The big news this week is that the Google Nexus S, by Samsung, is now available.  It’s sold exclusively at Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores.  You can buy it carrier unlocked (no A&TT 3G) and without a contact for $529.99.  If you want to sign up for a new T-Mobile contract you can get the phone for $199.99.  However, you can only buy it on contract at Best Buy stores that sell T-Mobile.  Don’t want to hassle with finding the right store?  Buy it online and get free express shipping!

See the ninja unboxing video here.

Development

• Android Developers Blog: Analytics for Android Apps
• Google App Inventor beta now available to all
• WindowBuilder becomes new open source project – Google Open Source Blog

OS News

• 2.3 will land in the AOSP soon, proper Gingerbread ROMs to ensue
• Windows Phone 7 getting major “Mango” update in August September?
• Hewlett Packard files trademarks for Gyst, Myte, and Veer: new Palm models?

The Web

• Facebook Adds Facial Recognition to Photo Tagging
• Google Creates A Better Way To Turn IE Into Chrome: A Business-Ready Windows Installer

Apps

• Introducing the Google Latitude app for iPhone
• Voice Search gets personal
• SkyFire For iPad Goes Gold, Gets Shipped Off For Apple’s Approval
• Finally, Professional Social Network LinkedIn Gives Users An Android App

Carrier News

• Sprint Awards $250,000 in 4G App Challenge
• T-Mobile, Nokia Siemens Submit Specifications for Long Term HSPA Evolution

Devices

• T-Mobile Shaves $50 Off Galaxy Tab and Vibrant
• Big Google TV Update Brings Overhauled Netflix, Resizable Dual View, and Google TV Remote App
• HTC’s Peter Chou Confirms LTE Handsets for Mid 2011
• Best Buy Announces Free Overnight Shipping for Nexus S on December 16

Friday Visualization

Facebook put out this neat friendship visualization map. (thanks Jared)