More
    HomeNewsGoogle 'superphone' launched

    Google ‘superphone’ launched

    -

    Vodafone gets European deal

    Google has officially launched the much anticipated Nexus One smartphone rival to the iPhone.

    Manufactured by HTC, the Nexus One will only be available through Google's own website.

    Dubbed a 'superphone' at the launch, Google says it is aiming to challenge Apple's iPhone and offer consumers 'a new way to purchase their mobiles'. At the launch in California, Google unveiled a website where consumers can buy the phone without a carrier. However, Vodafone will offer a subsidised version of the Nexus One to become the first operator to sell the new handset in Europe. 

    In the US, Google will be offering two versions of the Nexus One that will give people the option of selecting the wireless networks of other major carriers. Consumers can buy the Nexus One for $179 if they commit to a two-year service contract with T-Mobile USA.

    The Nexus has a slightly larger screen than the iPhone with a 3.7 inch 480 x 800 OLED capacitive touchscreen and there is no physical keyboard. It is also slightly thinner and lighter than the iPhone. The phone is powered by the Snapdragon 1 GHz core processor, and has a removable battery, 4 GB Micro SD storage card which is expandable to 32 GB and a 5 megapixel camera. Google says the phone's battery gives it up to 7 hours talk time, 250 hours standby and 5 hours of browsing.