Google shows off Nexus One phone

Google unveiled its Nexus One smart phone Tuesday, showing off features, applications and performance the company claims push the possibilities of mobile devices.

Among the most notable features are voice control over such functions as e-mail and texting, ultra high resolution, 3D graphics and souped-up processing speed.

"It's the exemplar of what's possible on mobile phones through Android," said Mario Queiroz, vice president of product management. "The Nexus One belongs in an emerging category of devices, which we call 'superphones.'"

The handset is thinner than a pencil and features a 3.7-inch display screen. It has a one gigahertz processor, a 5 megapixel camera with LED flash and video, and a new version of Google's Android operating system.

Google is selling the phone at www.google.com/phone. It costs $529 without a service agreement or $179 with a contract through T-Mobile. Verizon Wireless will provide service for the phone in the U.S. this spring.