It looks like the BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) 8520 will be getting an update that includes 3G connectivity, according to an internal Verizon (NYSE: VZ) newsletter, but details are scarce, aside from what we already know about the 8500-series Curves having Wi-Fi. The Curve2 likely has something to do with the projects code-named Essex or Atlas, which were meant to be a companion to the Tour that would have Wi-Fi (and the Essex specifically having a trackpad). However, I think the overall assumption was that either one would still be packing the Tour form factor, complete with nicer screen and camera. In any case, for those hungry for a Wi-Fi-enabled CDMA BlackBerry and can’t stomach the Storm2’s SurePress or won’t wait for an updated Tour, the Curve2 will be their only option. To get a feel for what the device might feel like, check out our BlackBerry 8520 review – just tack on Wi-Fi and likely OS 5.0.
Remember the Motorola (NYSE: MOT) Zeppelin we’ve seen in that leaked roadmap? Well, it has appeared in China all in its Android glory.
Apparently this baby it the world’s first dual-mode GSM/CDMA Android-powered smartphone, though we’re not sure China-specific CDMA will work on U.S. networks. However, since Moto managed to make such a device for the Chinese market, we’ve no doubts they could repeat that in the U.S. as well, and release a similar device on Verizon (NYSE: VZ) or Sprint (NYSE: S).
Feature wise, there’s a 3.1-inch HVGA touchscreen on board, HSDPA, WiFi, GPS, Bluetooth 2.1, FM radio, HDMI output (very cool), 5-megapixel camera with flash, and 3.5mm headset jack.
And that’s about all we got, plus the release date which is set for some date in the first quarter of 2010.
By now, you’ve probably heard of the Motorola Droid and how it’s going to rock Verizon (NYSE: VZ)’s socks with all kinds of Android goodness. Turns out, though, the “Droid” brand might represent more than just a model name for the Motorola (NYSE: MOT) Sholes/Tao. Word has it that Verizon will stamp their entire Android lineup with the “Droid” brand. The Verizon Motorola Droid will be the first in what Verizon wants to be a long line of high-powered Android phones. The second Verizon Droid? Well, we’re hearing that the HTC Desire will launch as the Verizon Droid Eris.
So, the Motorola Droid might kick off the attack as the “Droid.” And, according to Engadget Mobile, the HTC Desire will go live as the Droid Eris on November 8. The launch of the Eris (Greek mythology’s goddess of strife) should follow hot on the heels of the Droid (Sholes), which is expected to be unveiled on October 28.
The Motorola Sholes and HTC Desire are shaping up to be a pair of seriously cool Android phones. Watch out, it’s the attack of the Droids!
The Motorola Droid has so far only been confirmed for Verizon (NYSE: VZ) Wireless. In fact, the Droid could become a fantastic hit for Verizon when it launches later this year. But, that doesn’t necessarily mean Verizon will be the only carrier to offer Motorola (NYSE: MOT)’s high-end Android smartphone. Just last week we saw the Motorola Droid pass through the FCC with GSM frequency support, signaling Motorola’s intent to bring the Droid/Sholes/Tao to GSM networks. Today, the folks over at MobileCrunch have been tipped to some solid evidence that a GSM Motorola Sholes/Tao is headed to AT&T (NYSE: T) with full 3G support!
That’s good news for those you of out there impressed enough by Motorola’s Sholes to give the ailing mobile phone maker another chance at glory, but not willing to be tied to Verizon’s CDMA network. A GSM version of the Motorola Sholes probably won’t launch on AT&T with the Droid brand, but should hold onto all the good stuff that makes the Sholes a formidable player in the Android space – 3.7-inch touchscreen, 5-megapixel camera (with flash), 3G data, WiFi and GPS.
And, seeing as how AT&T’s version of the Motorola Droid will support the same 850/900/1800/1900Mhz bands that Rogers (NYSE: RCI) uses for their 3G network up in the Great White North, our Canadian friends have something to look forward to too!
Motorola is sprucing up the aura, because it just wasn’t nearly expensive enough at $2,000. With 34 diamonds encrusted around the circular display and 18 karat gold plating, the Diamond Edition certainly kicks up the swank a few notches. The hardware itself has had a lot of attention – 130 ball bearings move the front cover and the display lens is scratch-resistant and 62 karats, but when it comes to software, it’s not what you’d call a smartphone. This monument to opulence will run you £3500 ($US 5717) when it comes out October 26, but if you’re feeling extra-rich, you can nab Amosu’s even more diamond-encrusted aura (of which only 50 exist) for £4995 ($US 8160).
Not long ago the folks over at MobileCrunch received a package from Verizon (NYSE: VZ). The package featured the creepy/spooky red eye that the Motorola Droid is fast becoming known for. Could the Moto Droid be in the box? You’d certainly think so, right?
I’m not going to play spoiler here, so check out the video above to see what was found inside. Before you watch it, what do YOU think will be in the box? Leave your guess in the comments, and then hit play on the video. Do it! Do it now!
A huge high five to the folks at Verizon for this one.
Important note: One other fact we can pull from the video? The Motorola (NYSE: MOT) Droid should arrive on Verizon November 9th in November.
Depending on who you ask, the HTC Hero is one of the best Android smartphones available on market. And, new reports have HTC hustling to keep up with high sales demand. According to Digitimes, Jack Tong, HTC’s vice president of Asia Pacific says that high demand for the HTC Hero in Asia and Europe is making for some tight production schedules.
Thanks to its feature-laden spec-sheet and customizable Android UI infused with HTC’s Sense design philosophy, the Hero has commanded the attention of Android users around the world. The Hero, which recently launched in the US with Sprint (NYSE: S), sports a 3.2-inch capacitive touchscreen, 5-megapixel camera, 3G data, WiFi, GPS, microSD card slot and a 3.5mm headphone jack.
As one of this year’s most compelling Android devices, HTC expects to continue leading the pack. But, Tong says that “It will probably have to wait until the second half of 2010 to see who has actually won the market.”
Production for the Hero is expected to stay tight through the first quarter of 2010 as demand continues to remain high. It’ll be interesting to see how the launch of the Motorola Droid, Samsung Moment and Sony Ericsson XPERIA X3 will affect HTC’s Hero sales.
As we get closer to Verizon (NYSE: VZ)’s Motorola Droid launch, we’re going to start seeing more Droid-related goodies popping up left and right. Today, we’re treated to shots of third-party cases and promotional mailers for the Motorola (NYSE: MOT) Droid A855.
The promotional mailers highlight the Droid’s 5-megapixel camera capable of taking low-light photos and its uncompromising feature-set. There isn’t too much information in the promo materials, but it’s good to see the Droid getting ready to make a marketing push.
The Droid cases were spotted at Best Buy Mobile and show the “A855″ model number rather than the more recognizable “Droid” brand. Perhaps the cases went into production before the “Droid” name was unveiled?
If you were excited for the cliq, Motorola (NYSE: MOT)’s first Android handset and introduction of their custom blur user interface/service, you might want to check out these snapshots of the Calgary before signing a T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) contract. The Calgary looks a little different than the first couple of shots we saw, but definitely recognizable, and coupled with the Droid, and possibly the HTC Desire, Verizon (NYSE: VZ) will be a good home for Android in the near future. The Calgary is packing GPS, magnetometer, 3 megapixel camera, 3.5 mm headphone jack, Wi-Fi, and, of course, a full QWERTY keyboard. I’m digging the form factor – what do you guys think?
You may recall the Motorola CLIQ countdown… The mini-site over at T-Mobile (NYSE: DT) was counting down the days ’till pre-order, which was to commence October 19th. Well, as you are no doubt aware, the 19th has come and gone, and the CLIQ is indeed available for pre-order!
For all the details hit up T-Mobile. You’ll need to be an existing customer, and be eligible for an upgrade. If you meet the criteria, you can pick it up for $199.99 on a 2-year contract. If not, the Motorola CLIQ is coming to T-Mobile for ‘general consumption’ on November 2nd.
It looks like the BlackBerry (NSDQ: RIMM) 8520 will be getting an update that includes 3G connectivity, according to an internal Verizon (NYSE: VZ) newsletter, but details are scarce, aside from what we already know about the 8500-series Curves having Wi-Fi. The Curve2 likely has something to do with the projects code-named Essex or Atlas, which were meant to be a companion to the Tour that would have Wi-Fi (and the Essex specifically having a trackpad). However, I think the overall assumption was that either one would still be packing the Tour form factor, complete with nicer screen and camera. In any case, for those hungry for a Wi-Fi-enabled CDMA BlackBerry and can’t stomach the Storm2’s SurePress or won’t wait for an updated Tour, the Curve2 will be their only option. To get a feel for what the device might feel like, check out our BlackBerry 8520 review – just tack on Wi-Fi and likely OS 5.0.
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