Google Debuts New Mobile Phone

U.S. search engine giant Google has unveiled its first mobile phone in an effort to compete for a share of the so-called smartphone market dominated by Apple's iPhone.

The phone launched Tuesday, called the Nexus One, runs on Google's own operating system called Android and features a touchscreen, as well as 3-D graphics. 

Consumers can purchase the Nexus One for $179 if they commit to a two-year service contract with wireless provider T-Mobile USA. 

The phone will also be available at a later date to consumers who want to use a different provider, such as Verizon Wireless in the U.S. or Europe's Vodafone.  The price for this "unlocked" version is $529.

With Web users increasingly using their phones to browse the Internet, the Nexus One allows Google to compete with rival iPhone maker, Apple, as it seeks to keep its dominance in Internet search.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and AFP..