Google launches 'superphone'

Google launched its first branded "superphone" named Nexus One tonight.

The device was unveiled at an invitation-only global press conference at the technology giant's base in Mountain View in the United States.

The pencil-thin handset, billed as a point of convergence "where web meets phone", was built in partnership with HTC Corporation and uses Google's Android software.

Google said the new handset would be sold through its US web store.

Consumers can expect to pay 529 US dollars for the new "superphone" (approximately £330 plus shipping costs) or 179 dollars for a two-year contract with T-Mobile USA.

It will be available shortly through the Vodafone network in Europe and Verizon Wireless in the US.

The announcement is being seen as a strategic move by the search engine powerhouse to tap into increasing direct web use by mobile phone consumers.

The Nexus One handset has a 3.7-inch display screen and weighs 4.6oz.

Features include a five megapixel auto-focus camera with flash.

Andy Rubin, Google's vice-president of engineering, said: "The Nexus One belongs in the emerging class of devices which we call 'superphones', with the 1GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon chipset making it as powerful as your laptop computer of three to four years ago.

"It's our way to raise the bar on what's possible when it comes to creating the best mobile phone experience for consumers."

The handset runs on Android 2.1, a version of the platform's Eclair software, incorporating applications including Google Maps Navigation.

It also includes interactive wallpapers, such as rippling water and waves which react to the touch of a finger, and a weather widget to give users an immediate forecast for their precise location.

Phone users can use voice recognition for text messages, emails, Facebook updates and Twitter, as well as search Google, call contacts or obtain driving directions by speaking into the phone.