Google Introduces Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) and Nexus S

So after a little set-back, the Nexus S is here. And so is the next iteration of Android: Gingerbread.

Google and Samsung introduced the latest Android OS and the first piece of hardware that it will come standard on at a joint announcement today. The Nexus S features a 1GHz Hummingbird processor, front- and rear-facing cameras, 16GB of internal memory, and NFC (near field communication) hardware. According to Google, it’s also the “first smartphone to feature a 4-inch Contour Display designed to fit comfortably in the palm of your hand and along the side of your face.”

Of course, the phone is automatically the latest, greatest Android phone thanks to the inclusion of Android 2.3. The new update will be faster and easier than past Androids and will get some updated features including Internet (VoIP/SIP) calling, NFC support, improved copy & paste and gyroscope support.

The Nexus S hits the market on December 16 for your standard $199+ T-Mobile contract. Like the Nexus One, you can also get the Nexus S unlocked for $529. [via Google]