communication (NFC) technology, which allows users to read NFC tags
Front and rear facing cameras
Voice Actions allows users to text friends, search for and call restaurants and stores, write notes to self, receive step-by-step directions via Google Maps with Navigation and Latitude, and ring and email contacts just by speaking into their smart phone
Access to Google mobile services including Google Search, Gmail, YouTube, Google Calendar, Google Talk, Google Voice
Gyroscope support for enhanced gaming and motion detection
Nexus S, Google, Android, Google Maps, Google Search, Gmail, YouTube, Google Calendar, Google Talk, and Google Voice are trademarks of Google, Inc. T-Mobile is a trademark of Deutsche Telekom AG.

Samsung and Google today announced Nexus S, the world’s first handset to feature the latest version of Google’s Android platform. Powered by Android 2.3, Samsung and Google have packed Nexus S with powerful technology and the latest in hardware features.

Nexus S is designed with Samsung’s brilliant Super AMOLED touch screen technology providing a premium viewing experience. The 4-inch Contour Display features a curved design for a more ergonomic style and feel when held to the user’s face. Nexus S also features Near Field Communication (NFC) technology which allows you to read information off of everyday objects like stickers and posters that are embedded with NFC chips. Powered by a 1 GHz Samsung application processor, Nexus S produces rich 3D graphics, faster upload and download times and supports HD-like multimedia content.

Nexus S is equipped with a 5 megapixel rear facing camera and camcorder, as well as a VGA front facing camera. In addition, Nexus S features a gyroscope sensor to provide a smooth, fluid gaming experience when the user is tilting the device up or down or panning the phone to the left or right. Nexus S also comes with 16 GB of internal memory.

Android 2.3, Gingerbread, is the fastest version of Android yet. It features support for Near Field Communication (NFC), a new and improved keyboard with multi-touch support, Internet calling (VoIP/SIP support), and a clean new user interface. Nexus S also includes popular Android features such as portable Wi-Fi hotspot, true multitasking, access to Google mobile services such as Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps with Navigation, Voice Actions, Google Voice and YouTube, and access to over 100,000 apps and widgets on Android Market.

Nexus S can be purchased (unlocked) online and in-store from Best Buy retailers in the U.S. starting after December 16 and at Carphone Warehouse retailers in the U.K. after December 20.

Nexus S specifications

Network
2.5G (GSM/ GPRS/ EDGE) : 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz
3G (HSDPA 7.2Mbps, HSUPA 5.76Mbps) : 900 / 1700 / 2100 MHz

OS
Android 2.3 / Gingerbread

Display
4.0” WVGA SUPER AMOLED (800×480)

Camera
5.0 mega-pixel Camera + VGA front Camera, Auto Focus,
Self shot

Video
HD (720p@30fps) video playing, Video recording D1 (720×480)@30fps
mpeg4, H.264, H.263

Audio
MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, AMR, AMR-NB,

Value-added Features
NFC (Near Field Communications) capability
Android Market for more applications and contents
A-GPS
Gyroscope Sensor, Accelerometer, Digital compass, Proximity, Light

Connectivity
Bluetooth technology v 2.1 + EDR
USB v2.0 (High-Speed)
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n

Memory
16GB iNAND

Size
63 x 123.9 x 10.9 mm

Battery
1500 mAh