The long awaited Google Nexus S has finally arrived, just in time for the Christmas season. Starting December 16, 2010 the phone will be available unlocked at Best Buy USA for $529.

There aren’t too many “ground breaking” phones these days since the iPhone and its touch screen revolutionized the smart phone industry. Still, the Nexus S does pack some interesting features:

Near Field Communication

This is what might revolutionize the industry. NFC will allow you to swipe your phone for anything from payments to tickets. This convenience will be greatly appreciated once the industry adopts the

Front Facing Camera

The front facing camera will allow this phone to compete with iPhone 4 and its Facetime capabilities. Will we see a Google Talk with video/voice?

Battery life

The 1500 mAH battery allows up to 29.7 days on 2G for standby. That’s pretty impressive. A 14 hour 2G talk time is pretty good too.

Software

Google’s long awaited Gingerbread finally hits the market. With the decoupling of applications from the OS, we should see the quality of Android core apps skyrocket as they can be updated independently of the carriers and manufacturers who take forever to upgrade their phones.

Camera / Video

According to the Google Nexus S site, there is no mention of HD video recording. In fact, the 5 MP camera only shoots at a 720×480 video resolution. That is kinda disappointing. Then again, as a photog, I usually pack my dedicated cameras with me anyhow. Can’t expect too much out of what’s primarily a phone.

Or as my friend and I refer to it: as a palm top computer with some phone technology.

Super AMOLED screens, Anti-fingerprint display coating and the 1Ghz Hummingbird top off the list of features in this Google designed phone.

I’m a little disappointed that the tri-band HSPA comes in 900, 1700, 2100. Without a 850 or 1900 band to make it work with ATT or Rogers.

As I’m paying an arm and a leg right now with my carrier however, I might switch to Mobilicity or Wind for AWS and unlimited plans.

Throw in a slide out keyboard, and it would be the perfect phone!