The HTC-designed Google Nexus One – pitted as a competitor to rival Apple’s iPhone – has been noted by one publication as having an unusual distribution arrangement.

Mobile Magazine said that the fact the Google Nexus is only available through Google’s online store is ‘risky’ shows how the organisation wanted to have control over the hardware.

But the Google Nexus hardware is currently at the centre of debate for other reasons. Apple has decided to sue handset maker HTC for allegedly infringing patented technology.

According to Apple, 20 patents for technology used in the iPhone have been used by HTC in the Google Nexus One, including in the hardware that Google appears to want to keep watch over via distribution.

Aside from the legal action with Apple, the only publication suggested that Google may have also "ruffled a few feathers" at alliance partners LG and Motorola.

"There was a time where Google would just distribute the Android operating system freely to handset makers like it was sending a saint into the world to remove the plague," it stated.

One reason for keeping distribution on a tight rein could be to play a bigger part in the "customer relationship experience". Google is trying to make a transition from online to a "physical business" and being the first port of call for the Nexus One is part of that.

Addressing its customers, Google recently announced that the Nexus One Desktop Dock can now be bought from its online store, allowing its mobile phone customers to charge their handset while still being able to access alarm settings, music, the weather and photo slideshows.

Telecommunications firm Nokia has announced the upcoming release of its 5230 Nuron mobile phone – a smartphone packed with applications and the latest technology.

The 5230 nuron features touchscreen ability and 3G, as well as Ovi Maps – a free navigation solution by Nokia.

Nokia suggests that the handset is the first to come with Ovi Maps installed as standard prior to purchase.

Ovi Maps allows users of the mobile phone to find the best routes – whether by road or foot – from any point, with a number of shortcuts available.

Other strengths of the model include its high download allowance and significant range of entertainment devices.

Nokia’s vice-president of sales Mark Slater says: "The Nokia 5230 Nuron is a great product of our collaboration with T-Mobile USA and provides consumers with more compelling mobile experiences as they navigate, watch video, play games and social network."

T-Mobile USA were invited to join the design process, with Mr Slater stating that the 5230 Nuron is the "great product" of Nokia’s collaboration with the American firm.

"Many of our customers are looking for smartphones that deliver a great mobile web experience with access to games and applications, all at an affordable price," asserts Travis Warren, director of product marketing at T-Mobile USA.

The 5230 Nuron also offers users the chance to check the weather forecast several days in advance and to update their location via Facebook at any point.

Last week, Nokia announced that its popular X6 mobile phone will shortly be available to customers on the network 3.

Fans of the 3 network will now be able to get their hands on the Nokia X6, which has been made available by the telecommunications firm.

The handset boasts a 3.2-inch touch screen designed especially for browsing the web and social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter as well as providing a way to view the photos taken on the device’s five-megapixel camera.

Applications for the Symbian mobile include a free turn-by-turn satnav and a portable version of the popular music streaming service Spotify, while thousands of others are available from the Nokia Ovi Store.

Customers with 3 can still access network features such as unlimited Skype and Windows Live Messenger usage and for February and March it is free to use Twitter.

The handset is available for £25 a month on 3 through a package which offers unlimited internet and texts as well as 750 anytime minutes, or can be purchased on Pay As You Go for £299.99.

Sylvia Chind, head of branded devices for 3UK, said: "We’re really pleased to have the Nokia X6 on 3. Our network is designed for the mobile internet – this paired with the feature packed Symbian Nokia X6,will give our customers a great mobile internet experience."

The firm recently released an updated version of the Nokia 6303i Classic, which has been praised for its improvements by one expert.

Mike, a blogger for Nokia Conversations, said that the model "ushers in a few improvements" when compared with the traditional design, including those in the battery and messaging departments.

Mobile phone users are often known to use their handset while on holiday to phone home and check on relatives and offer updates on their break.

Now, with the holiday season a matter of weeks away, such people may wish to consider the advice of price comparison site moneysupermarket.com.

The site is offering a number of tips designed to help users get the best out of their device and contract while away.

It starts by suggesting that holidaymakers check with their network before departing the UK that they are on a roaming service – which takes into account their change in location.

Mike Wilson, mobile and broadband manager at moneysupermarket.com, says: "Calls can be more expensive in Europe. Before jetting off be sure to check with your operator how much calls and texts will cost and if there is a cheaper international tariff available to you while you’re away. Operators will still usually charge for receiving calls, as well as making them."

Turning a device off when it is not being used can help to avoid being charged for receiving calls and texts.

Another money-saving tip is that a quick call can often be cheaper than a series of texts – making the myth redundant that a call from another country will always be expensive.

The last of the pointers is aimed at holidaymakers who regularly visit the same place, who should invest in a local SIM card so that operations can be carried out at a local rate.

The Association of Independent Tour Operators this week stated that it believes more people will travel abroad during 2010 than in the previous year.

As the mobile phone industry continues to benefit from rapid advancements in technology and the range of functions and applications maintains its steady rate of expansion, owners of mid-range handsets could soon enjoy many of the specifications previously exclusive to smartphone users.

JBC, writing for the Nokia Conversations blog, admits that while mid-range devices may not offer state-of-the-art abilities, they are improving as smartphones push the bar higher.

The blogger states: "Sure, they might not boast all the features and functionality of top-end devices, but they’re bringing a wider range of apps and services to a much bigger group of people. And for that, mid-range classics, we salute you."

JBC goes on to nominate three Nokia classics as perfect mid-range mobile phones.

The first of these is the Nokia 6700 Classic – which is described as being particularly strong in the categories of value for money and flexibility.

Its understated design means it is unlikely to date quickly, while a metal finish adds toughness – making it an ideal long-term solution.

Secondly, JBC suggests the Nokia 5310 XpressMusic – its first venture in to the world of music-based handsets.

Due to the vast file capacity of smartphones, it has fallen in to the mid-range market, but could still be perfect for music fans searching for an affordable handset.

Finally, the Nokia 5230 is the firm’s cheapest touchscreen device and has "the look of a classic" – making it a smart mid-range option.

Nokia last week announced the re-release of its classic 6303i model.