Hardware

The Droid 3 features a larger 4-inch (960 x 540) qHD display and a five-row slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Inside, it runs on a 1GHz TI OMAP 4430 dual-core processor with PowerVR SGX540, which is rated to be twice as fast as the previous SGX530 GPU. RAM remains at 512MB, while internal storage is now bumped up to 16GB, expandable with up to 32GB microSD.

External ports include the usual micro-HDMI, micro-USB, and 3.5mm headphone jack. It has the physical power button centered on top, volume rocker on the side, and the standard four capacitive touch buttons of Android devices.

Camera specs have been boosted to an 8-megapixel rear-facing camera, capable of 1080p HD video capture. However, the LED flash is now replaced with a single LED that seems to do the job of the dual-set used previously. A front-facing camera has also been added, but only of VGA quality.

Software & Performance

Motorola’s customized interface runs on top of Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread. It’s no longer called Motoblur with a rather nice, clean look and some new icons along with new animations between windows. Five windows are available for adding your favorite widgets and apps, and the included widgets are nicely minimal. There is also a dock at the bottom of the screen with four customizable icons.

Preloaded are around 60 apps, which include a selection of Google apps, GoToMeeting, BlockBuster, and Skype to name a few. At the top right corner is a shopping bag icon that takes you directly to the Android Market, while to the top left is dropdown menu that lets you sort and filter your apps by Recent, Downloaded, All, or any custom group that you’ve created.

Benchmark scores for the Droid 3 are decent. The synthetic benchmarking tools we used include Quadrant Pro, Vellamo, and Smartbench 2011.

Battery & Camera

The Droid 3 will last you about a day given average use. It’s 4-inch qHD screen and dual-core processor will put a drain on the small 1540 mAh battery, but if you charge nightly, then it shouldn’t be an issue.

The camera quality boost to 8-megapixels is a nice bonus, offering crisp image stills and sharp 1080p videos. The below image and video were shot very close-up to some dry brush full of prickly thorns sitting in lava rock and demonstrates how nicely the camera captures all these tiny details. However, after video compression, the short clip you see below doesn’t really do the Droid 3 camera justice.

Wrap-Up

The Motorola Droid 3 is a good upgrade from the Droid 2. The overall design has remained mostly unchanged, which will be good for fans of the original that are looking for the same form factor but with boosted specs.

You will especially like the larger 4-inch qHD display, a thinner profile, and redesigned QWERTY with an extra row dedicated for number keys. There’s also the better 8-megapixel camera capable of 1080p HD video capture and the addition of a front-facing VGA camera—although that will be good only for video chatting.

The new “not Motoblur” interface is clean and snappy without too many custom widgets that get in the way. Performance is excellent with the new TI OMAP 4430 dual-core processor and battery life is decent though not great.

The only gripe perhaps is that the device does not support 4G LTE on Verizon’s network. But it is a world phone with dual bands and even comes with a SIM card inside. For those hoping for a 4G LTE handset, then perhaps wait for the Droid Bionic that should arrive sometime in September. But the trade-off then will be no QWERTY and no use abroad. So it really depends on your priorities.

The Droid 3 is currently available through Verizon for $199.99 with a new two-year service agreement. Off contract, the phone is selling for $459.99.

Consumer Reports ran the device through the same series of tests as AT&T’s iPhone, as well as five other Verizon smartphones: Motorola Droid 2, HTC Droid Incredible, Samsung Fascinate, Motorola Droid X, and the LG Ally. All tests were done in a radio-frequency isolation chamber which blocks outside signals. Sending a signal to the phones, they were then tested by placing a finger on different parts of the phones to see if there was any signal degradation. The only phones who experienced a signal drop were the iPhones.

The drop in reception comes from the design of the iPhone 4. The sleek and stylish design places the antenna on the outer metal band of the phone, and on the lower left is the antenna where the signal loss happens. If you bridge the gap it will result in signal loss, something easily done while holding the phone normally. The design problem is easily alleviated buy putting a case on the iPhone, which lead Apple to hand out their Bumpers for free when the problem first came up. Consumer Reports concludes their test by not including the Verizon iPhone 4 on their recommended smartphone list, despite receiving high marks on their ratings.

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2011/02/verizon-iphone-4-reception-problems-consumer-reports-lab-test.html

Video demo after the cut

While we would’ve liked to have seen a larger display than 3.6-inches – something closer to the original EVO 4G’s 4.3-inches would be perfect – the keyboard does look reasonably well spaced. We’ll have to wait until we can have a play ourselves at CES 2011 this week before deciding whether the EVO Shift 4G is a worthy successor.

[via Android Community]

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The changes aren’t just simple ones, either. Love and care went into the creation of the R2-D2 model. Instead of blue and black like the original, this new model is silver and white, with high-quality printing done around the back of the device, as well as up by the camera. You’ll even find decorations around the front panel, at the top. The R2-D2 logo is on the back of the screen section. The hardware is still the same, with the minor tweaks notwithstanding, and you’ll still be holding a 3.7-inch display in your hands, with a 1Ghz processor under the hood. You’ll also find Motorola’s tweaks to the software, as well as Android 2.2 powering the whole show.

And while the software is generally the same, Motorola made some tweaks to the sounds that the device makes. You’ll now hear R2-D2 sounds for message notifications and ringtones. You’ll also get access to some new Live Wallpapers. Our review is coming up shortly, so stay tuned, and find out if the R2-D2 version of the Droid 2 is the Droid you’ve been looking for.

[via Android Community]

DROID R2-D2 Unboxing:

DROID R2-D2 Booting Up and Live Wallpaper:

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The DROID 2 itself comes decorated to look like the Astromech Droid from Star Wars, and is packaged in a custom box resembling carbonite.  There’s also a Star Wars media dock and wired stereo headset, together with some exclusive content:

• Bounty Hunt Visual ID: Find and capture images around the Star Wars universe to unlock hidden content
• Sound and Photo Gallery
• Live Wallpapers (Blast the Probe Droid; Luke Balancing Yoda; Navigating the Asteroid Field; Watch Bespin’s Cloud City)
• Trivia Challenge: Answer trivia questions about The Empire Strikes Back
• Widgets

For all this R2-D2 goodness you’ll need to pay $249 (after a $100 mail-in rebate) and sign up to a mandatory two-year voice and data plan.  Otherwise it’s exactly the same phone as the DROID 2.

Press Release:

MAY THE DROID BE WITH YOU: LIMITED EDITION DROID™ R2-D2™ BY MOTOROLA LANDS ON VERIZON WIRELESS’ NETWORK

DROID™ R2-D2™ by Motorola Brings the Galactic Empire to Customers

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., and LIBERTYVILLE, Ill. – Verizon Wireless announced that the highly anticipated limited edition DROID™ R2-D2™ by Motorola will be available online at www.verizonwireless.com and in select Verizon Wireless Communication stores beginning Sept. 30. With a graphic design to look like the iconic Astromech Droid from the Star Wars™ Saga, the DROID™ R2-D2™ by Motorola will be packaged in a custom box resembling carbonite and come with a Star Wars media dock and wired stereo headset. Exclusive content comes pre-loaded on the special edition smartphone, including:

· R2-D2 notification sounds and ringtones

· Four live wallpapers

· R2-D2 Clock Widget

· “The Best of R2-D2” video with the original Cantina music

· Exclusive Binoculars App

Star Wars Mobile App Available for All Customers with Android 2.1 phones

To celebrate 30 years since the film hit theaters, customers with Android devices running Android 2.1 or higher will soon be able to get the Empire Strikes Back app from Android Market™. The app, only for Verizon Wireless customers, allows Jedi Masters to browse, preview and download Star Wars content related to Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back. Verizon Wireless customers can access premium Star Wars content for a one-time charge of $2.99.

The Star Wars mobile app will have the following features and content:

· Bounty Hunt Visual ID: Find and capture images around the Star Wars universe to unlock hidden content

· Sound and Photo Gallery

· Live Wallpapers:

o Blast the Probe Droid

o Luke Balancing Yoda

o Navigating the Asteroid Field

o Watch Bespin’s Cloud City

· Trivia Challenge: Answer trivia questions about The Empire Strikes Back

· Widgets

The DROID™ R2-D2™ by Motorola will be available for $249 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. Customers will need to subscribe to a Nationwide Talk plan or a Nationwide Talk & Text plan (beginning at $39.99 monthly access) and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan (beginning at $29.99 for unlimited monthly access). 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.

For more information on DROID™ R2-D2™ by Motorola, go to www.droiddoes.com/r2d2.

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Physically and aesthetically the DROID 2 is very much an evolution of its predecessor, itself a particularly distinctive device. Motorola has toned down some of the more dramatic hard lines and eye-catching detailing – gone, for instance, is the gold grill-work, replaced by more traditional silver – and the result is an altogether smoother, slicker device. The most noticeable physical change is to the keyboard, and welcome it is too. The original DROID’s QWERTY was frustratingly flat and even more annoyingly offset, with Motorola choosing to put a large D-pad on the right hand side and forcing users to stretch their thumb across.

On the DROID 2, however, the D-pad has been relegated to a small, far more usable arrow key cluster integrated with the keyboard itself, and the buttons are now all slightly domed. The layout itself is improved, with no blank placeholder keys left wasted, and the typing experience on the whole is significantly improved. Not as good as, say, the Samsung Epic 4G (review) – which benefits from being a bigger handset and thus having more room for its keyboard – but certainly enough to put the original DROID to shame.

Other changes between the two handsets are more subtle, certainly when viewed from the outside. The same 3.7-inch 854 x 480 capacitive LCD touchscreen is used, and it remains a strong panel (though pales these days in comparison to the Galaxy S’ Super AMOLED screen or the iPhone 4′s Retina Display). Motorola has changed the order of the touch-sensitive buttons under the screen – search is still on the far right, but menu, home and back have all been shifted, meaning DROID 2 upgraders will have to do a little muscle-memory retraining – but the overall shape of the new phone is generally the same. That means you can use the same accessories, the Desk Dock and Car Dock, as for the original DROID, rather than spending on new ones.

Inside, Motorola has used a 1GHz OMAP 36×0 series processor, almost twice as fast as the original, and that – coupled with Android 2.2 Froyo being loaded as standard – makes for a generally swift moving software experience. It’s the same CPU as in the Motorola DROID X (as well as 512MB of RAM) but of course the touchscreen-only phone ships with Android 2.1 Eclair. We’ve seen the improvement Google’s more recent Android release makes to day-to-day performance on other devices, and indeed the DROID 2 felt a little snappier completing regular task than the DROID X did.

It’s worth remembering, however, that the original DROID is getting an Android 2.2 update right now, potentially smartening up the existing phone to the point where current owners might not choose to upgrade to the DROID 2. Also in their favor is the original handset’s unmodified OS; in contrast, like the DROID X, Motorola has customized Android 2.2. The latest, relatively pared down version of MOTOBLUR makes an appearance, together with dynamically resizable widgets, for pulling in social networking updates from Facebook, Twitter and others. Unfortunately, as we’ve seen before (from Motorola and other device manufacturers), when the OS is modified from stock it usually takes longer for handsets to get newer Android versions. As we felt with the DROID X, the customizations Motorola have chosen simply don’t deliver enough extra usability, for us, to warrant the likelihood of later delays.

The DROID X’s camera UI is carried over to the DROID 2, but unfortunately the hardware hasn’t come with it; instead there’s a 5-megapixel autofocus camera, just as you’d get on the first DROID. It pales in comparison to modern rivals, too. Indoor stills, despite the dual-LED flash, are fuzzy and prone to blurring, while outdoor shots have decent color balance but still lack fine detail when blown up. It’s not a terrible camera, no, but rivals like Samsung are definitely doing better. As for the camcorder, it falls short of the 720p HD video commonly found on high-end alternatives, instead maxing out at 720 x 480. Clips tend toward the blurry, though the exposure and color-balance is reasonable.

Motorola’s other main changes to the software are to preload Swype, the gesture-based onscreen keyboard gaining momentum on Android phones, and a Mobile Hotspot app, which allows you to share your 3G connections among up to five WiFi clients. However we wish the company had spent some more time finessing their Microsoft Exchange integration; the problems with sync we experienced on the original DROID are still apparent on the second-gen model, despite an update to ActiveSync 12.0. There’s now Flash 10.1 support in the Android browser, which worked reasonably well, though certain games are obviously written for keyboard and mouse control and don’t lend themselves so well to touchscreens. We were able to stream in-page video, but higher bitrates content did tend to choke the DROID 2.

More worrying, though, were the persistent signal and call issues. We praised the original DROID for its strong audio quality and tenacious grip on Verizon’s network, but the same really can’t be said for the DROID 2. Without physically moving the handset we saw it flick between various levels of Internet connection speed, and minor changes in position were enough to prematurely end conversations. It’s a shame, because when we had a solid connection the in-call audio was strong and clear. Hopefully Motorola will release a firmware update to address reception, since we’re not the only people to have complaints about the DROID 2′s abilities in this area. Finally, we’d like to have seen Motorola make this a world-phone, rather than CDMA-only; as with its predecessor, take the DROID 2 outside of North America and you won’t be able to roam onto the more common GSM networks.

With the DROID 2′s WiFi b/g/n and Bluetooth 2.1+EDR turned on, we managed to get through a regular workday on a single charge of the 1,400mAh battery. Still, as with most other recent smartphones, you’ll be charging nightly: Motorola’s Desk Stand – which automatically puts the DROID 2 into a clock/media player mode – makes this more palatable, at least.

When we started, we asked whether Motorola had done enough with the DROID 2 to maintain their momentum, or whether they’d perhaps been too conservative in their changes. The outcome is certainly less clear-cut than back when we reviewed the DROID. In the new handset’s favor are the improved keyboard, faster CPU and boosted RAM; however the mediocre camera and customized Android 2.2 OS count against it. That’s before you get to aberrations of the cellular wireless, which we’re hoping will be addressed soon. For original Verizon DROID owners, we don’t see any great push to upgrade; the keyboard is improved, yes, but if physical QWERTY is your priority then there are better ‘boards out there, and the Android 2.2 update for the first phone closes the gap when it comes to functionality.

In the context of the rest of the market, meanwhile, the DROID 2′s 3.7-inch display is beginning to feel a little small. The DROID X’s 4.3-inch panel is huge in comparison, and even 4-inch phones leave the DROID 2 feeling cramped. Still, there are plenty of people who prefer physically smaller devices. We’re glad to see the Android smartphone segment continue to grow – we’re all for more choice, after all – but Motorola will likely find the Verizon DROID 2 makes less of a splash than its illustrious predecessor managed.

There’s also support for Flash Player 10.1, thanks to Froyo, but unlike the original MILESTONE Motorola has slapped its MOTOBLUR social networking system onto the phone.  We can’t say we’re especially excited about that, since it generally means future Android updates come later, but given Motorola has been dragging its feet with a new ROM for the original MILESTONE we guess it might end up making no difference whatsoever.

Elsewhere there’s a 1GHz processor, WiFi b/g/n, Bluetooth and a microSD card slot, together with a 3.5mm headphone socket, 8GB of integrated storage and a bundled 8GB memory card.  The Motorola MILESTONE 2 will arrive in Europe in Q4, price yet to be announced.

Press Release:

Motorola MILESTONE™ 2 Gives You More for all your Smartphone Needs
September 01, 2010

BASINGSTOKE, September 1, 2010 –– Motorola today introduced MILESTONE™ 2 enhanced with MOTOBLUR™. The Android™ 2.2 device offers more speed, more connectivity, more messaging, more storage, more web with Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1, more multimedia and more personalisation than the original award-winning MILESTONE.

The powerhouse device features a 1Ghz processor, allowing users to sift through their content quickly, even when running multiple applications simultaneously or a number of open web browser pages. Respond to e-mails or texts quickly with an improved and more spacious QWERTY keyboard including larger keys and better tactility for easier typing. MILESTONE 2 also acts as a 3G mobile hotspot1 to connect up to five WiFi® enabled devices, so you turn practically anywhere into a hive of productivity.

“MILESTONE 2 offers more power, more speed, with an improved keyboard, so users can send, access and share information even quicker than before to manage their work and personal life,” said Alain Mutricy, senior vice president, portfolio and device product management, Motorola Mobility. “This introduction not only reaffirms our commitment to innovate on Android but offers consumers the leading edge features they crave including fast web browsing, messaging, application downloads and multimedia.”

MILESTONE 2 also features the latest version of Motorola’s unique solution, MOTOBLUR, which makes it even easier to manage all of your emails, messages and social updates in one easy place with the additions of filtering, resizable widgets, added corporate security and a versatile battery manager.

Further enhancements to the original MILESTONE include 720p HD video capture and playback allowing you to capture life’s moments in crystal clear detail, whilst the Adobe Flash Player 10.1 allows mobile users to experience millions of rich websites the way they were meant to be seen, including rich video and gaming content, and you can share all of your multimedia with DLNA compatible devices. The experience is rounded off with a connected music player delivering lyrics to your songs, additional artist news and information, as well as integrated social applications for sharing and giving recommendations. Users will have plenty of room for their content with up to 8GB internal memory and an 8GB microSD card inbox, expandable to 32GB.

A suite of Google™ mobile applications including Google Search™, Google Maps™, Gmail™ and YouTube™ are also integrated onto the device. Plus you have access to Android Market™ which has more than 70,000 applications.

Smart Accessories

The device ships with an 8GB micro SD card and wired headset, and owners can also download free the Motorola Media Link software that makes transferring your music and other multimedia from computer to phone even easier.

Make the most of Motorola’s MILESTONE 2 at home, in the car or at the office with the optional smart accessories:

The car cradle is ready for the road. Simply drop in your MILESTONE 2 or original MILESTONE and it automatically turns into car mode. This gives one-touch access to your favourite in-car applications, including your handsfree calling contacts, your music, internet radio, podcasts, Google Maps™ with Navigation™ and more. Plug, play, drive and charge your MILESTONE 2 with the rapid in car charger that plugs into your cradle
The multimedia station is a stylish dock for your MILESTONE 2 or original MILESTONE. When docked, your phone automatically changes to desktop mode showing alarm clock and favourite multimedia applications such as a slide show of pictures. Desktop mode can be personalised allowing you to show the applications you want, all whilst charging your device.
Key MILESTONE 2 features include:

1Ghz processor now with 802.11n support
3G mobile hotspot – connect up to five other Wi-Fi devices
Latest version of MOTOBLUR
Adobe Flash Player 10.1
Multi-touch, pinch to zoom, double tap zoom
720p HD video capture and playback
5MP imager with dual LED flash
Up to 40GB of memory
3.5mm audio jack
Enterprise Exchange support
Improved design; more spacious QWERTY keyboard including larger keys and better tactility
DLNA / WiFi / Bluetooth® 2.1 connectivity
Additional functionality and apps include:

Full suite of the Google applications: Google Search, Google Maps with Latitude and Street View, Gmail, YouTube, and Google Talk™
Unified Google and Exchange Contacts
Navigation: GPS, Google Maps, E-Compass Latitude
Email Support: IMAP/POP3, Gmail, Yahoo Mail, Corporate Sync, Push Email
Quick Office document viewer
IM Support: Google Talk
Calendar: Exchange, Calendar
Availability

MILESTONE 2 will be available in Europe beginning Q4 2010.

Meanwhile, the Motorola A956 is tipped as a travel-friendly version of the DROID 2, presumably keeping the smartphone’s QWERTY keyboard and 3.7-inch display but augmenting the CDMA radio with a GSM/UMTS chipset for use abroad.  It’s expected to come in both black and white and arrive imminently.

Finally, the Motorola MZ600 is causing some confusion, with it unclear whether it’s the company’s rumored tablet rival to the iPad or merely a large, MID-style smartphone.  Verizon apparently has 170,000 on order.

That assumes you’re willing to sign up to a two-year agreement, but at least you’ll get the $100 discount online rather than having to send off a mail-in rebate form if you pick up a DROID 2 in-store tomorrow.  Happily Verizon has left the 3G mobile hotspot functionality of Android 2.2 in place, meaning you can share the smartphone’s EVDO Rev.A connection with up to five WiFi-tethered clients.

In the box there’s an 8GB microSD card, which augments the DROID 2′s existing 8GB of internal storage, and Verizon will be offering car and desk docks just as with the original DROID.

[via Android Community]

In the box there’s an 8GB microSD card, which adds to the DROID 2′s own 8GB of internal storage (up to 32GB cards are supported).  According to the carrier, the DROID 2 has a better keyboard than its well-esteemed predecessor, together with a faster processor.

Motorola preload the Swype keyboard and the smartphone has DLNA streaming too.  The Verizon DROID 2 will be priced at $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate and presuming a new, two-year agreement.

Press Release:

See What DROID™ Does Next: DROID 2 By Motorola Pre-Sale Starts August 11 At VerizonWireless.com

Built on Android 2.2 with Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1, DROID 2 Comes Equipped with More Power, More Speed and an Improved QWERTY Keyboard

BASKING RIDGE, NJ, and LIBERTYVILLE, IL — Verizon Wireless, the company with the nation’s largest and most reliable wireless 3G network, and Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT), a pioneer in the mobile industry, today announced that DROID™ 2 by Motorola will be available for pre-sale on August 11. Hitting all the right keys, DROID 2 is a feature-packed device that helps manage work and social life with an enhanced QWERTY keyboard, ultra high-speed Web browsing, 3G Mobile HotSpot capabilities, full push corporate e-mail, intuitive social messaging and Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1 for access to the full web – all built on Android 2.2.

“When we announced DROID X last month, we reaffirmed our commitment to continue to bring unique Android experiences to the Verizon Wireless network,” said Jeffrey Dietel, vice president – wireless device, marketing and development for Verizon Wireless. “The DROID by Motorola was our first Android device, so it is important for us to include the successor to that phone in our portfolio. DROID 2 is not only a continuation of our commitment to Android but offers customers the features and form-factor they crave on the Verizon Wireless network.”

“With the new DROID 2, we’ve taken a big leap forward from the original DROID,” said Bill Ogle, chief marketing officer of Motorola Mobile Devices and Home Business. “We listened to consumers and are providing an even more robust experience built on Android 2.2 that includes a new keyboard, increased processing power, Adobe Flash Player 10.1 and 3G Mobile HotSpot capabilities to send, access and share information even quicker than before.”

DROID 2’s super-slim design helps customers e-mail, text and tweet with ease. DROID 2 offers a redesigned symmetrical keyboard with raised keys for more responsive typing to push out notes and status updates. Speech-to-text input and the virtual multi-touch keyboard allow for quick messaging; or customers can also use Swype for even easier text input. In addition, full push corporate e-mail delivers enhanced features such as remote wipe and password enforcement so that information remains secure.

DROID 2 packs power and speed. Customers can enjoy the freedom of wireless with the 3G Mobile HotSpot and the ability to connect up to five compatible Wi-Fi® devices, and watch content on the full multi-touch 3.7-inch brilliant display, or share content captured on the 5-megapixel camera with enhanced functionality and DVD-quality video capture with DLNA connectivity to share on compatible devices.

Customers can also download favorite apps from Android Market™, which has more than 70,000 applications, and store them on 8 GB of preloaded on-board memory and the 8 GB microSD™ card, which can be upgraded to a 32 GB SD card for a total cargo capacity of 40 GB. Popular apps available on DROID 2 include NFL Mobile (downloadable), Skype mobile(™) and BLOCKBUSTER On Demand® presented by V CAST Video. Customers can even manage their wireless accounts or their contacts from their phones with My Verizon and with Backup Assistant(SM).

“It’s great to see amazing new smartphones like the DROID 2 come pre-installed with Flash Player 10.1,” said David Wadhwani, senior vice president and general manager, Creative and Interactive Solution Business Unit at Adobe. “With the completely redesigned and hardware accelerated Flash Player 10.1, DROID 2 users will be able to experience the full Web on the go.”

Adobe Flash Player 10.1 lets mobile users experience millions of websites the way they were meant to be seen – with rich Internet applications (RIAs), content inside the browser, including games, animations, data presentations and visualizations, e-commerce, music, video, audio and more.

R2-D2 DROID 2
In honor of the iconic Astromech Droid from the Star Wars™ Saga, Verizon Wireless will offer a limited-edition R2-D2 version of the DROID 2, available only online in September. The special version of the phone will feature exclusive Star Wars content and external hardware designed to look like the trusty Droid from the film saga. Visitors to the upcoming Star Wars Celebration V in Orlando, Fla., can see a preview of the limited edition phone and sign up to receive alerts when the phone is ready for sale.

Pricing and Availability
DROID 2 by Motorola will be available at www.verizonwireless.com on August 11, and it will be in Verizon Wireless Communications Stores beginning August 12 for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. 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. In addition to subscribing to a Nationwide Talk plan or a Nationwide Talk & Text plan, customers will also need to subscribe to an Email and Web for Smartphone plan. Nationwide Talk plans begin at $39.99 monthly access. Email and Web for Smartphone plans start at $29.99 for unlimited monthly access.

Customers can add the optional 3G Mobile HotSpot service to their DROID 2 smartphones for $20 per month. The 3G Mobile HotSpot allows customers to turn their phones into a wireless modem for up to five compatible Wi-Fi® devices. In addition, current Verizon Wireless customers who have contracts ending by December 31, 2010, can upgrade to any smartphone, including DROID 2, without penalty.

For more information on DROID 2 by Motorola, go to www.droiddoes.com. For information about Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.

About Verizon Wireless
Verizon Wireless operates the nation’s most reliable and largest wireless voice and 3G data network, serving more than 92 million customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 79,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com. To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About Motorola
Motorola is known around the world for innovation in communications and is focused on advancing the way the world connects. From broadband communications infrastructure, enterprise mobility and public safety solutions to mobile and wireline digital communication devices that provide compelling experiences, Motorola is leading the next wave of innovations that enable people, enterprises and governments to be more connected and more mobile. Motorola (NYSE: MOT) had sales of US $22 billion in 2009. For more information, please visit www.motorola.com.

STAR WARS™, DROID™ and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights, in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. TM & © Lucasfilm Ltd. All rights reserved. Used under license. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners.

Android, Android Market are trademarks of Google Inc. Adobe Flash is a trademark of Adobe Systems Inc.

That includes a Froyo update for the Vodafone Google Nexus One as early as next week, with the carrier-branded device finally getting what unlocked users have been enjoying for a few weeks now.  Handy, since Google has announced that they’ll soon not be offering the unlocked version themselves, leaving it up to carrier partners to supply the phone.

Finally, the Samsung Galaxy S is tipped to get Android 2.2 in September 2010, in France at least.  That’s particularly good news, as we found the Galaxy S’ processor to have plenty of promise when we reviewed the smartphone and expect Froyo to only make things better.  Remember, if you want to keep up to speed on Android, check out Android Community our sibling site; they’re pretty darn obsessed over there.

The Verizon FiveSpot is believed to support up to five WiFi clients simultaneously, like a MiFi, and expected to support global roaming with both CDMA and UMTS connectivity like some of the carrier’s higher-spec devices.  No word on pricing or availability at this stage.

As for those two BlackBerry devices, no photos but the source reckons the Curve 3 and Storm 3 are both “possible” releases for the upcoming holiday sales season.  Engadget are guessing that the Curve 3 might be a 9300-variant while the Storm 3 could be the production name for the 9800 Slider.  The 10.1-inch tablet, finally, doesn’t have anything in the way of OS or manufacturer listed, so we don’t know if it’s an Android slate or even RIM’s rumored “BlackTab” BlackBerry companion tablet.

Considering Motorola made it pretty clear in their original blog post that they see devices like the DROID X and DROID 2 as intended for consumers and app developers only, not firmware tweakers, we’re guessing any ROM-related bricking probably wouldn’t be covered by a handset’s warranty.  It’s disappointing news given the reputation Android has as being developer-friendly, and it may be enough to put some more advanced users off Motorola’s newer devices (such as the DROID X which went on sale earlier today).

[via Android Community]

As for why they made that exception, there’s only the mysterious explanation that Motorola had “a specific business reason for doing so.”  In contrast, the European version of the DROID – the Motorola Milestone – had a locked bootloader, as do all of the other Android smartphones from the company.

“The use of open source software, such as the Linux kernel or the Android platform, in a consumer device does notrequire the handset running such software to be open for re-flashing.  We comply with the licenses, including GPLv2, for each of the open source packages in our handsets.” Motorola

[via Android Community]

That speedy processor is what led early testers to predict the DROID 2 might end up being the fastest Android smartphone so far, though we’ll have to see how the final firmware affects that.  The DROID 2 has 8GB of flash memory and 512MB of RAM, together with a microSD card slot with an 8GB card pre-installed.

Like the DROID X it’ll work as a 3G mobile hotspot, sharing its cellular connection with various WiFi-attached clients, but unlike the touchscreen-only phone it has a 5-megapixel rather than an 8-megapixel camera.  No sign of a release date, but sometime this summer is a given.

[via Android Community]

Video demo after the cut

That’s primarily down to the new, faster CPU – a Texas Instruments OMAP3630 – and the doubled RAM, 256MB, since the two phones actually share the same GPU.  We’re warned to expect even better performance once Motorola push out Android 2.2 for the DROID 2, since the newer OS version is known to have significant speed benefits.

As for the physical hardware, the keyboard is reportedly better and offers greater feedback during typing, but otherwise changes are minimal.  That includes the 5-megapixel camera, and we can see would-be owners perhaps picking the Motorola DROID X which has an 8-megapixel camera, can record 720p HD (and output it via HDMI), and has a larger, 4.3-inch display too.

[via Android Community]

As for software, while the unit on show was running the same skin as we’ve seen on the DROID X recently, the Verizon rep told Zack that it was more likely to launch running Android 2.2 Froyo with no separate UI enhancements.  Alternatively, it might arrive with Android 2.1 but be updated shortly afterwards.

Hardware specs are in short supply, but it apparently has a 1GHz processor and 5-megapixel camera, together with 8GB of internal storage and – in this case – an 8GB microSD card.  No solid release dates, but the Verizon rep did suggest the DROID 2 would launch in the “next few weeks” – perhaps even making an appearance at Verizon’s launch event we’re attending on June 23rd?

The Best of R3 Media

Meet the Motorola A955: We’ve got no idea what it is. It’s either the Motorola Shadow, the Nexus Two, or the Droid 2. All of which haven’t officially been announced, or even spied on camera (completely), but we know that at least one of those handsets exist. And, sure enough, the Motorola A955 fits right in with the Droid 2 mythos, as it follows the first version of the Droid’s model number (A855) quite nicely. So, that’s our bet. But, then again, it could be something completely different, too. [via Android Community]

Apple Asks “What’s the iPad?”: Good enough question for some, we imagine. While the iPad has been basically a smash hit here in the States, there’s still no telling how well it will do around the world once the tablet starts showing up in people’s hands. So, Apple wanted to make sure that you get the point of the iPad, or at least something close to that. That’s why they made a nice little video for you. Hopefully it answers your questions. [via Everything iPad]

Microsoft Mobile Office Available Now: For Windows Mobile 6.5, no less. Considering that Windows Phone 7 is getting its own, pretty spectacular version of Windows Mobile, there’s no doubt that this version won’t be making it to the next iteration of the mobile platform. But, it’s good to see Microsoft giving Windows Mobile some love, even in the shadow of what’s coming. Features include mobile versions of Word, PowerPoint, OneNote, and Excel. It’s available for download right now, so get crackin’ and let us know what you think. [via SlashPhone]

The Dredge Net

One Man Wants to Give All of Africa WiFi: Yes. All of it. Not just the large metropolitan areas, or even some villages. But all of the villages out there, and everything else in between. Paul English is the co-founder of the travel search engine Kayak (which is also available in an application format on some smartphones) has an idea to use satellites, along with terrestrial infrastructure, to give the entire continent access to free, high-speed WiFi. It would basically be like the “closed” Internet that you get at a local, public library: access to Skype, Gmail, and Google, but “non-essential” things like pornography, or high-bandwidth intensive videos wouldn’t be allowed, either. A lofty goal, yes, and it probably won’t be done for a decade, but at least he’s trying. And using his own money, no less. [via DVICE]

Comcast Makes an iPad App: Yes, two pieces of iPad information tonight. We couldn’t really help ourselves. As soon as we saw this app, we had to share it here. It’s a pretty simple, relatively, channel guide, which shows you all the available channels for your account with Comcast. The User Interface (UI) is great, and it looks really, really easy to navigate through. One of the most simple features, like having the TV station’s logos visible, is also one of the coolest. Definitely worth a look if you’ve got an iPad and are using Comcast, that’s for sure. [via CrunchGear]

Netflix Begins Streaming HD to PCs and Macs: This one’s quick, because we know as soon as you read that title, you closed this window and went right on over to Netflix. We don’t blame you. The video streaming and disc-sending company is now starting to stream HD videos to PCs and Macs, which should make pretty much everyone happy. Why are you still here? [via Netflix]