Google's highly anticipated smartphone, the Nexus One has finally been launched and is going to be available for sale directly from the Google website. The phone was unveiled by the heads of Google, Larry Page and Sergey Brin, at the Google UK and US headquarters simultaneously.

Unlike other smartphones that are actually retailed by mobile network operators, Google will be exclusively selling their first mobile phone. According to them, this would strengthen their ties with the customers. However, the device will also have contracts with network operators and will be available SIM-free too.

The Google Nexus One is said to be available with T-Mobile contracts in the US and will soon also have Vodafone contracts in the UK. The price of the handset is said to be £331.

A high-end, feature rich gadget, the Nexus One will sport some nifty functionality. This Android 2.1 based phone is a touchscreen device which lets you access the internet, social networks, email, play games, use Google services and more.