Automatic Android backup service coming to Nexus One?

The Nexus One has yet to be launched by Google, but thanks to a leaky blogosphere we already know a lot about the upcoming Android phone that HTC built exclusively for Google. Just yesterday Gizmodo leaked some screenshots that confirmed the Nexus One‘s $530 unlocked and $180 T-Mobile subsidized price points, along with some juicy details about T-Mobile’s Nexus One rate plan. That was big news, not all that unexpected, but still big. So big, in fact, that we glanced over an interesting reference to “backing up your data” buried inconspicuously in those screenshots. Those few words might just mean Google will be bringing some sort of automatic Android backup service to the Nexus One.

In describing the details of the Nexus One desktop docking station, Google mentions that the dock can be used to “charge the phone while streaming music and backing up your data.” That last bit there is today’s fuel for the rumor mill. TechCrunch is speculating that the Google is getting ready to roll out a native Android backup service that possibly involves a desktop client.

Google already stores a lot of backup-able data in their cloud (Gmail, Google Contacts, Google Calendar, etc.), so the thinking is that a dock-based backup service would be more comprehensive. The iPhone, for example, backs up SMS text messages, apps, music and videos through iTunes. It wouldn’t be all that surprising to see Google offering a similar option for the Nexus One.

The less exciting possibility is that Google is referring to backup apps available on the Android Market. But, those apps don’t necessarily require that an Android phone be plugged into a computer or docking station.

We’ll have to wait for Google to release more information be we know more. The Nexus One’s rumored launch is slated for Jan. 5th, so expect more info on or before that date.

[Via: TechCrunch]