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June 23, 2010

Verizon Wireless and Motorola are getting ready to showcase their latest Droid variation that will be officially powered by Google's popular Android operating system.

Verizon was scheduled to unveil what it termed “The next generation of Droid” at a mid-day event that the wireless carrier has been writing on its website as “coming soon.”

While some specifications were very scarce leading up to the unveiling, Verizon did note on its site that the Motorola Droid X would feature a 4.3-inch screen, capture 720 pixel video and include HDMI output capabilities.

All of these features mirror what is already available on HTC's recently launched Evo 4G with Sprint Nextel. The new mobile handset is also rumored to continue offering a slide-out Qwerty keyboard, trumping the on-screen only keyboard offered on the iPhone 4 and Evo 4G.

It's also expected that the Droid X will feature the latest version of Google's operating system as well as support for Adobe System's recently unveiled Flash version 10.2 that is targeted specifically at mobile devices.

Make no mistake-- Motorola has a lot riding on the continued success of its Android-powered mobile devices and continues to make headway supplying devices to both domestic and international wireless carriers.

It is hoped that the latest Droid variation continues in that same direction. Perhaps more importantly, some of the specs of the latest iPhone 4 – which is still available exclusively through AT&T Mobility – that maintains its 3.5-inch screen and lacks HDMI output capabilities.

But from the sounds of it, AT&T Mobility may not be the best outlet for those trying to acquire the new device, we keep hearing from various sources. AT&T and Apple will officially start selling the iPhone 4 tomorrow, but only to people that have already pre-ordered the phone at least two weeks ago. Those that haven't pre-ordered it will have to wait about 2 to 3 weeks to get their shiny new phone.

The Droid X will ship with the 2.1 version of the Android OS, but will be upgradeable to the 2.2 version later in mid-August. The upgrade will also come with support for Adobe's Flash 10.2 as well as support for Microsoft's Exchange Server and Gmail for business.

In addition to helping bolster Verizon Wireless against the inevitable iPhone onslaught, the Droid X should reinsert Motorola as top seller amongst Verizon Wireless' rapidly growing arsenal of Android-equipped smartphones. The original Droid that launched in 2009 was accompanied by a massive advertising campaign that helped push strong sales of the wireless device during the holiday season and into the new year.

Motorola's CEO Sanjay Jha noted this week that the Droid continues to sell well despite increased competition at Verizon Wireless from the recently launched HTC-built Droid Incredible.

Verizon Wireless announced that the Droid X would be available beginning July 15 for $200 after rebates, a two-year contract and rate plans starting at around $70 a month.

The price matches the current cost for the Droid Incredible.

Verizon customers can tap into the device's embedded mobile hot spot functionality that will allow up to five mobile devices to access the Internet for $19.95 a month.

Verizon Wireless also offers similar capabilities for free on Palm's Pre Plus smartphone available since October 2009.

Motorola's Droid X smartphone is powered by a 1 GHz processor that matches up with similar high-end devices on the market.

Additionally, Verizon Wireless said the new handset will have access to movies and videos via Blockbuster On Demand that runs through the wireless carrier's Vcast Video service.

Verizon Wireless said customers can browse movies and videos using a 3G connection, but downloads have to be accomplished via a much faster Wi-Fi connection.

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Source: Motorola.