Mobile Magazine » Andrew Anderson

Android 2.4 in May? Don’t hold your breath.

Andrew Anderson — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:40:03 +0000

Pocket-lint is reporting that Google will release the 2.4 iteration of Android in June/July. According to “multiple sources familiar with the matter”, there will be an announcement to this end at the beginning of May during the company’s IO conference. Android 2.4 will reportedly be dubbed Ice Cream (or potentially Ice Cream Sandwich) following on the heels of the launch of Donut (D), Eclair (E), Froyo (F), Gingerbread (G) and Honeycomb (H).

We’re confused at the version sequencing given that December’s Gingerbread was 2.3 and followed-up by Honeycomb (3.0) in January. It hardly makes any sense that Ice Cream (Sandwich) would roll back to 2.4 unless Google intends to divide smartphone Android and tablet Android into two different products. This notion was however put to rest in an Engadget interview with Honeycomb lead designer Matias Duarate where he specifically notes that Honeycomb is scalable to phones.

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NEC dual-screen tablet is best judged by its cover

Andrew Anderson — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 22:48:16 +0000

Designed to run independent applications that can run at the same time, at first glance the Cloud Communicator looks and sounds interesting. On the inside it’s powered by an ARM Cortex A8 processor which should provide somewhere in the neighbourhood of 1GHz of processing power. It also comes with the standard user-facing camera and a trio of wireless connectivity options.

Now with everything going right on the hardware we can’t figure out how NEC fumbled the screen so poorly. Rather than deliver multi-touch displays that are the new norm in this technology, the Cloud Communicator display is based on resistive technology coupled with stylus input.

The OS is courtesy of Android but details are vague as to which version it’s running, we expect Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) but will wait to hear more on this front. NEC provides access through the device to their own Android application market known as andronavi which is interesting but hardly a game-changer.

Lastly, battery life clocks in at a paltry 5 hours which seems ridiculous but when you factor in dual 7” screens it’s slightly more understandable. There is a single-screen Android tablet that was also launched by NEC at CES, the LT-S Cloud Communicator, which has somewhat better battery life but is still delivered with that disappointing resistive touchscreen.

Oh, and if you thought the inclusion of the word “cloud” in the product name might include some cloud-based advantages to these devices like Chrome, NEC failed to mention anything in that vein so don’t hold your breath.

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Motorola Xoom Android 3.0 tablet is best at CES 2011

Andrew Anderson — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 22:58:15 +0000

The Motorola Xoom tablet powered by Google’s tablet-specific Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) topped the polls and was named the best gadget at CES 2011. Combining beautifully-crafted hardware and the right OS, we couldn’t agree with this assessment more.

On the outside the Xoom looks like everything we’ve come to expect from a tablet – 10.1” display with 1280×800 resolution, front (2MP) and back-side (5MP with flash) built-in cameras and weighing in at 1.6lbs. The back-side camera also captures video recording at 720p while the display playbacks video at an impressive 1080p.

However, it’s what’s on the inside of Xoom that made it the stand-out gadget this year. Before we get to the OS, it’s worth noting what’s powering it – the NVIDIA Tegra 2 dual core 1GHz processor. Including 32GB of user memory and 1GB DDR2 RAM the Xoom is built for speed and comfort. Motorola is also reporting battery life of 10 hours of dedicated video which really makes it a stand-out from many of the tablets we saw this year.

The Xoom will launch on Verizon 3G in Q1 of this year but will be upgradable to 4G LTE in Q2 which we think is a fantastic touch.

But what really makes Xoom this year’s stand-out is the OS – Google’s Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) software – that’s been specifically tailored to tablet hardware. In its third-version, Android seems to have shaken off its freshman and sophomore jitters and is finally being delivered with a unified aesthetic. For a product that’s been hounded with complaints about its lack of a consistant UI, this is a marked improvement.

Previous versions of Android have relied on physical buttons embedded in the hardware to navigate menus within the OS but Honeycomb does away with that in this iteration as the main navigation buttons – Home, Back, and Menu – have become digitalized as part of the touchscreen. This is an important improvement for the OS as it makes it a more universal OS that gives hardware manufacturers more freedom as well.

One of the most oft-mentioned highlights is the new Gmail widget. It’s been a long time coming and is accompanied by new widgets for calendar, contacts, browser and a YouTube links.

“We took big risks and they paid off,” said Motorola Mobility chief software engineer Seang Chau. “We didn’t know if people would get it; but obviously they got it.”

It’s worth mentioning that Honeycomb is the first version of Android with barometer-support. This comes packed in along with the usual set of meters: accelerometer, magnetometer, ambient light sensor and gyroscope.

Foxconn and Catcher technology of Taiwan are also reportedly ramping up to supply parts for the Xoom. Details show that based upon orders placed with the vendors, Motorola plans manufacture between 700,000 and 1 million Xoom tablets before Q1 of 2011 is done. Now that’s a huge feat which sounds plausible considering the attention the Xoom got at CES. Google Android is taking tablets beyond the capabilities of Apple’s iPad.

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Expect dual-core smartphones and tablets from Samsung at Mobile World Congress 2011

Andrew Anderson — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 08:17:12 +0000

With CES ending Samsung seems to be packing up and getting ready for the next big event: Mobile World Congress 2011 in Barcelona Spain.

Using the last major news day of CES as a platform to garner some early attention for that event, Samsung’s mobile business President, JK Shin, said that eyes should be on Samsung February 13^th for an announcement on dual-core smartphones and new tablets. Perhaps feeling a bit sheepish for showing up to the CES tablet fight with a tablet-PC hybrid, Samsung seems quick to let the market know that they still have some artillery in store for the next big show.

Saying Samsung is “in a position to supply 4G smartphones and tablets to all the carriers in the US”, Shin said, indicating that they would provide hardware capable of running on both LTE and WiMAX 4G networks.

Unsurprisingly, Shin pointed to increasing growth in the smartphone market indicating they expected the market to continue to grow over 2011 as feature phone sales taper off. They also expect the tablet market to grow but at the sake of lower-end laptop and netbook sales.

[PC Mag]

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FUjifilm brings FinePix X100 35mm looking retro 12MP digital shooter to CES

Andrew Anderson — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 19:17:18 +0000

Truth be told, I’m a sucker for a beautiful camera. And Fujifilm’s FinePix X100 is something I can’t stop thinking about. Announced in September of last year, and now taunting us once again at CES 2011, the FinePix x100 is a beautiful piece of hardware, combining digital power with beautiful retro good looks that we can’t wait to get our hands on.

The 12-megapixel DSLR contains a hybrid optical viewfinder that overlay’s information like an EVF but is still a real image. The lens is 23mm F/2 which was evidently custom-made for this particular body and sensor. The camera will shoot 5FPS and the built-in ISO ranges from 200 to 6,400 (but expandable to 12,800), plus video shoots at 720p which is fantastic.

Last but not least you can’t help but be impressed with the 800×600 pixels in the 2.8” LCD screen. To put that into context, the pixel density is similar to the iPhone 4.

But even ignoring all the wonderful stats, just look at it! The classic design and lines on the body are stunning. The composition is largely metal which will certainly give it a nice feel and harkens back to a great generation of camera technology.

If you’re at CES it’s worth checking out for yourself otherwise it should be available for purchase in the early part of this year. We have no doubt it’ll be snatched up by hipsters and cameraphiles alike.

[CrunchGear via FinePix x100]

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Sony prototype headset personalizes a 3D experience

Andrew Anderson — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 16:52:32 +0000

While tablets were by far the showcase product at CES 2011, there were some interesting 3D products, following up on the technology’s dominance of the show last year. Included in that would have to be Sony’s personal 3D headset prototype.

Totally reminiscent of Geordi LaForge’s visor in Star Trek: TNG, the headset overcomes some of the traditional roadbloacks with 3D eyewear. By using active shutter glasses and incorporating two OLED displays (1280×720 pixels each) Sony has overcome the crosstalk issue experienced on 3D TVs.

What makes these so personal is that each set is manually calibrated to the user using a dial on the unit. Sound is also individualized, as the headset simulates 5.1 channel surround sound on integrated earpieces.

The prototype was essentially on for show, as there is no way to keep it on your face without holding it, but Hiroshi Yoshioka (Sony’s Executive Deputy President) revealed that he used the headset to play Gran Turismo 5.

[Tech Tree, Gizmag]

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LG Optimus Black is slimmer than all: even iPhone 4

Andrew Anderson — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:59:06 +0000

The technology pendulum never stops swinging. There was a time when the race was on to make the smallest phones possible and then manufacturers went off Atkins and they all blew up into today’s smartphones. LG is swinging back the other way with their latest and thinnest: the Optimus Black.

While it’s no Motorola Razor, Optimus Black has shown up at CES at only 9.2mm thick — which makes it the world’s thinnest “mobile device” (for now) — having just eeked out the iPhone’s 9.3mm. She also tips the scales at only 109g, which is feather-light for this category (by comparison the iPhone is 137g). LG hasn’t sacrificed what’s important to users to hit these benchmarks as it boasts a 4-inch NOVA screen which makes it easy to view in direct sunlight.

It will have a front-facing camera built-in too for those who love the video chat, alongside a 5 megapixel rear camera, and will also be the first smartphone with Wi-Fi Direct. Other than that LG is pretty shy on the details so we don’t know what kind of engine is powering this skinny little thing, but keep your eyes peeled as further details should emerge during Q1.

Apparently coming out in the first half of 2011 Optimus Black is something to look forward to but for some unknown reason it will be launched with Android 2.2 (Froyo) instead of being sent direct to market with 2.3 (Gingerbread).

So now that LG has set the new benchmark for “thin” we have a feeling the other smartphones at CES will be skipping the Bellagio’s all-you-can-eat buffet, at least for a few meals.

LG introduces next generation smartphone design and display with LG Optimus Black

New LG Optimus Black Delivers Breakthrough NOVA Display Technology in the World’s Slimmest Smartphone Device

LAS VEGAS, Jan. 5, 2011 – LG Electronics (LG) announced today it will unveil a new Android smartphone, LG Optimus Black, at the 2011 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) from January 6th in Las Vegas. Providing users with a dramatically brighter 4-inch NOVA display in the world’s slimmest 9.2 mm mobile device, LG Optimus Black creates a one-of-a-kind user experience unlike anything before.

Available for the first time in the mobile market, LG Optimus Black’s NOVA display is designed to be the brightest, clearest and most readable among mobile screens with 700 nits of brightness for optimal visibility. LG Optimus Black provides users with an easier and more natural experience when browsing the web, reading emails, or writing documents with higher levels of brightness and pure white tones that deliver true black and white colors for ideal handset viewing. NOVA technology featured on LG Optimus Black also enables users to maintain visibility whether indoors or outdoors under strong sunlight.

In addition to greater luminosity, the NOVA display on LG Optimus Black also radically reduces power consumption by 50 percent during general indoor use compared to a conventional LCD. Similarly, AMOLED consumes twice as much power as NOVA to display a full white screen, the most frequently used color scheme for web browsing. Combined with the 1500 mAh battery of the LG Optimus Black, users will have enough power for their daily needs, even at maximum brightness settings.

Users will never be out of style with the LG Optimus Black’s ultra slim 9.2 mm design. Making a strong visual statement, LG Optimus Black weighs only 109g and offers sleek lines and smooth edges that improve handheld grip. Tapering down to the world’s thinnest smartphone profile of 6.0 mm, LG Optimus Black’s subtle back arch helps to create the illusion of even greater slimness. Unique to the LG Optimus Black, the flush and flawless finish of the front display is achieved by innovatively hiding the Invisible Receiver behind the edges of the phone.

“We are excited to introduce this stylish new Android smartphone and expect the LG Optimus Black to play a key role in the mobile market,” said Dr. Jong-seok Park, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “LG Optimus Black reflects our core strengths of advanced technology, in both display and design, offering the world’s brightest screen and the world’s slimmest design in an attractive and smart package.”

The LG Optimus Black also offers a set of smarter features designed for easy and faster access to important apps and content. Optimus UI 2.0 lets users directly access messages, emails and missed calls from the locked screen with just one single finger tap. The Gesture UI offers more intuitive commands, including lifting, shaking and tapping, for taking calls, entering camera mode, or enjoying music. LG Optimus Black also introduces the world’s first Wi-Fi Direct™ for quick and high-quality data transfer between mobile devices and adopts the world’s first 2MP front-facing camera.

All LG Optimus Black features are available on the Android 2.2 Froyo platform with Android 2.3 Gingerbread upgrade capability. Utilizing the 2MP front-facing camera, LG Optimus Black allows users to utilize video telephony functions of higher quality after upgrading to Android’s Gingerbread.
The LG Optimus Black will be rolled out globally in the first half of 2011.

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Samsung’s Infuse 4G: Android infatuation

Andrew Anderson — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 13:01:11 +0000

Dear Samsung,

Thank-you for the Infuse 4G.

First of all, that screen. That beautiful 4.5-inch display may as well be made of diamond we love it so much. Super AMOLED Plus means 50% more pixels, and that doesn’t just mean we like it, we love it.

Secondly, 1.2GHz? Are you even kidding me with that? Am I seriously holding the fastest Android phone to date? Does it have a chair app? Because sweet Jesus I need to sit down.

Thirdly, my goodness what a body. One touch and I know this isn’t some cheap phone you pick up on the corner. Your phone feels like the definition of craftsmanship and makes the Nexus S and Galaxy feel second-rate. And while we thought LG’s Optimus Black was thin, the Infuse 4G is incredibly sleek and the thinnest with Android.

And finally, thank-you for front (1.3MP) and rear-facing (8MP) cameras, they make me feel tingly inside. Like we need to video call our grandmothers just to see how wrinkly they are.

For all the above we’ll forgive the TouchWiz UI on top of the Android OS, but you had no choice in the matter.

Yours truly,

[Gizmodo, Android and Me]

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Android-powered Recon goggles make snowboarding digital

Andrew Anderson — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 04:46:37 +0000

Don’t you hate it when you’re out snowboarding and it isn’t at all like playing a video game? All that hard work and none of the data like speed, altitude or temperature flashing in front of your face. Well, pick up your thermal socks because Recon Instruments has announced their next generation technology at CES 2011!

The follow-up to Recon’s launch last year – alpine goggles with GPS data viewable through the head mounted display – the next generation Recon Transcend is going to pack even more information into the LCD display. Get ready for data on speed, latitude/longitude, altitude, vertical distance travelled, total distance travelled, chrono/stopwatch mode, a run-counter, temperature and time.

While this may seem like overkill there are actually some really cool features to Transcend beyond the standard ‘meters’. First of all, we really like the Bluetooth capabilities that let you interface with your Android phone to display CallerID, text messages and music playlists right on the LCD display. There are also some really cool applications around integrated maps and buddy tracking allowing you to access direct-to-eye trail maps and even your friends and family on the hill as well as in backcountry.

Perhaps on the overkill side is the video integration that allows you to connect wireless video cameras to the micro LCD display within the goggles as the viewfinder for the camera. But when you see how many people have cameras strapped to their helmets and the sheer volume of badass ski and snowboard videos on YouTube even that’s a pretty sweet feature.

Last and certainly not least, is the news that Recon intededs to create an open SDK for the goggles; expect to see even more Android-powered apps catered to this hardware and market coming soon. Oh, and Recon have teamed with established goggle manufacturers like Uvex, Alpina and Briko who all have “Recon ready” apparel that you can just snap-fit the technology into.

The goggles are navigated using a wireless remote which can be fastened to your body in lots of places but we see this as their only technological shortcoming. Here’s hoping the next generation allows for optical controls.

Stay tuned for information on release date and pricing.

[Gizmodo via Recon]

Recon Instruments Announces Next Generation Technology

Recon-Ready goggles to boast buddy-tracking, integrated maps, and Bluetooth connection to wireless video camera and smartphone
Las Vegas, January 6, 2011 – CES Best of Innovations winner Recon Instruments has announced its next generation technology today. The new platform will fit into various established brands’ Recon-Ready goggles frames and include even more game-changers than before. This comes on the heels of this season’s immensely successful release of Transcend, the world’s first alpine goggles with GPS data viewable through a head mounted display.
Transcend gives real-time feedback to the user via a micro LCD display including speed, latitude/longitude, altitude, vertical distance travelled, total distance travelled, chrono/stopwatch mode, a run-counter, temperature and time. It is also the only pair of goggles that boast GPS capabilities, USB charging and data transfer to the post-processing software, Recon HQ. Transcend was launched in October 2010 in collaboration with high-end optics partner Zeal Optics, and can currently be seen at resorts and in the backcountry around the world.

Recon Instruments’ next generation of direct-to-eye communications technology will boast a number of additional groundbreaking features. Recon Instruments’ award-winning technology will be available separately from the goggles and ‘snap fit’ into a number of Recon-Ready partner brands including Uvex, Alpina and Briko.
Users will be able to navigate through the state-of-the-art interactive widescreen LCD in real-time with the use of a wireless remote which can be strapped, clipped, or fastened to the body in any number of secured and convenient positions.
Next generation Recon technology utilizes the Android operating system which will allow Recon Instruments, or other application developers, to create a suite of downloadable apps to personalize their goggles and entire alpine experience. An open API will be offered and Recon will host apps for free or at a low cost at Recon HQ Online later in 2011 (www.reconinstruments.com).

Integrated Maps and Buddy Tracking
Recon Instruments will offer the first pair of goggles with a real-time navigational system. The user will be able to locate friends and family on the hill and also navigate their way through unfamiliar resorts across the globe with easy to use, direct-to-eye trail maps with the help of the world’s largest backcountry and resort map bank from partners such as Mountain Dynamics.

Bluetooth Smartphone and Video Integration
The next generation technology will also incorporate Bluetooth capabilities allowing the goggles to connect to the user’s smartphone, the first of its kind. Music playlists, caller ID and text messages will be viewable hands-free, direct-to-eye on the hill. The Bluetooth feature will also connect with wireless video cameras so the user can utilize the micro LCD display within the goggles as a viewfinder for the camera, another first.
Recon HQ, the user’s base of all activity, will play host to software upgrades and application downloads and will continue to be the log of all activity throughout the season.

Dan Eisenhardt, CEO of Recon Instruments said, “We are proud to follow the successful launch of our first innovation, Transcend, with our next generation technology platform for the Recon-Ready program. The market was crying out for navigational maps, buddy-tracking, smartphone capabilities, and wireless video camera capabilities for hands-free, safe, and fun use in alpine environments. Our answer is to revolutionize the way we use goggles and head-mounted displays, and we are delighted to bring all these features, and more, to fruition.
“Zeal Optics has been the perfect partner, introducing Transcend to the market with unprecedented success and we look forward to growing our family of world-class partners with Briko, Alpina and Uvex.”

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Motorola debuts Droid Bionic for Verizon and Cliq 2 for T-Mobile

Andrew Anderson — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 02:11:05 +0000

Hot on the heels of the announcement of Motorola’s PC-Smartphone hybrid Atrix 4G for AT&T yesterday, the manufacturer has two other smartphones on show at CES, but this time for Verizon and T-Mobile.

As one of the first LTE hardware providers for Verizon’s 4G LTE network the Droid Bionic falls in line with a lot of the technology we’ve seen so far this year at CES: dual-core, Cortex-A9, NVIDIA Tegra 2-based. With a 960×540 screen the display is fantastic which is nice for taking advantage of features like video chat.

It is a bit thicker than previous generations due to the LTE capabilities so bear that in mind. The Droid Bionic also comes with an HDMI output which lets you watch stored video and play games on a big screen but apparently it will not allow you to play video through apps like Netflix or Hulu which is a letdown.

Neither Verizon nor Motorola have announced pricing or availability dates, so hold your horses on the Droid Bionic.

The Cliq 2 has been developed for T-Mobile and the first thing that strikes you is the layout of the sliding keyboard. It’s got more of a honeycomb kind of membrane but is surprisingly comfortable and easy to use as the keys are domed and have a large surface area – a nice touch for users who hate typing on small keyboards.

Inside it’s running a 1Ghz processor which provides plenty of juice. The screen is a good 3.7” 854×480 and its wireless capabilities include 802.11n with Wi-Fi calling, Bluetooth and 3G. Its internet speed clocks in at 10.1Mbps which is higher than the original Cliq’s 7.2Mbps but slower than alternative T-Mobile HSPA+ smartphones.

Playing around with the phone it’s got a couple of nice touches like the ability to switch between work and home modes with each having its own wallpapers, email accounts and settings. There’s also the ability to organize apps into folders which is pretty nice if you’ve got lots of apps.

Motorola says the Cliq 2 will be out June 19^th for T-Mobile customers but pricing is still unknown.

Verizon Wireless and Motorola Mobility Announce DROID™ BIONIC on Nation’s Fastest, Most Advanced 4G Network

New Android Device Combines Dual-core Processor with Fastest 4G Network for Unrivaled Mobile Internet Experience

Jan. 05, 2011

LAS VEGAS and BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Wireless and Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE: MMI), today unveiled DROID™ BIONIC, a powerful new Android™ smartphone.

Packing a dual core processor with each core running at 1GHz, delivering up to two GHz of processing power, and 512 MB RAM, the sleekly designed DROID BIONIC smartphone with 4G LTE delivers a mobile Internet experience that’s up to 10 times faster than 3G. This means consumers can stream their favorite music and the latest TV shows with unparalleled quality experience. DROID BIONIC also races through loading of complex web pages and media that take advantage of Adobe® Flash® Player and HTML5, rendering graphics faster than previous generation single-core devices.

Motorola’s DROID BIONIC gives new meaning to the word “socialize” by delivering multiple ways for customers to stay connected. With the device’s front-facing VGA camera and See What I See video feature, consumers can share experiences – either via Wi-Fi or 4G – with family, friends and co-workers. A rear-facing 8-megapixel camera also allows consumers to capture their favorite pictures and videos.

DROID BIONIC’s multiplayer gaming capabilities allow consumers to challenge friends to live peer-to-peer gaming, viewed through the device’s 4.3-inch qHD quality screen that delivers console-quality graphics. DROID BIONIC’s HDMI connectivity also enables consumers to connect the device to their HD televisions to experience their favorite games, as well as purchased HD content, in full 1080p. And for multi-taskers, DROID 4G’s Mirror Mode function enables simultaneous streaming of video to the TV and on the device.

As a fully featured work device, DROID BIONIC comes equipped with corporate email, remote wipe and data security and encryption capabilities IT departments appreciate. DROID BIONIC also features productivity tools such as Quickoffice® for document review and editing, full calendar management, one-click access to conference calling, and a full suite of Google applications and services.

“DROID BIONIC brings to life the speed and power of Verizon’s 4G LTE network, giving consumers an unrivaled mobile experience,” said Marni Walden, vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless. “Whether downloading movies in minutes, connecting with friends or co-workers through video conferencing, or blazing through the Internet, Motorola’s DROID BIONIC is what the 4G LTE experience is all about.”

“DROID BIONIC is the epitome of speed, providing consumers with instantaneous access to their personal and work content, anytime and anyplace,” said Alain Mutricy, senior vice president of portfolio and device product management, Motorola Mobility. “By combining such a powerful mobile device with the performance and capabilities of Verizon’s 4G LTE network, we’re empowering consumers to define how they want to live their mobile lifestyles.”

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network, launched in December 2010, is the fastest, most advanced 4G network in the United States, providing speeds up to 10 times faster than Verizon Wireless’ 3G network. Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE Mobile Broadband network currently reaches one-third of all Americans, with plans to expand the network to the company’s entire 3G coverage area over the next three years.

For more information about Verizon Wireless’ 4G LTE network, visit www.verizonwrieless.com/lte and for more information about Verizon Wireless at CES please visit www.verizonwireless.com/ces or follow us on twitter at www.twitter.com/verizonwireless.

For more information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s fastest and most advanced 4G network and largest and most reliable 3G network, and serves more than 93 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 80,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About Motorola Mobility
Motorola Mobility, Inc. (NYSE:MMI) fuses innovative technology with human insights to create experiences that simplify, connect and enrich people’s lives. Our portfolio includes converged mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets; wireless accessories; end-to-end video and data delivery; and management solutions, including set-tops and data-access devices. For more information, visit motorola.com/mobility.

Motorola Mobility and T-Mobile Announce Motorola CLIQ 2™

With advanced corporate features for work, and social and entertainment capabilities for play, CLIQ 2 is designed to help users never miss a moment

Jan. 05, 2011

LAS VEGAS – CES – Jan. 5, 2011 — Motorola Mobility, Inc., (NYSE: MMI), and T-Mobile USA today announced the upcoming availability of Motorola CLIQ 2™ with MOTOBLUR™, a 3.7-inch touch-screen smartphone with a slide-out keypad that allows users to play hard and work hard. CLIQ 2 is the latest example of the powerful devices you can expect from Motorola that combine Android™ software and MOTOBLUR social connectivity, with the addition of new business-ready functionality.

“Smartphone users are constantly looking for a device that suits all of their needs, whether they’re in the office or at home with their families. CLIQ 2 is what these consumers are looking for, delivering on what it means to truly stay connected on their terms,” said Alain Mutricy, senior vice president, portfolio and device product management, Motorola Mobility, Inc. “With business-ready features and robust entertainment options, CLIQ 2 users will be able to make the most of every moment.”

CLIQ 2 is a 3G smartphone that benefits from faster speeds at no additional cost on the T-Mobile 4G network.* Paired with an ultra-fast 1GHz processor, CLIQ 2 is designed to keep up with the busiest careers and social lives. An intelligently designed slide-out keypad shortens the distance between keys and increases key size for fast text entry. Wi-Fi calling capabilities enable users to make calls over work or home wireless networks. CLIQ 2 helps users stay connected to their home, work and weekend lives. In addition, it helps manage them with three sets of customizable home screens that provide access to the applications, shortcuts and widgets they want, when they need them.

“We are excited to build upon the success of the original CLIQ, bringing the powerful combination of Android and social connectivity to our customers,” said Paul Cole, vice president, product management, T-Mobile USA. “With the addition of new business-ready features, the Motorola CLIQ 2 offers peace of mind with the ability to balance home and work life.”

Powered by Android 2.2, users will experience rich web content with Adobe® Flash® Player. Combined with easy access to more than 100,000 applications and games from Android Market™, the latest movie hits from the pre-loaded BLOCKBUSTER® ONDEMAND application, and favorite reads via the pre-loaded Amazon Kindle application, users can turn CLIQ 2 into an entertainment hub. CLIQ 2’s high-resolution 3.7–inch touch-screen display stretches from edge-to-edge to maximize media playback and web browsing. Share media on an even larger screen, as CLIQ 2 is DLNA-enabled, allowing users to stream and share content on other DLNA-enabled devices. In addition, customers can easily frame the moments captured on CLIQ 2 with the Print to Retail feature, which allows copies to be made at a local photo retailer.

For busy professionals, CLIQ 2 offers serious business functionality. Stay on time with robust calendar capabilities, which include the ability to propose new meeting times, reply and reply-all to groups, forward meeting notices and even check meeting participant availability. Stay connected with co-workers through the corporate directory, or network after hours by importing LinkedIn connections into the contact list. Users can work remotely on CLIQ 2 using Quickoffice® to view and edit important documents right on their phones. Even connect a laptop or other device to the Internet using CLIQ 2 as a 3G mobile hotspot or through Wi-Fi Sharing. Plus, IT departments will rest easy with advanced security features like remote locate and SD card wipe. Additional security features such as device and SD card encryption are expected to be available in early 2011.

CLIQ 2 also provides a helping hand with communication overload. MOTOBLUR helps manage email and social networking services right from the home screen without separately accessing Facebook® and Twitter®, among others. And, time won’t be wasted because customizable filters allow consumers to control the types of messages and updates displayed in their home-screen widgets.

Availability

Offered in a titanium hue with a smoke gray finish, Motorola CLIQ 2 with MOTOBLUR will be available exclusively to T-Mobile USA customers on Jan. 19 at T-Mobile retail stores, select dealers and online at http://www.t-mobile.com/cliq2-android-phone. To view images, please visit here

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