Today, one of the worst kept secrets in mobile phone history is going to be revealed. The Google Nexus One phone will be unveiled (in about an hours time) . Set up against the rival iPhone, there are a number of key differences. The Nexus One is lighter and slimmer than the latest iphone, and sports a 5 megapixel camera (with flash).

The device is powered by the latest version of the Android operating sysyem (or CLOTCUD / CLOECUD if you boot the phone up upside down) - v2.1 . The device is based on HTC hardware. HTC have an already proven track record with the HTC hero, and the HTC Magic (which I'm currently using) so it makes sense to use HTC as the hardware supplier.

Specs are: 1GHz processor (snapdragon), 512Mb ROM, 512Mb RAM, up to 32 BG microSD card support, 3.7 inch 480 X 600 display, other hardware goodies include a light sensor, proximity sensor, accelerometer, however multitouch is not included with the device, despite the fact that android v2 supports multitouch.

The timing of the announcement comes shortly before the iphone OS 4.0 rollout in March, and there are rumours of a next gen iphone device available as soon as July.

Perhaps the main advantage of the google phone over the iphone is the fact that the nexus one will be sold sim free direct from google - prices expected to be in the £300 region - and cheaper versions will be available on contract. there will possibly be a free version with a 24 month contract at £25 per month with Vodafone.