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Extract: According to Google, there are now more than 20 Android devices on 59 carriers in 48 countries, with more to be announced at the upcoming Consumer Electronics Show. Plus, Google has the satisfaction of having built a phone to its exact specifications. As Google's Android chief, Andy Rubin, said at the company's Tuesday press conference, "This the best possible Google experience."

Extract: Nexus One, which works on both GSM and CDMA phone networks, has a slightly larger screen than the iPhone, is capable of taking five-megapixel photographs and has the ability to record DVD-quality videos. The phone is also voice activated, allowing people to speak names, numbers or messages, which will then be turned into text by the phone and either dialed or e-mailed automatically. Similarly, by simply speaking an address, the phone's built-in GPS will find the location and provide directions. "It really brings the web, the computer and your phone together. That is where the Nexus name actually comes from," said Rozeluk. "A Nexus is really a convergence point. This is about making people's lives easier.

I think Google has done a great job of implementing USB devices on the Android as it's not just a smartphone OS, it can be extended as any kind of control device for many gadgets.

There's some good news for our phans who can't use Google Checkout in their countries (or aren't particular fans of it): PayPal has found a way to incorporate its payments system with Android and will soon be offered as an option in the Android Market. They expect the service to be ready in Q2 2010 (i.e. within a few weeks) and will support several countries starting out, including the United States, Australia, Canada, France, UK, Italy, and the Netherlands.