HTC-designed Google Nexus One in the spotlight

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.