8 New Phones: (Mid-Range Roundup)

We’ve seen bunches of new phone announcements cross the MobileRoar desk recently, but many of them were shuffled to the bottom of the priority list due to the surplus of mobile news in the past week or so. SO without further adieu, lets take a brief look at some of the new/upcoming phones that slipped through the cracks.

Sony Ericsson TM506 for T-Mobile

To launch on T-Mobile’s 3G network in early September, this stylish little bugger comes in Black with Green or Black with Chrome/Orange. Its got a 2MP camera, A-GPS and Bluetooth 2.0 among other options. This is the first SE device to landon TMO in awhile… pricing is not yet set. (Source)

LG Invision for AT&T

The LG Invision’s (only) claim to fame is being the 3rd AT&T phone to support their Mobile TV service. There isn’t much exciting about coming after sloppy seconds, sporting a 1.3 megapixel camera and coming in at $99 with a 2-year contract. Its smaller than the Samsung Access and if you’re looking for affordable simplicity… with TV… here’s your guy.  [Source]

Sony Ericsson T700

The T700 is an affordable mid-range phone with a decent amount of features and thin frame. It has 3G connectivity, 3.2 megapixel camera, Bluetooth, USB connectivity and FM radio among other things. It’s estimated at around 200 Euro. [Source]

Motorola ZN200

GPRS, Bluetooth, USB, FM Radio, 2MP camera… you know, some of the standards of a decent phone. This isn’t anything ground breaking but its likely the low end model on Moto’s new “Zine” product line.

Motorola W396

This phone is living proof that phones with incredibly few features (usually) have at least two redeeming qualities: they are compact and light. The dimensions of the W396 are 95 x 45 x 17 mm and its weight is 88-94g.

Motorola W388

I’m getting tired of reciting specs, so lets just say that its a lot like the W396 but is candybar instead of clamshell… and leave it at that… [Source]

Motorola RAZR VE20 for Sprint

If you read this morning’s article about the NFL Mobile Live Application, and read it to the end, you probably noticed that the RAZR VE20 was mentioned as a suggested phone for the application. Just giving you the heads up… read that article for the specs and all [Source]

Nokia Navigator 6210

It is only available in India (at least for now) so don’t get your hopes up or anything. The Nokia Navigator is a dedicated nav device that will help both vehicular travellers and pedestrians find their way. Its built on Symbian S60 so their is some flexibility for 3rd party apps - big plus. Its about $430 unlocked. Head to GSM Arena for a full review. [Source]

Several Sprint-Nextel Phones Leaked

The Boy Genius got the scoop on Sprint’s upcoming device road map and it seems to be driving towards middle of the road handsets… at least as far as the leaked devices are concerned. Among those outed are the BlackBerry 8350i, Motorola v950, Motorola i576, Motorola i776, Motorola Monolith, Motorola Immersion and Sanyo Pro 410.

Here’s a peak at the leaked roadmap image from which this information derived:

We thought about writing up a little summary of each phone but realized that we didn’t care enough. But if you do, we’ve included a couple pictures below and you should visit the BGR post for the full scoop.

Motorola Atila Leaked (Alexander’s Brother)

Apparently Motorola’s last stand is a family affair. The Motorola Alexander, dubbed as Motorola’s last effort to resurrect their struggling handset division, will have a QWERTY-less brother launched named the Motorola Atila.

We’ve caught on to the codename scheme… Alexander the Great, Atila the Hun, Napolean the… Dynamite? Are these guys foreshadowing their own death? I mean, we know what has happened to every great empire in the history of human civilization - they’ve collapsed. And so will be the fate of Motorola if the Alexander and Atila don’t clean up in the sales department.

The Motorola Atila Specs you’ve been waiting for:

This thing looks like a freakin beast if we may say so ourselves. It doesn’t look super hot… but this is a story thats still developing. We’ll wait to make that judgment until we see one in the hands of a lucky boy or girl.

Here is the pic that got things rolling:

It’ll be interesting to follow this story…

[Via BGR]

Motorola Alexander Picture Leaked

Remember that Motorola phone that we were hoping might be an Android Phone? It’s not… its running Windows Mobile, has a 5-8 megapixel camera, 3D graphics chip, aGPS enabled and will come out in the 4th quarter of this year.

Here’s a real, live picture of the phone:

The buttons look a wee-bit spread out, which some of commented make it look like a kid/toy phone. Others have commented that it looks similar to the Verizon Blitz. Is this the type of thing which Motorola should be banking their entire handset division?

We think not. What do you think?

[Via BGR]

Moto U9 Unlocked For Use In US

Way back in the middle of May, Engadget wondered why Motorola didn’t offer the Moto U9 in the states. Well, they don’t have to wonder any longer. Motorola has just made an unlocked version of the U9 available in its online store (here) for $275.99.

It’s not going to blow anyone away, but its a solid alternative to the RAZR and PEBL with different stylistic features and pretty strong multimedia options and capabilities. Check out the official press release from Motorola below the pics:

Experience the Stylish Side of Music with MOTO U9
Now Available Exclusively through MOTOSTORE in the US Libertyville, Ill. - 29 July 2008 - Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today announced that the stylish MOTO U9 is now available unlocked for GSM networks in the U.S. exclusively through MOTOSTORE (http://www.store.motorola.com/U9). In addition to its curvaceous, graceful design, the U9 features an abundance of mobile entertainment features.

“MOTO U9 is a stylish phone, designed for trendsetters seeking to make a fashion statement,” said Pete Peterson, general manager, global ecommerce, Motorola Mobile Devices. “In addition, U9 delivers a dynamic music experience, allowing consumers to carry the music that moves them anywhere they go.”

Seamless, small and light weight, the chic U9 has been designed to fit perfectly in the pocket or hand. Its metallic gloss finish comes to life with animated screen savers that appear to “float” across the borderless external display. This display is not just for show; however, as touch sensitive, digital keys let users control their music player from the outside.

In addition to the external music keys, the U9 delivers a robust suite of mobile music capabilities:

  • Easy transition from phone to music and back again, MOTO U9 allows one-touch access to your library and pauses music as calls come through.
  • Microsoft Windows Media Player 11 makes the U9 ready to rock as soon as it’s out of the box, with simple synching and automatic recognition of the device.
  • Integrated music player supports multiple audio files: Windows WMAv10 plus Janus DRM, MP3, AAC, AAC+, AAC+ enhanced.
  • Ability to download¹ the latest music hits from more than 200 on-line music stores onto the device from a PC using USB2.0 for speedy transfers and data access.
  • Stereo Bluetooth wireless technology enables users to enjoy wireless mobile stereo experience.
Additional in-demand features round out a complete mobile experience:
  • Up to 25MB of on-board user memory and an optional microSD memory card enables storage of 4GB of music, pictures and other media.
  • Innovative CrystalTalk™ technology for better call clarity.
  • Advanced “speaker independent” voice recognition dialing and talking phone features take “hands free” to the next level.
  • A 2.0 megapixel with 8x zoom camera, multi-shot feature, video capture and playback, and light and landscape viewfinder delivers quality, printable and shareable images.
  • Impressive messaging capabilities via MMS, SMS, WVIM, Push Email¹.

Pricing and Availability
MOTO U9 is now available in gunmetal grey exclusively through MOTOSTORE (http://www.store.motorola.com/U9) for $275.99. The device will be sold unlocked and is compatible with any existing GSM service. Additional colors, including pink and purple, are expected to be available soon.

[Via Moto PR]

Motorola Adventure: July 28th on VZW

On-the-go turbulent types from construction workers and extreme sports addicts to the admittedly clumsy and outdoors people… rejoice: the rugged Motorola Adventure is rumored to be launching on Verizon Wireless on July 28th.

At first glance it appears to be a semi-normal flip phone - but that’s not the case. The Motorola Adventure passes US Military Specification 810F meaning it can withstand some of the harshest conditions including shock, vibration, solar radiation, dust and more. It also has push to talk technology and quite a few extra goodies.

While some people are thinking, “why would I need this?” there are equally as many thinking, “this is perfect for me,” and those people know EXACTLY who they are (or re-read first sentence).  This phone would be a GREAT primary phone for plenty of folks, and even then, a phone like the Motorola Adventure would make great sense as a “work phone” for those who need the ruggedness while having a more delicate, tech powered phone for play.

Again, the Motorola Adventure is expected to launch on Verizon Wireless on July 28th so keep a look out!

[Via EngadgetMobile]

Motorola Ming a1600, a1800 and a810 Launched in China!

Today in China, Motorola launched the Ming A1600 and A1800, both bringing enhanced GPS, smart-handwriting technology and business multimedia functions to the table. The A810 was also launched, but its entry-level candy bar nature makes it less noteworthy (to us).

For those of you who don’t know of or can’t remember the Ming, it was Motorola’s ever so awesome flip-phone with a see-through flip. Everyone who saw you using one of these bad boys asked you where you got it back in the day. It also sported a full touch-screen display that ran a Linux OS. Fans adored this. Now, we have new models!

Mobiledia did a nice write-up on what we can expect in these new phones:

The A1600 and A1800 features a distinctive transparent flip cover. The A1600 is equipped with a 3.2-megapixel camera with auto-focus and panorama capability and a camera scan talking dictionary, while the A1800 supports CDMA/GSM dual-mode dual standby, integrated incoming call/SMS firewall and a 3.0-megapixel auto-focus camera.

Advanced stand-alone touch-screen GPS helps users find their destination, supporting both independent satellite positioning and GPS positioning. The A1600 and A1800 also position and navigate independently like specialized GPS devices without mobile network support. When the exact address is unknown, the A1600 can find the destination by sending an MMS of landmark buildings.

Both devices come with a 1GB microSD card preloaded with the latest electronic maps of the Chinese mainland (not including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan). Motorola will offer a free one-time upgrade of the electronic maps on the A1800, while owners of the A1600 can also take advantage of this upgrade for a small fee.

The large 2.4-inch touch screen provides a clear and comfortable writing experience with rapid cursive Chinese handwriting input. With smart learning (A1600 only), prediction and memory capabilities, the handhelds learn and remember writing habits and increase input speeds.

“Designed specifically to reflect the Chinese preference for writing characters by hand, our pen-based PDA series has met with incredible success in China,” said Ray Yam, Vice President, Motorola Mobile Devices, China.

They also offer a suite of mobile business applications, including email, Internet access (A1600 only), a business card reader, Kingsoft translation software, and a Office document reader.

With a 3.2-megapixel camera, the A1600 makes it easy to snap, save and share pictures. The panorama capability can piece together multiple shots taken across a horizon and make a 300 degree panoramic photo.

When reading English documents, the A1600 can scan and translate the unknown words. The integrated talking dictionary can scan characters, recognize the words and pronounce them.

With its CDMA/GSM dual mode, the Ming A1800 supports both SIM and UIM cards and is a dual standby phone, which searches both the CDMA and GSM networks for the strongest signal. Users can answer calls from either network without needing to manually switching networks.

The 3.0-megapixel auto-focus camera captures memorable moments. The Ming A1800’s 150MB on-board memory, expandable to 4GB with microSD card, offers enough storage space to save plenty of photos.

The A810 is an entry-level PDA with a built-in 2.0-megapixel camera and microSD slot expandable to 2GB.

Now if you’re like me, you’re shaking right now in the presence of sheer awesomeness. Nah, I can’t shake in the presence of myself.. OHHH SNAP! But seriously.. these phones are going to rock.

[Via Mobiledia]

Motorola Vegas Sits at the Penny Slots

High rollers (like you and me, right?) will immediately pass up the Motorola Vegas - a low to mid range phone that was spotted in FCC filing reports. The Motorola Vegas is CDMA based and rumored to be a launching on Sprint in the near future.

We’re not sure what’s so “ballin” about this phone that it deserves the name Vegas: it looks like a RAZR/KRZR, has 2MP camera, Bluetooth, MicroSD slot and keys for “music”. Had those keys been gaming dedicated keys and preloaded with some online casino software we would have said “ballin” indeed.

Instead, the Vegas seems like just another phone at first glance. Expect pricing around $100.

[Via IntoMobile, PhoneArena]

Verizon Seeks World Domination with Motorola Napoleon

Codenamed the “Motorola Napoleon” this Verizon branded phone sports CDMA EVDO Rev. A with GSM roaming capabilities making it usable anywhere in the world. The Boy Genius plopped his AT&T SIM card in the sucker, Russian rushing to review what treats the phone revealed.

The Napoleon appeared to come in a super sexy blue blox and the phone itself had a blue face. Flip it over to reveal… a fingerprint scanner?!?! Pretty interesting, we can’t wait to learn more about it. It runs on Windows Mobile 6.1 and has a 2MP camera with flash, stereo speakers, 320×240 pixel screen and WiFi. The Napoleon is a version of the Q9 but also bares resemblence to the upcoming BlackBerry Bold.

That’s an awful big, flash box for a phone of that size. Napoleon complex, anyone?

[Via BGR, photo gallery]

Motorola Blaze: Verizon’s Next Touch Screen

The LG Dare came out less than a week ago but Verizon Wireless already has another all-touch screen device ready to battle the likes of the Dare, Voyager and Glyde… introducing the Motorola Blaze.

BGR describes the phone as, “A Ming crossed with a PEBL crossed with a RAZR 2.” Hmmm.. interesting. We’ve got (rumored) specs and pictures to give you a better idea:

Pictures:

[Via BGR]

T-Mobile Announces Motorola ROKR E8

T-Mobile has officially announced a new member of the family, the ROKR E8, meaning Motorola has officially made its first significant foray into North America with what we would term, its new generation.

What makes it the new generation? Well, the new Linux OS for starters, plus a unique profile, cool morphing keypad, excellent music capabilities and design and function that is totally unrelated to the RAZR (sorry, RAZR 2 V8…you’re out).  Personally, given the extent of T-Mobile’s 3G network, we are not at all hurt by the absence of 3G on the E8. We hope this is just the beginning for Motorola (and their comeback?), this device certainly deserves to do well.

It will available July 7th, for $199.99 with a 2-Year Contract.

[via Engadget Mobile]

Motorola Alexander = Android Phone ?

Motorola’s struggling handset division has been the subject of spinoff/sale rumors for quite awhile now. But with the launch of the new Motozine line and  its first phone, the Motozine ZN5, Motorola seems to have a lot more up its sleeve.

The story of the codenamed “Motorola Alexander” was scooped by BGR and described to him as, “Motorola’s Last Stand.” The Boy Genius has a knack for leaking soon-to-be-proved-true rumors and he claims, “this is said to be Moto’s last big attempt at getting back their market share and reclaiming victory. If this doesn’t work out, we’re told it’s all over for them and they will sell the company.”

Meanwhile, Daniel Roth from Wired Magazine dropped a gem of an article about Android in the publication’s July issue titled, “Google’s Open Source Android Phone Will Free the Wireless Web.” Besides being a darn good read, check out what he has to say about Motorola and Android:

The company’s handset business, slated to be spun off, is on life-support, and it’s counting on Android for a comeback. It has assigned its top designers — the people who crafted the Razr — to create new must-have models. Engineers from Good Technology, the BlackBerry competitor Motorola purchased in 2006, are now writing applications for Android. For Motorola, Android has to work.

Could the Motorola Alexander be an Android Phone?

Based on the alignment of these articles, it would certainly seem that way. And, it would make a lot of sense. We’ve also got some rumored specs for the phone:

Hmmm… but the OS is already said to be UIQ? This seems to be somewhat of a paradox. How could the Motorola Alexander be the “last stand” and happen around October and Android also be a “last stand” that happens late 4th quarter? It doesn’t seem to make sense.

Of course if the Motorola Alexander ISN’T an Android Phone than what IS it? How about the Motorola Blaze or Motorola Utopia? Both of these brand new phones were leaked when information about Verizon Visual Voicemail dropped on Engadget:

Something is fishy. Maybe the Alexander is an Android Phone… maybe it isn’t. But if it ISN’T then we can probably assume that it also isn’t the company’s last stand. Unles… they wait for Android and make their “last stand” a barrage of sick handsets so that if they go out, they go out in style.

What if the Alexander IS an Android phone AND its named the Motorola Utopia, which would mean its on the Verizon Wireless 700MHz open network for which at least one handset has already been approved.

The possibilities intrigue us… don’t let reality disappoint, dear Moto. If you’re looking to hit a walk off grand slam or go home as losers, you’d better have some pop in your bat. Cork it for all we care. Or better yet, take some anabolic androids.

ZN5 Gets Reviewed, Compared With The Best

From Russia with love comes these two extremely thorough reviews. SMAPE and Mobile-Review each found plenty of reasons to love the first MOTOZINE model, citing its large and beautiful display, imaging specific processor (delivering unparalleled speed when taking and viewing photos), extensive and balanced feature list, excellent build quality and good use of materials. Mobile-Review even goes as far as to say “now I can’t stop praising the ZN5, can I?”

But the initial excitement is tempered with the overall conclusion: for Motorola its a step in the right direction… a pretty sweet phone but not all that and a bag of whatever snacks your mom has around the house. For that, we’ll have to wait for the “Motorola Alexander” which some have hinted may be the ZN12.

SMAPE Review - ZN5 Review & Comparison
Mobile-Review.com - Full Review

Motorola’s MING Series: We’re Here Too!

Coming on the heels of Motorola’s biggest announcement in far too long, comes the quiet release of updates to the MING series. Certainly among the more interesting designs in the industry the MING series can, technically, be considered a clamshell (although a somewhat eccentric one). The MING never found popularity in North America but has been a success in China, so in many ways this update is just as important to Motorola as the ZN5.

Announced as a MING series addition today was the A1600, which runs on Linux OS, and features a 2.4 inch QVGA touch-screen, a 3MP camera with continuous autofocus and card reader mode, microSD slot, stereo Bluetooth, a microUSB port, built-in FM radio, and GPS receiver. As with most Motorola products the A1600 falls just a little short, offering neither WiFi nor 3G connectivity. It does however feature quad-band technology (EDGE only), which means it will work well for us North Americans.

The A1800 adds both CDMA (1x only) and triband GSM support (GPRS only) but still lacks WiFi and 3G. We think this will prove an interesting possibility for either Sprint or Verizon should they choose to release it, given that both carriers have recently brought out other hybrid phones (ahem, 8800 series).

[Via GSMArena]

MotoZine ZN5 Finally Official

It seems like years ago that we first heard rumors about Motorola’s new “Zine” product line that would supposedly feature a bunch of cool phones. No more dragging it out because we’re finally pulling in news from a Motorola Press Release stating that, “MOTOZINE ZN5 is the first device to carry the MOTOZINE franchise name, Motorola’s new label for its multimedia-optimized devices.”

So there you have it - the wait is over… kinda. According to EngadgetMobile, the phone will first be made available in China and start a World Tour about one month later. And from what we’re hearing, the entire MotoZine lineup could be well worth the wait.

Manufacturers have really been in an arms race over camera phone megapixels with Sony Ericsson having just announced their 8.1 MegaPixel C905. The ZN5 comes in at an impressive and competitive 5MP, but its not the MP alone that give this device photo power.

How about this for the Kodak branded phone:

It sounds like Motorola has a few tricks up their sleeve. If this is any sign of whats to come… the MotoZine line could be a pleasant surprise. Remember, the MOTOZINE ZN5 is just the first of many media-centric devices to be featured on this new brand.

Great… so now our impatience for the rest of the handsets begins!

[Via Motorola]

Motorola Goes Back 2 The Future!

As if Motorola doesn’t have enough problems already, it seems they’re burning the midnight oil working on great new phones that fit on your face like an ugly mixture of 3D glasses and car phones from the early 90s. Are you kidding me Motorola?

The “glasses” make sense in theory and this isn’t the first time we’ve seen something like this. Watching a movie on a long plane, train or bus ride? Want to play a mobile game in virtual reality type 1st person shooter mode? The concept is actually pretty cool and a mobile phone makes sense to use as a “base device” for such a gadget.

But when you see the figure above which was submitted to the FCC, you can’t help but laugh. The interesting thing here is that this makes NO sense given the restrictions of today. But if the CONCEPTS found in this application were applied 10 years down the road with methods we currently don’t know and cannot comprehend, Motorola could cash in.

Now, it seems like you’re putting a brick on your face. But take a look at the type of flexible material BMW is developing for use with cars in the video below. What if these concepts were applied to mobile phone manufacturing?

Perhaps now the concept doesn’t seem so goofy.

[Via Engadget, UnwiredView]

Motorola XYZine?

Remember that Motorola and Kodak 5 MegaPixel phone slated to come out? Well, someone got their hands on one… but is it what everyone expected?

No. Because it’s not the ZN5 (or Zine) at all. It’s a totally new phone we have not seen before. One dead giveaway was the slider. The other dead giveaway? How bad the specs suck.

What’s the purpose of a 5MP Camera if it doesn’t have auto focus? That’s like being blind, having a guide dog but no freaking leash. Yeah, enjoy that. I don’t see why someone would fork over the money for a phone with a sweet camera if it lacked this feature? I’m guessing neither will consumers.

Combine that with the fact that it doesn’t have 3G and a Motorola is getting beat up a bit about the whole thing. Check out the handset getting beat down by the BGR and EndgadgetMobile. But the biggest back slap comes from an EngadgetMobile commenter, Dustin Leiblein who says, “Give it up Motorola. You suck at making phones. Why don’t you open an antenna store or something.”

An antenna store? Hahahhaha… that’s epic.