Google has begun selling mobile phones directly to consumers, taking on hardware makers like Apple in an effort to dominate the burgeoning mobile internet space.

The Nexus One, based on Google's Android platform, will initially only be available to those in the US, Britain, Singapore and Hong Kong.

It will sell for $US529 outright and $US179 on a two-year contract from T-Mobile in USA.

A Google spokeswoman said the company wanted to roll out the device "gradually" in order to receive feedback and ensure the ordering process was smooth.

"The Nexus One also had to undergo certification in all countries we sell the phone in, and we wanted to ensure that the import regulations didn't make the phone prohibitively expensive," she said.

Specifications

• Display: 3.7" AMOLED 480x800 WVGA display

• Thickness: 11.5mm; Weight: 130g

• Processor/Speed: Qualcomm Snapdragon(TM) 8250 processor, with speeds up to 1GHz

• Camera: 5 megapixel auto focus with flash and geo tagging

• Onboard memory: 512MB Flash, 512MB RAM

• Expandable memory: 4GB removable SD Card (expandable to 32GB)

• Noise Suppression: Dynamic noise suppression from Audience, Inc.

• Ports: 3.5mm stereo headphone jack with four contacts for inline voice and remote control

• Battery: Removable 1400 mAh

• Personalized laser engraving: Up to 50 characters on the back of the phone

• Trackball: Tri-color notification LED, alerts when new emails, chats, text messages arrive

Photo Gallery