Mere hours before Apple Inc. is set to officially unleash its latest iPhone 4 on the public, Verizon Wireless and Motorola Inc. were set to offer up their latest Droid variation powered by Google Inc.’s Android operating system.
The nation’s No. 1 carrier was scheduled to unveil what it termed “The next generation of Droid” at a mid-day event that the carrier has been pimping on its Web site as “coming soon.”
While official specifications were scarce leading up to the unveiling, the carrier did note on its site that the Motorola Droid X would sport a 4.3-inch screen, capture 720p video and include HDMI output capabilities. All of these features mirror what is available on HTC Corp.’s recently launched Evo 4G with Sprint Nextel Corp.
The device is also expected that the Droid X will feature the latest version of Google’s OS as well as support for Adobe System Inc.’s recently unveiled Flash 10.1 that is targeted at mobile devices.
Perhaps more importantly, some of the specs out-spec 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. (Though from the sounds of it AT&T Mobility may not be the best outlet for those trying to acquire the new device.)
In addition to helping bolster Verizon Wireless against the inevitable iPhone onslaught, the Droid X should reinsert Motorola as top dog amongst Verizon Wireless’ rapidly growing arsenal of Android-equipped smartphones. The original Droid that launched last year was accompanied by a massive advertising campaign that helped push strong sales of the device during the holiday season and into the new year. Motorola’s co-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.
Motorola has a lot riding on the continued success of its Android-powered devices and continues to make headway supplying devices to both domestic and international carriers. It’s hoped that the latest Droid variation continues that streak.
Stay tuned for more details later today on the device.
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Update: 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 $70 per month. The price matches the current cost for the Droid Incredible. Customers can tap into the devices embedded mobile hot spot functionality that will allow up to five devices to access the Internet for $20 per month. Verizon Wireless offers similar capabilities for free on Palm Inc.’s Pre Plus smartphone.
The Droid X is powered by a 1 GHz processor that matches up with similar high-end smartphones on the market. In addition, Verizon Wireless said the device will have access to movies and videos via Blockbuster On Demand that runs through the 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 Wi-Fi connection.
The device will ship with the 2.1 version of the Android OS, but will be upgradeable to the 2.2 version later in the summer. The upgrade will also come with support for Adobe’s Flash 10.1 as well as support for Microsoft Corp.’s Exchange and Gmail for business.