How is a Nexus device "provisioned" when you buy it from Google? I noticed during checkout for the Nexus 4 that you are given the option to have it provisioned:


  When purchasing a Nexus device from Google Play, you'll notice a 'Link this device to my Google account' checkbox appear in your cart just prior to checkout. When you link a Nexus device to your Google account, we'll automatically send your name and username to the device when you first power it on. You'll just need to input your Google account password to get started.


I'm not sure if this is cool or creepy.  How does this provisioning happen?  I'm not concerned with what Google is doing on the server side so much as:


What is sent to the device?
Is it encrypted? 
How does the device receive/process the message? 


Is there a special service that sends my IMEI to Google and then receives the info back, or something?
I saw this, and also looked into it briefly.

Basically, as you are using your Google Account when buying the device, Google will link your Google account to your Nexus device at the factory, and send your details to your email address.

This means that the Google account setup is already complete when you receive the device, so you can download apps as soon as you turn it on and enter your password.

It is unlikely to be encrypted, however as the password has yet to be entered no sensitive information such as emails or card details can be access should someone else receive the device.