Motorola and Verizon Wireless have unveiled Droid smartphone, which is powered by Google’s Android 2.0 platform and packs with features such as web browsing, voice-activated search, customisable large screen, access to Android applications and many widgets and 3G mobile network.
Sanjay Jha, co-chief executive officer of Motorola and CEO of Motorola Mobile Devices, said: “DROID by Motorola delivers a rich consumer experience with warp-speed Web browsing, a mammoth screen, and Motorola’s expertise in design and voice quality. Combined with Android’s open, flexible graphical user interface and the power of Verizon Wireless 3G network, DROID is a smartphone that simply doesn’t compromise.”
The company said that the new product features internet at 3G speeds via the 3G network or from Wi-Fi; a 3.7-inch widescreen; a 5megapixel camera loaded with dual-LED flash, AutoFocus and image stabilisation; integrated Gmail and Exchange e-mail; and Google’s just-announced Maps Navigation.
In addition, the Droid comes with pre-loaded applications and enhancements to Google mobile services including, YouTube, Google Talk, Android Market, calender, Facebook, Amazon MP3 store and Verizon Wireless Visual Voice Mail.
John Stratton, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless, said: “This is an exciting announcement for Verizon Wireless, as the DROID by Motorola is the first device that we are bringing to market under our ground-breaking strategic partnership with Google. DROID by Motorola gives customers a lifestyle device with access to more than 12,000 applications that will help them stay in touch, up to date and entertained, using the best 3G network in the country.”
The Droid will be available in the US exclusively at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online on November 6, 2009 for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement after a $100 mail-in rebate.
