We've only just witnessed the launch of the much anticipated HTC Desire, and now another phone brand has committed itself to the Android platform for 2010.
Announcing new Android phones this week, Motorola spokesperson said the company "will launch 20 devices this year", and "the majority on Android."
The first of these will be the new Dext and Backflip handsets, available April 9, which boast free social networking as their main selling point. As is the current trend, both phones include a special feature (called Motoblur) which lets you view and update Facebook, Twitter, email and texts using the one interface, instead of loading each app separately.
Interestingly, both phones incorporate physical keyboards as well as touchscreens, confirming that the hybrid keyboard phone is not going away anytime soon.
The Backflip
This phone is particularly interesting. We first spotted it at CES in January, and noted the interesting folding hinge design - instead of a slideout keyboard, the entire keyboard flips around so you can hold it vaguely like a mini laptop, or if you prefer like a candy-bar phone (the keyboard buttons deactivate in this mode). Because the keyboard takes up one whole side of the phone "chassis", you get bigger buttons instead of the tiny ones on some slideout keyboards.
On the not-so-great side, both the Dext and Backflip use the older 1.5 version of the Android operating system, and lack some advanced features like multitouch.
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| The hinged design of the Motorola Backflip allows for a larger keyboard |
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| A reverse view of the Backflip - the rear panel is also a touchpad |
Dext and Backflip features
On the plus side, the new Motorola phones offer handy features, including:
- As with MobileMe, Motoblur users get the ability to find your phone on a computer via GPS if it's been lost or stolen.
- Backflip and Dext users will also have their user login details for all their registered accounts (Facebook, Twitter, email etc.) backed up online
- Dext phones can be remotely wiped if stolen.
- Both feature WiFi, 3.5mm headphone jacks, and a 5MP camera.
Single inbox
The single access point approach is something we're seeing on other phones (including HTC's Friendstream service). By uploading all your account details in the Motoblur service (if you have enough trust), it looks like Motorola are hoping this will en courage you to stick with their phones in the future.
Upgrade to a new Motorola phone in the future, and in theory, you'll just put in your Motoblur login, and you'll be connected again to Facebook, email etc.
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| The slideout keyboard on the Motorola Dext |
Also interesting is the new Optus 'yes' Social plans, which include data, voice calls, as well as unlimited access to social networking. Interestingly, the official press announcement also states that Optus plans include unlimited Youtube.
Android in 2010
We had mixed feelings about last year's Android handsets. But things are improving with the new crop, including the upcoming arrival of HTC's Desire.
The only catch with some of the new Android phones is that some are locked to certain carriers. HTC's Desire is available exclusively from Telstra from April 27, though the Telstra tie-in is only definite for three months.
While we're very impressed with the Desire, consumers need to purchase a $60 plan with Telstra, with data costing more. If you're put off by this, the Dext will be $49 per month on a 24 month Optus plan with 500MB of data per month, while the Backflip will be on a $59 plan over 24 months with 1GB of data.
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