Normally, it would be fair to laugh off any plucky startup’s misguided attempt to jump into the cutthroat smartphone business. But, given the pedigree of the executives and engineers at Nextbit, you at least have to pay them a modicum of attention. The company, which started out as a software startup focused on a cloud-based tool that allowed you to move files and settings between Android devices, has now turned its attention to hardware and intends to launch its own smartphone come September 1st.
Founded by Android veterans Tom Moss, Mike Chan, former HTC design chief Scott Croyle, and other employees from Apple and Amazon, Nextbit is backed by Google Ventures.
Tom Moss, the CEO, told CNET: “It’s going to be friggin’ awesome. Phone fatigue is a real thing. That’s why we’re doing something different.”
Nextbit’s new smartphone will reportedly target that new premium-but-still-affordable-tier pricing of around $300-$400.
Other than the price, Nextbit’s main selling point is that its phones will improve over time as software updates augment its performance and cloud services expand its storage. Chief technology officer Mike Chan added, “We’re focusing on a device that can adapt to you.”
However, as of now, nothing is known yet about the new phone in terms of its specifications and features. Previous reports have suggested that Nextbit devices will include Handoff-style software that allows users to save an app in whatever state it’s in and pick it up at the same point on other devices. The report points out that Moss and Chan were among the early members of the Android team, and they believe they’re the best-suited to use the operating system to enhance the hardware.
Since Nextbit is said to be virtually unknown in the smartphone industry, the startup will seek the help of social media to establish relationships with potential customers. Moss also clarified that the approach is simply a new opportunity for new brands like them to emerge.
