Motorola announced the Motorola CITRUS and revealed the specs for this entry-level Android handset headed for Verizon. Previously identified as the Motorola Ciena, the CITRUS re-defines the term “entry-level smartphone” with a set of specs that are lower than low. This latest Verizon Android offering includes CDMA 1X/ EV-DO Rev 0 connectivity, a 3.0-inch QVGA touchscreen display, 3-megapixel fixed focus camera with digital zoom, 100MB on board storage, 2GB microSD card (up to 32GB supported), Bluetooth, aGPS, and Android 2.1 with MOTOBLUR.
In keeping with its promise to offer non-DROID handsets with Bing, Verizon has modded the core Android OS to its own specifications. The Motorola CITRUS will shed the traditional Google search and replace it with Microsoft’s Bing search engine. This controversial move will no doubt anger the Android fanboys, but will have little effect on the target users of this entry-level device. The typical CITRUS owner on Verizon will be a new Android owner who just moved up from a feature phone and will be happy with any search engine on their phone. Branding won’t matter as long as the phone is easy to use and works reliably.
While not for the power user, the CITRUS does have some features to make the phone easier to use including the BACKTRACK trackpad. First introduced with the BACKFLIP, the BACKTRACK is a touchpad on the back of the handset that lets users navigate the handset without obscuring the display with their fat fingers. The Verizon CITRUS is also gentle on the environment. The smartphone’s housing is constructed of 25% post-consumer recycled plastic and is PVC and BFR-free. If that is not green enough for you, the CITRUS is certified carbon-free and features eco-friendly packaging.
The specific launch date and pricing details are not yet available. All we have for you is a target launch window of Q4 2010. If you are interested in this Android offering from Verizon, stay tuned as we will have the details as they are released.
[Via Press Release]