Google’s latest weapon in the battle to halt the iPhone, the Nexus One, has gripped the industry following Google’s leak on the weekend that it was testing an advance version of its Android operating system.
In the latest revelation, the search firm is reportedly aiming for a two-track launch in January, selling it with a contract with US operator T-Mobile and an unlocked version.
Google has confirmed the early January sale date, but has not said whether the device would be sold by an operator. All Things Digital blog has also reported the T-Mobile tieup.
Sources close to the product say that it features a Snapdragon chip and a super high-resolution OLED touch screen, is thinner than the iPhone, has no keyboard and two microphones.
The handset will be manufactured by HTC, which also built the first Android handset, sources also say.
Leaked pictures of a prototype from device site Engadget reveal a similar look as the HTC Bravo.
The price points are also a mystery, suggesting Google will take gamble on going to market with carrier subsidies. Some pundits suggest Google might look at subsidizing the phone itself with an advertising-backed model.