Google 'iPhone killer' Nexus One unveiled today

After weeks of rumour, speculation and leaks, Google has finally today unveiled its first mobile phone - the Nexus One.

Although the San Francisco-based search giant is already at the forefront of mobile platforms with its open-source Android operating system, the Nexus One is Google's first solo foray into handsets. Now, in co-operation with Taiwanese handset manufacturer HTC, the company has created the Nexus One, already being referred to in parts of the press as the 'iPhone killer'.

According to Google's extensive product presentation, the new phone is intended to set a new standard in mobile phones, with the company attempting to coin a new phrase - the 'superphone'. It's 'the next step in Android evolution' and 'where web meets phone' according to the hype - but details are thin on the ground in terms of exactly what's so great about the phone itself - that we don't already have available in other handsets, that is. The Nexus One (named after a type of replicant in Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, in case you didn't already recognise the reference) is the same basic size and shape as an iPhone, has a 5 megapixel camera with flash, active noise cancellation and weighs in at around 130g.

Whilst the new handset is undoubtedly aiming to take a slice of the action away from the extremely popular iPhone, which has been dominating the market since its launch in 2007, there's nothing immediately apparant that makes it a better smartphone than its rival. Visually, and looking at basic specs the two models appear fairly similar, so in the end it may come down to more ephemeral things like status and brand loyalty to decide which handset is king.

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