While there's no doubt that Google's been enjoying the success of its Android mobile operating system, the company has announced more direct plans of attacking currently market leader, Apple.

To compete against Apple in the hardware department, Google has designed a smartphone that it plans to sell direct to consumers as soon as next year. Unlike current Android phones made by handset manufacturers, Google designed the entire software experience on their new device (which they're calling the "Nexus One") from the preloaded applications to the look and feel of each screen.

Initially Google was taking a new, and potentially risky, approach to selling its smartphone. Rather than offering handsets through carriers as is the case with most mobile phones sold in the U.S., it planned to sell the Nexus One itself online. Consumers would then have to subscribe to the carrier of their choosing on their own.

But according to the latest news, Google is also looking to line up carriers to help sell its smartphone similar to the business-model rival Apple uses to sell its popular iPhone in AT&T stores in addition to its own Web site.

The potential deal would allow consumers who sign up for T-Mobile service to buy the Nexus One at a discounted price. Pricing and finalized specs haven't been released yet.