To build its first home branded Android handset, the Nexus One, Google teamed up with Taiwanese smartphone stalwart HTC. It's sales model was quite unusual, with Google bypassing the network operator store fronts to supply the Nexus One direct to consumers.

It had a few bumps in the road, but it must have been a success as Motorola has announced it'll be Google's next partner in a similar direct-to-consumer device.

Motorola made the announcement during an earning call, explaining that it's got at least 20 devices to launch alongside its Google venture.

Android phones have performed well for the company, with over 2 million Google OS-powered selling over the last year (especially in China, which the electronics company undoubtedly has its fingers crossed that it won't have an adverse effect on its relationship with Google).

Despite prolific smartphone sales, Motorola has still struggled to make a profit, and is presumably hoping that the massive promotional power of a Google partnership will help to turn its fortunes. Which it probably will.

This Google handset hasn't been confirmed as being part of the Nexus brand, though presumably that'll be a decision for the internet giant, and not the handset manufacturer.