Start
Well that didn’t take long today. There are already news reports that it’s official, with the biggest missing piece of the puzzle. Droid will be $199 on a two-year contract after a $100 MiR. Let’s hope stores such as Best Buy continue their tradition of making that a $100 instant discount and skipping the hassle. I’m sure more will come as the day progresses so check back often.
UPDATES:
I have added links to the official press release as well as details found about the accessories for the Droid, notably the Multimedia Station and the Phone Holder.
On the web:
http://www.droiddoes.com now forwards to this address: http://phones.verizonwireless.com/motorola/droid/
Droid’s official page on Motorola is back up as well at: Motorola Droid
Verizon Wireless Official Droid Press Release
For now, here is some interesting features to read through.
The Motorola Droid runs Android 2.0, with EVDO Rev. A on board for super fast 3G. GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.1+EDR and USB 2.0 will help it connect to whatever you can think to connect it to. The whole thing is powered by a Cortex A8 processor. Motorola said that the processor can hit a max of 600MHz, but its variable and will depend on demand for computing tasks.
The screen measures a whopping 3.7 inches, with WVGA (480 x 854 pixels) resolution. It has a 16:9 aspect ratio. Nice. The device measures 2.4 x 4.6 x 0.5 inches, and weighs in at 6 ounces.
The camera rates 5 megapixels and has image stabilization, dual LED flash and autofocus. It can capture DVD-quality video (720 x 480 pixels) at 24 frames per second. The phone will be packed with a 16GB microSD card, which is quite generous.
On the messaging side of the equation, it has support for multiple Exchange, Gmail, and POP3/IMAP email accounts. It also supports SMS, MMS, IM and visual voicemail. All this, and over-the-air syncing. Motorola claims up to 270 hours of standby time and 6 hours, 25 minutes of talk time on the 1400 mAh battery. Not bad, but the Motorola CLIQ didn’t live up to its claimed talk/stand-by times.
Of course, it will integrate with many of Google’s services, such as Maps, Search, Talk, Voice, Contacts, Calendar, Gmail and the Android Market.
Driving Directions
One of the most interesting new features is a beta version of the Google Maps Navigation application which will be preloaded on the device. The Maps navigation app will let users route directions and view them in 3D, and will also offer voice and turn-by-turn directions.
Get where you need to go with Google Maps Navigation (Beta): DROID is the first device with Google Maps Navigation, providing turn-by-turn voice guidance as a free feature of Google Maps. It’s powered by Google and connected to the Internet. Use voice shortcuts and simply say “Navigate to [your destination],” and you’ll be on your way. See live traffic, use Street View or satellite imagery to view your route, and get access to the most recent maps and business information from Google Maps without ever needing to update your device. Engadget has a whole series of screenshots available detailing some of the awesome features of Google’s beta nav app.
Google Maps with Turn by Turn Directions - Beta
Video as well:
MultiMedia Station
Here is some information on what they are calling the Multimedia station:
A. Weather
B. Music
C. Slideshow
D. Brightness
E. Alarms
Notes:
If your phone is locked while on the multimedia station, press the Menu key to see the clock.
When you connect the multimedia station to a computer, you may need to install drivers on your computer.
To download drivers, visit www.motorola.com/support.
The device will be available November 6 for $199.99 with a new contract.
Verizon Wireless said that the partnership between Google and Verizon will be a multiyear partnership and any Android devices launched by Verizon Wireless will run under the Droid moniker. We’ve heard rumors that other devices running Android on Verizon’s network would be Droids as well. So it looks like the rumors are true. Welcome all Droids.
via informationweek
Droid for AT&T
Don’t worry all you on AT&T, you too can have some Droid love. Apparently, the AT&T friendly version of the Droid appeared to get approved from the FCC, with AT&T 3G network bands. My only question now is, where is the T-Mobile love? Seeing as how T-Mobile was Android’s early adopter, you’d think their would be some reciprocity.
via mobilecrunch
