Google Nexus One UK launch set for April

Vodafone customers will have to wait a little longer to get their hands on the Nexus One

Google's much-hyped Nexus One smartphone is to launch in the UK in April, according to a report in The Daily Telegraph.

The web giant will be hoping that the device makes a bigger splash than it did on its US launch.

UK consumers can currently purchase an unlocked version of the phone from Google's web site, although the firm has been in discussions with Vodafone for some time about providing the device on contract to its customers.

However, despite Vodafone being keen on a March launch, sources close to both companies confirmed to The Daily Telegraph that April is the more realistic time for the UK launch.

The official Google site for the Nexus One still lists the phone as "coming soon to Europe" in spring 2010.

Despite huge expectations, Google's first own-branded device has met with a fairly luke warm reception from commentators, and has been beset with support and 3G connectivity issues.

Many users complained that it is unclear which company is responsible for customer support, the phone manufacturer, HTC, the US network carrier, T-Mobile, or Google itself.

Others complained about the slow response time to complaints, and the lack of a manned customer service support line, although this latter problem has now been addressed.

The web giant also released an over-the-air software update for the handset to enable new features and fix the widely reported connectivity problems, but sales remain sluggish compared to the huge numbers of iPhones that Apple shifted on its launch.