We've just finished a sit-down session with Verizon, Motorola and Google to discuss the first Android 2.0 smartphone of the year, the Verizon DROID by Motorola, and this is certainly one very impressive smartphone. It's far too early for our full review, but check out some live photos and first impressions after the cut.
Where the Motorola CLIQ is all chunk and curves, the DROID goes for slender lines and hard angles. It's a far more distinctive design, and the mostly metal construction brings back just enough memories of the original Motorola RAZR to be pleasant. Unlike the RAZR, however, there's plenty of functionality to go with the looks and the build-quality; first-impressions are dominated by the sizeable 3.7-inch 854 x 480 capacitive touchscreen and the broad – though reasonably shallow – QWERTY keyboard.
That 'board slides out with a firm click, and it seems pretty usable. The keys are closely spaced and lack the travel of those on the CLIQ, and we're also not convinced by the positioning of the D-pad to its right; that, as well as the protruding bottom edge, means your right thumb has to reach considerably further across than your left does. As on the CLIQ the send/end buttons have been replaced by on-screen keys, but the back/menu/home/search functions also get touch-sensitive controls on the DROID, along with the slight buzz of haptic feedback.
As for display quality, we'd expected the Samsung Moment to take the Android crown for clarity what with its AMOLED panel, but the DROID mounts quite a challenge. Its display is incredibly bright and vivid, full of detail and eye-popping colors; we'll have to line it up next to the Moment to see how AMOLED compares to LCD TFT, but already the Droid is shaping up to be an excellent video playback device.
Android 2.0 makes its debut on the Verizon DROID, and while we've only spent a short amount of time with the new version of the OS we're already noticing some neat differences. Facebook is integrated with the Contacts app, and the double-tap to zoom in the browser feels far more intuitive than using the on-screen buttons.
Obviously the Motorola DROID has plenty to recommend it, and we'll be putting the 5-megapixel autofocus camera, WiFi/EVDO Rev.A connectivity and – perhaps most importantly – battery life to the test for our full SlashGear review. For now, enjoy our hands-on video and live gallery with the Verizon DROID by Motorola.
Rumors are circulating that Apple has rejected Intel's Moorestown chips as unsuitable for their mobile device range, after Cupertino engineers decided that the Intel CPUs demanded far too much power. According to Fudzilla, Apple have informed Intel that Moorestown needs to have one-tenth the idle power consumption it manages currently before it'll be suitable for any of Apple's devices.
The rejection will come as a blow for Intel, whose Atom range has been a mainstay of PC netbooks over the past eighteen months. A win with Apple for mobile or lower-power devices would have opened up a whole new market; Intel have previously suggested that Moorestown would be ideal for high-end smartphones.
Moorestown is also expected to find a place in MIDs, and it's feasible that Intel might have been hoping to see the platform inside Apple's much-rumored tablet. Instead, it's likely that any mobile device from Apple in the near future will use a PA Semiconductor chip, the handiwork of a company Apple themselves own.
We love a little mystery, especially when that mystery is fuelled by a manufacturer themselves, and Lenovo have done us proud today with a new all-in-one PC. While the company is no stranger to all-in-ones – we reviewed their IdeaCentre C300 back in August – what makes this unnamed model different is that it's the first in the Lenovo ThinkCentre range, an all-in-one targeted at business users.
According to Lenovo's Flickr account, this desktop is "Lenovo's first business class, Think-branded all-in-one PC announcing soon at EDUCAUSE 09." There's no spec sheet or name to go along with it, so all we know is that it looks to come with a wireless keyboard and mouse, have an integrated webcam, together with three USB 2.0 and audio in/out ports on the side.
Given the EDUCAUSE 09 launch, it's also a reasonable assumption that Lenovo might be targeting this ThinkCentre machine at schools and colleges, too. Could it have a touchscreen? Might it use Intel's Pine Trail processors like the KND K1850 we spotted earlier this month? Only time will tell.
All eyes are on Verizon, Motorola and Google this morning, with the official launch of the Verizon DROID by Motorola, but as soon as the dust has settled you know people will be asking where the GSM version of the smartphone is. The existence of a GSM DROID is already known; however one of our readers has pointed us in the direction of a Tinhte.com video showing the handset in action.
Video demo after the cut
What we don't yet know is any sort of release date for the handset, either in the US or in Europe. The DROID in the video is looking a little sluggish, though, so we're hoping this is an early build rather than what we can expect from the shipping model's 600MHz Cortex A8 processor.
Confirmation of Olympus' second Micro Four Thirds camera, the Pen E-P2, has been spotted over at the company's Chinese site. While there's no actual product page for the E-P2 – and as such no definitive specifications – it is listed as a new camera under the Pen Digital category.
The E-P2 is the sequel to Olympus' well-received Pen E-P1, which launched back in June. Notable for its retro styling and compact body, the E-P1 also produced some decent shots, which is also pretty important for a camera.
We're not clear on exactly what the Olympus Pen E-P2 might bring to the table, but previous rumors have suggested a rangefinder. Our other hope is that the E-P2 comes in a little lower than the E-P1's eye-watering $750.
Sony Ericsson's Aino smartphone arrived in the UK earlier this month, but would-be buyers looking on enviously from the US are now able to sate their touchscreen desires. The 8.1-megapixel handset has gone on sale online and at Sony Style stores in the US today, priced at $599.99 unlocked, offering a 3-inch 432 x 240 touchscreen, WiFi, 3G (UMTS 850/1900/2100) and Bluetooth.
There's also PS3 integration, with the Aino able to stream photos, music and video either locally or over the internet from the console. In the box there's the Aino, the desk-stand/charger, a stereo Bluetooth hands-free kit, 8GB memory card, USB cable and separate charger. Currently it's showing up as "backordered" on SonyStyle.com, so we're not sure when exactly it might begin shipping.
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Press Release:
Sony Ericsson Launches Aino™ Multimedia Unlocked Mobile Phone with Enhanced Entertainment Features and Touch Screen Technology
What: Sony Electronics announced today the new Sony Ericsson Aino™ unlocked handset, now available at Sony Style stores nationwide and SonyStyle.com for about $600.
For unlocked purists and style seekers, the Sony Ericsson Aino™ phone is a 3G-enabled mobile phone that offers on-the-go entertainment and rich multimedia features. Entertainment options are nearly limitless – capture photos, listen to music, view videos and access content from your PlayStation®3 console and home PC with its unique Remote Play, Media Home, and Media Go™ features. Providing a superior user experience, the Aino™ phone offers integrated Wi-Fi® connection, an intuitive touch screen display and a dazzling 8.1 Megapixel camera. To complete the entertainment package, the Aino™ phone includes Stereo Bluetooth® headphones, charging base, 8GB microSD™ memory card and a USB connector cable in the box.
· TOUCH: Access and capture all of life's moments with the Aino™ phone's 3-inch, crisp 432 x 240 touch screen display. With a unique and interactive user-interface, the Aino™ phone gives users an exceptional listening, watching and communicating experience by simply tapping or sliding a fingertip across the screen. The Aino™ phone's media browser with 3D navigation offers an intuitive understanding of where users are at all times, making it simple to navigate through the phone's suite of media features and personal multimedia content. Additionally, the Aino™ phone includes a traditional key pad for quick and easy dialing.
· DOWNLOAD: Gain the freedom to wirelessly download content with an established Wi-Fi® connection using the Aino™ phone's Media Home functionality. When set on Automatic Download, Media Home will check every 30 minutes for all of your latest podcasts, photos, videos and music, and instantly upload them from your PC to the Aino™ phone. The Media Go™ application is the easiest way to organize media stored on a PC and transfer it to the Aino™ phone, transcoding movies to the best format for your mobile phone.
· CONNECT: Use PlayStation®3 Remote Play to seamlessly access music, videos and photos stored on your PS3 at home as well as remotely control your PS3 from anywhere in the world. By logging on to the PlayStation®Network, users can chat with PSN friends and even purchase items from the PlayStation®Store.
· CAPTURE: Catch crystal clear photos with the Aino™ phone's 8.1 Megapixel camera that displays images in up to 16.7 million colors. The Aino™ phone is loaded with imaging features, such as dedicated camera buttons, Auto/touch Focus, photo flash, image stabilization, a 16x digital zoom, Face Detection and BestPic™ technologies and auto-rotation of images. The Geo-Tag™ application and the pre-installed Google Maps™ application allow users to view the location where photos are taken and the Aino™ phone's wireless functionality allows users to share and view photos between their phone, PC and even their TV.
We're not entirely convinced by the idea of naming your autonomous webcam "The Mole"; after all, when it comes to eyesight moles aren't especially known for their 20/20 vision. Still, we'll overlook that since Astak's Mole is pretty nifty: a motion-activated IP webcam, with WiFi and wired ethernet connections, that can automatically upload footage to YouTube together with sending out email and Twitter messages.
The idea behind the Mole is to make IP webcams incredibly straightforward to set up, and basically once you've plugged it in and got it onto your network, you can remotely access it from any internet-connected PC or smartphone, pan and tilt the camera, and upload clips to YouTube. Alternatively, you can leave the Mole to manage itself, leaping into action once it spots movement, uploading the clip and tweeting to let you know new footage is available.
Local storage is also possible, thanks to an SD card slot, and there's support for night-vision and two-way audio. The Astak Mole is available from early November, with an MRSP of $299.
Press Release:
ASTAK INTRODUCES WORLD'S FIRST SELF-CONFIGURING, STANDALONE INTERNET CAMERA IDEAL FOR KEEPING AN EYE ON HAPPENINGS AT HOME YouTube, Twitter and iPhone ready, the affordable and easy-to-use Mole is the first "do it yourself, view from anywhere" solution for remote viewing and sharing
SAN JOSE, Calif.–October 28, 2009–The lowly mole is a victim of poor PR, but that's about to change with Astak Inc.'s innovative new product, the Mole — a standalone Internet camera for consumers who need an easy and affordable way to capture, view and share unattended video over the Internet. Featuring automatic network configuration, the Mole makes it simple for home or business users to remotely view and share video in real-time from any web browser, social networking site, or Internet-capable cell phone, including the iPhone.
Unlike current webcams that require a PC for use, or IP cameras that are complicated to set up and often require customer software to view, the Mole is the first "do it yourself, view from anywhere" solution for home or business surveillance, health and family care (elder or children), social network sharing, pet or bird watching, and other unfolding events such as social gatherings. The Mole is also an ideal way to keep an eye on business or home while traveling.
"The Mole will redefine home and business surveillance, and it also opens the door to using a remote camera for sharing unattended video, since it's Web 2.0 ready," said Jason Hsia, CEO of Astak. "Internet citizens are already uploading over 20 hours of video to YouTube every minute. When interesting or important events are underway, you can't always be there to see or record them in person. That all changes with the Mole, where motion-detected events can be auto-uploaded to YouTube and a tweet auto-sent to your Twitter feed."
A standalone Internet camera with advanced built-in software, the Mole provides auto-configuration so that the user can set up the camera in just a few easy steps and access their video privately without any network knowledge. Once set up, the Mole allows users to adjust the pan remotely to change the view instantly. While easy-to-use and affordable, the Mole camera includes high-end features such as motion detection activation, night vision, two-way audio, and a built-in DVR. The Mole also features both Ethernet or Wi-Fi connectivity.
The Mole is designed for direct access from any web browser, which lets users watch their video instantly, from anywhere, including the iPhone. The on-board software is specifically tailored for seamless Internet sharing, including auto-uploads to YouTube. Users can also choose to receive real-time alerts via email or Twitter, sent to their mobile phone or any IP-enabled device. Available in early November 2009, the Mole will be distributed through Astak's network of retail and distribution partners, including Fry's Electronics, Costco, NewEgg.com, Amazon.com, Walmart.com and Astak.com, with an MSRP of $299.00.
Google have announced the latest evolution of Google Maps for mobile, and life for standalone PND apps just got a whole lot harder. Android 2.0 devices – such as the Verizon Droid by Motorola – now have access to Google Maps Navigation Beta, a turn-by-turn navigation application that supports voice guidance, search-by-voice and automatic re-routing complete with traffic information.
Video demo after the cut
Google search is obviously built in, and so you can tap in – or, by holding down the search button, search by voice – an address, landmark or business and get a list of results. It's also possible to search for particular points of interest (such as gas stations) along the route, together with accessing both satellite mapping and Street View; Google Maps Navigation beta will even overlay a photo of your destination, if available, so that you can more readily identify it. Shortcuts to commonly-accessed destinations can be placed on the Android 2.0 homescreen, and of course there'll be integration from the Contacts.
There'll also be a new UI more suited for in-car use, which has larger icons and a predominantly voice-controlled menu system, and while there's no multitouch support Google have said it's up to third-party developers or handset manufacturers, such as HTC and Motorola, as to whether they add that in themselves. What's really going to put the cat among the PND pigeons is that Google Maps Navigation Beta is free. More details at the project homepage, here.
Motorola and Verizon Wireless have officially announced the Verizon DROID by Motorola, the first Android smartphone for the carrier and what's promising to be one of the most interesting. The Verizon DROID has a 3.7-inch 854 x 480 capacitive touchscreen, slide-out QWERTY keyboard and EVDO Rev.A, and will arrive on shelves on November 6th priced at $199.99 with a new, two-year agreement and following a $100 mail-in rebate.
Update: Video overview of Verizon DROID by Motorola after the cut
The Verizon DROID will be the first smartphone to arrive with Android 2.0, the latest version of the open-source OS, with native Exchange support and Google Maps Navigation Beta. The latter is Google's new turn-by-turn directions app, which offers free verbal directions controlled by voice shortcuts.
There's also Bluetooth, WiFi and USB 2.0 connectivity, and Verizon are bundling a 16GB microSD card; that'll be useful to hold OTA Amazon MP3 downloads. The usual bevy of Google apps – including Google Talk, YouTube, Gmail and the Android Market – are also preloaded, and there's a 5-megapixel camera with autofocus and dual-LED flash. We're catching up with Verizon later on today to grab some hands-on time with the DROID, so keep reading SlashGear for that!
Press Release:
Hello Humans: DROID by Motorola Arrives Next Week Verizon Wireless DROID By Motorola: World's First Smartphone with Android™ 2.0
October 28, 2009
BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – High-speed Web browsing, voice-activated search, customizable large screen, access to thousands of Android applications and hundreds of widgets and the best 3G mobile network in the country: DROID by Motorola arrives on Nov. 6.
Verizon Wireless, the company with the nation's largest wireless 3G broadband network, and Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT), a pioneer in the mobile industry, today unveiled DROID by Motorola, the first smartphone powered by Android™ 2.0. DROID by Motorola features the brainpower and breakneck speed of a modern smartphone, designed to outperform where other smartphones fall short.
"We're proud to work with Verizon Wireless and Google™ on the first smartphone to feature Android 2.0," said Sanjay Jha, co-chief executive officer of Motorola and chief executive officer of Motorola Mobile Devices. "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."
"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," said John Stratton, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Wireless. "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."
DROID by Motorola has a solid exterior, intelligent interior and is one of the thinnest full-QWERTY slider phones available. It is a no-fuss, high-tech, location-aware, voice-recognizing, over-the-air updating, multi-tasking machine – and it is available just in time for holiday wish lists.
With DROID by Motorola, you can:
Zip through the Web: Access the Internet at 3G speeds via the nation's largest and most reliable 3G network or from any Wi-Fi hotspot. The multi-window HTML browser with a massive processor delivers the Web the way you expect. See it all in cinema-style: View the Web, e-mail, Google Maps™, videos and more in widescreen on a brilliant 3.7" high-resolution screen. Boasting a width of 854 pixels to reduce the need for side-to-side panning and more than 400,000 pixels total, DROID has more than twice that of the leading competitor. Run multiple applications at once: Customize your DROID with thousands of applications and hundreds of widgets available on Android Market™. Toggle back and forth between up to six applications at a time to juggle the universe and your apps. Perform Google Search™ at the speed of sound: Simply tell DROID what you're looking for using voice-activated search, and it will serve up Google search results based on your location. If you want more, simply type what you're looking for into the search bar on the home screen and DROID will also search content on your phone, such as apps and contacts, and the Web. Capture moments: Snap digital camera-quality photos with a 5 megapixel camera loaded with the works, such as a dual-LED flash, AutoFocus and image stabilization, or capture your friend's antics in 16 million colors with DVD-quality video capture and playback. Store it all on the included 16 GB memory card, so you always have it on hand. Multi-task like a master: Keep tabs on all your messages with integrated Gmail™ and Exchange e-mail pushed directly to you, but don't let them get in your way. With the handy Android notification panel, go straight to the message or simply ignore it, and get back to the task at hand. And, a smart dictionary learns as you type and automatically includes your contacts. 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. Pre-loaded Applications and Enhancements to Google Mobile Services:
Google Maps: With layers in Google Maps, view geographic information, such as My Maps, Wikipedia, and transit lines, right on the map. Gmail: Multiple accounts support and undo for common operations. YouTube™: One-touch recording and playback from homescreen widget or app, one-touch sharing with friends, and the ability to view your own uploaded videos and high-resolution videos. Google Talk™: Easily switch between chats, search your chat history, and preview pictures and videos sent by links. Android Market: Browse and download applications created by third-party developers. Calendar: Ability to see who has R.S.V.P.'d to your meeting invitations. Facebook: Syncs Facebook contacts to your address book, and a live widget gives the ability to update status and view latest updates from friends. Amazon MP3 Store: Download the latest tracks over the air. Verizon Wireless Visual Voice Mail: Delete, reply and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions. Pricing and Availability:
DROID by Motorola will be available in the United States exclusively at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online on Friday, Nov. 6, for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement after a $100 mail-in rebate. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted. Experience the all-new DROID by Motorola at www.droiddoes.com. To get the most from DROID by Motorola smartphone, customers will need to subscribe to a Nationwide voice plan and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan. Nationwide voice plans begin at $39.99 for monthly access for 450 minutes and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan is $29.99 for monthly access. For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.
It's all go in Nokia N97 land this week, with the double news that not only have the Finnish company released the much-anticipated 2.0 firmware update for the original N97, but that the Nokia N97 mini would be arriving on shelves. The N97 mini – officially announced at Nokia World back in September – has a smaller chassis than the N97, but uses the same touchscreen-friendly S60 5th Edition OS.
Among the changes for the N97 with firmware 2.0 are "flip scrolling", similar to the kinetic scroll on the iPhone, the latest Ovi Maps 3.1 with 3D mapping, Nokia Messaging and Ovi Contacts. There's also the newest version of the Ovi Store, Nokia's download center, together with further personalization of the homescreen. The new firmware can be downloaded via a PC and updated with the Nokia Software Update tool, or directly OTA from the N97 itself.
As for the N97 mini, that has a 3.2-inch resistive touchscreen, full QWERTY keyboard, 3G and WiFi, and will be priced at around €450 ($666). Anybody tempted?
Nokia N97 mini hands-on:
Press Release:
Nokia N97 gets even better with a new software update October 28, 2009
Nokia N97 mini now available in stores
Espoo, Finland. – Nokia has released a new Nokia N97 software update 2.0 that adds new user experience elements and functionalities to the device. The standard version of the Nokia N97 software update 2.0 is available immediately through the PC on the Nokia Software Update website (http://www.nokia.com/softwareupdate), and will be followed by a wide range of country and operator versions over the coming weeks as well as possibility to do the update over-the-air.
Also this week, Nokia N97 mini makes its big debut in stores. With its stainless steel cues, the Nokia N97 mini is designed for style-conscious people who are active with social networks. The device features a tilting 3.2″ touch display, QWERTY keyboard and fully customizable homescreen. The Nokia N97 mini features same software with the Nokia N97 and will be in stores with an estimated retail price of EUR 450 before taxes and subsidies.
"In September, 2009, we exceeded 2 million Nokia N97 devices sold, and now introduce the Nokia N97 mini, underscoring the success of the design. We have also listened to consumer feedback about the performance of the device. The Nokia N97 software update 2.0 is a way for us to optimize the device and add new features and functions," said Jose-Luis Martinez, Vice President, Nokia Nseries. "We are also excited about the early feedback that we have received on the Nokia N97 mini, which carries a very similar feature set to the original Nokia N97 and comes in a pocket-friendly size for those out and about."
Among the new experiences available with the free 2.0 software update are: - 'flip scrolling' has been added in the entire user interface, making scrolling in all views very smooth - shortcuts to personalized homescreen - Ovi Maps 3.1 with 3-D maps - Nokia e-mail (Nokia Messaging) - Ovi Contacts - Ovi Store.
Nokia is constantly updating and enhancing its devices with new features, functions and fixes so people can get even more out of their Nokia device even years after buying it. Nokia owners can automatically check for new software by going to Menu > Applications > SW Update and enable automatic checking, or visit http://www.nokia.com/softwareupdate to download the version that is best for them. Additionally, MyNokia members will also receive an SMS when their local version of the software becomes available. People can register to the service at www.nokia.com/mynokia.
About Nokia Nokia is a pioneer in mobile telecommunications and the world's leading maker of mobile devices. Today, we are connecting people in new and different ways – fusing advanced mobile technology with personalized services to enable people to stay close to what matters to them. We also provide comprehensive digital map information through NAVTEQ; and equipment, solutions and services for communications networks through Nokia Siemens Networks.
Rumors are circulating that Apple has rejected Intel's 
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