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Google plans to start selling its own mobile phone directly to consumers as early as next year, according to reports.
Sources told the Wall Street Journal that the device, called Nexus One, was designed by Google and will initially be sold online, rather than through a mobile carrier. However, the sources added that the firm may seek partners in the future.
While the firm has not commented officially on the reports, an official Google Mobile blog post said a new device Android device was being tested to "experiment with new mobile features and capabilities”.
According to the WSJ’s sources, the Nexus One has a touch screen and a few buttons along the bottom. The people added that the phone is being manufactured by Taiwan-based HTC.
Unlike other Android phones, Google reportedly designed practically every aspect of the device’s software, from applications to the look and feel of each scree.
The firm’s plans to sell the Nexus One itself are unusual in the US, where mobile phones are typically sold locked to one network. Google has reportedly kept at least two US carriers abreast of the plans for its device.
