Google cuts web sales for Nexus One

Google is closing down online sales of its Nexus One smartphone.

The company said Friday that it would be shutting off the device's online store and relying entirely on stepped efforts to sell Nexus One through retail outlets.

The online store will be redesigned as a gallery for various handsets built on Google's Android platform.

"While the global adoption of the Android platform has exceeded our expectations, the web store has not," wrote Google vice president of engineering Andy Rubin in announcing the change on the company's blog.

"It’s remained a niche channel for early adopters, but it’s clear that many customers like a hands-on experience before buying a phone, and they also want a wide range of service plans to chose from."

Google first released the Nexus One in January. While the device had been closely followed in the press, initial sales of the device fell short of analyst expectations. However Google has said the phone is profitable.

Other Android handsets, however, have faired well in the market and the platform was recently said to have passed Apple's iPhone for the #2 spot in US market share.