Google Nexus Two is Coming

Google executive Andy Rubin has claimed the next version of the Nexus One will be aimed at enterprise users and could feature a physical keyboard.

Techtree writes that the follow-up to the Google Nexus One will feature a slide-out Qwerty keyboard, which was the most conspicuous omission from the Nexus One’s design. While it makes sense that Google’s first Android phone ditched the Qwerty – phones without them are a lot easier to keep slim and ‘sexy’ – we always expected that later phones would offer a physical keyboard.

What’s not clear at this point is whether Google will carry on using HTC as a manufacturing partner. At this point, the Android veteran remains the most logical choice. We’ll let you know more a soon as any rumours bolt out of the barn.

Rubin is vice president of engineering at Google, and oversaw development of the Android mobile operating system which powers the Nexus One - which was built by HTC.

While the Nexus One is widely regarded as a direct challenge to Apple's iPhone, the Nexus Two looks like it's being targeted at BlackBerry maker RIM, which has a strong position in the enterprise smartphone market.

Rubin made the comment during an interview with Wall Street Journal's Walt Mossberg at an event hosted by the newspaper.

The comment followed Google's announcement earlier this week that it would sell smartphones direct to consumers via its website, and would look to open up the store to other models, and possibly netbooks, later in the year.