Internet giant Google's rival to the iPhone and Blackberry has gone on sale in the UK.

The G1handset uses Google's Android software and is being touted as a phone with the capability of a hand-held computer.

It will go head to head with Apple's iPhone, the Blackberry and other smartphones from makers including Nokia when it is released exclusively by T-Mobile today.

The G1 will be available for free on price plans from £40 a month.

The handset makes use of Google Maps, instant messaging through Google Talk as well as high-speed internet browsing and a 3-megapixel camera.

Despite the presence of queues of gadget fans outside mobile phone shops in central London, some believe the phone may struggle to compete with the iPhone.

Ernest Doku from mobile phone comparison website Omio.com, said: "Despite the popularity of the Google brand, the G1's design lacks the inherent 'cool' factor that made the iPhone 3G such a mass market success for Apple.

"The launch of the G1 is important not only because it's Google's first foray into the mobile market but because it's also the launch of an entirely new mobile phone operating system."

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