Last month, the news of Google’s acquisition of Motorola sent shockwaves through the mobile industry. Of course, very quickly a few apologists got up to say that the purchase was about the patents in Motorola’s kitty. I didn’t think so.

Well, its official now. Here are the words of Google Chairman, Eric Schmidt:

“We did it for more than just patents. We actually believe that the Motorola team has some amazing products coming,” and went on to add that, “We’re excited to have the product line, to use the Motorola brand, the product architecture, the engineers. These guys invented the RAZR. We know them well because they’re Google Apps users.”

Source

Come on guys, all that money just for the patents? It wasn’t going to happen. Google always had their eyes on the hardware, and now they’ve got their hands on it.

While Android partners have publicly said that they are happy about the acquisition, in my opinion that’s just PR. In reality, things have changed significantly.

For one, the Korean government has recently mentioned it plans to develop a mobile OS to rival Android with the support of both Samsung and LG.

Secondly, Chinese search engine Baidu (which dominates China’s search market) has launched its own mobile OS, called Yi. Baidu Yi is a modification of Android OS and provides alternatives to many of Android’s in-built Google services.

Acer has also now publicly stated that the Motorola acquisition is a blessing to Microsoft. As I suspected, OEMs would now have to seriously consider investing in the direction of WindowsPhone.

Samsung already has Bada OS which is being pushed hard in the market, and can always fall back on that.

How this all plays out eventually will be seen. The mobile industry is very volatile. As the famous saying goes, Expect the unexpected.

The mobile industry is so volatile and dynamic that every now and then a player throws in something that changes the playing field. That is exactly what Google has done with the acquisition of smartphone vendor Motorola Mobility for $12.5 billion.

Ladies and gentlemen, this changes everything. Again.

Here is an excerpt from Larry Page’s announcement on the official Google blog:

This acquisition will not change our commitment to run Android as an open platform. Motorola will remain a licensee of Android and Android will remain open. We will run Motorola as a separate business. Many hardware partners have contributed to Android’s success and we look forward to continuing to work with all of them to deliver outstanding user experiences.

The combination of Google and Motorola will not only supercharge Android, but will also enhance competition and offer consumers accelerating innovation, greater choice, and wonderful user experiences.

Finally, Google joins the exclusive club of companies who control both the software and hardware ends of their mobile products. Others include Apple (iOS), RIM (Blackberry), Samsung (Bada), and HP (WebOS). Nokia, who have been a part of this club till date with Symbian, are actually exiting the club with their dumping of Symbian and Meego in favour of WindowsPhone.

Questions

Did Nokia make the right choice letting go of control of the software end?

How will the other Android licensees respond? HTC? Samsung? LG? Sony Ericsson?

If this is the future, and I suspect that it is to a large extent, then perhaps we should actually be looking forward to a Microsoft acquisition of Nokia someday? Blasphemy? Perhaps. But like Nokia is, Motorola was once the world’s largest mobile vendor. Who would have thought that they would one day end up in Google’s pockets?

In the meantime, Android is the only one of those mobile platform in which the developer now has hardware control as well as licensees. All other things being equal, this should mean better days for the Android OS – if the other licensees don’t panic and start looking elsewhere. And who would blame them if they did that?

I’m still reeling from the shock of this news. Help me, someone!

Read the official statement: Supercharging Android: Google to Acquire Motorola Mobility

A Motorola EX115 walked into MobilityNigeria towers early this afternoon, and I have had some time with it to give a quick first impressions account of the phone.

In summary, the EX115 is a dual-SIM, dual standby QWERTY candybar featurephone. It is a budget device, though its looks could deceive you into believing that it is a more expensive device. Actually, you would be forgiven for naturally assuming that it is a smartphone at first sight.

Among the existing line-up of dual-SIM QWERTY bars, it appears to be the most advanced in terms of features and looks. Competing devices include the Samsung Ch@t 322 and LG C310, both of which don’t look as classy and have lower-specified cameras.

The EX115 is housed in good quality plastic with chrome-like accents. The Titanium-coloured version looks better than the white variant, but that is subject to each individual’s opinion, really.

The QWERTY keyboard looks and feels good. Keys have no space in between them but are domed Palm-style for usability. I have done some quick typing and found them functional, but I will have a final verdict after playing with the keyoard for a longer period.

There is a 3.2 megapixel camera on the backof the device, a microSD card slot, and a 3.5mm audio port. For local connectivity, there is microUSB and Bluetooth v2.1. Network data is limited to GPRS and EDGE, and there is a built-in browser by Obigo. Java (J2ME) is supported and so java apps and games can be installed.

Those are the basics, I believe. However the EX115 performs, it is a classy budget device that you will not feel ashamed carrying anywhere. It is definitely a looker.

Expect my more detailed review soon.

If you have been wondering why your Android smartphone hasn’t been working as well as it should be, Motorola’s CEO, Dr. Sanjay Jha, says it’s because of the openess of the Android OS.

Really? Yes; really. Here are his points:

1. He says that because the Android Market is open, anyone can upload almost any type of applications, implying rogue apps that impact battery life
2. He also says that 70% of the phones that are returned are because of issues caused by applications.

Errrr, we are thinking, were these not some of the same issues that people griped about Symbian? What’s new? Next!

And the Solution?
Jha’s solution to all the above is MOTOBLUR, Motorola’s proprietary software layer that runs on top of their Android phones. Motorola is using BLUR to collect data on the applications that people use on their phones and the way they affect the performance of their devices. Thanks to this information, they will soon be able to issue warnings if an applications, say, is going to have a dramatic effect on the phone’s battery life.

Source

I have been wishing for a QWERTY-fied candybar Android smartphone since forever. This one just announced by Motorola looks like the smartphone that I have been fondling in my dreams.

This is the Motorola Droid Pro. Specs? Yummy (no pun intended). Take a look:

• 3.1-inch capacitive touchscreen of HVGA resolution (320 x 480 pixels)
• Android 2.2 a.k.a. Froyo
• Adobe Flash Player 10.1
• Mobile hotspot
• Apps installable on memory card
• 1GHz OMAP 3620 processor + PowerVR SGX 530 graphics chip
• 2 GB internal storage, 512 MB RAM
• CDMA/GSM compatibility
• GPRS, EDGE, HSDPA, 10.2 Mbps; HSUPA, 5.76 Mbps
• CDMA 1x, EV-DO
• Wi-Fi 802.11
• 5 MP autofocus camera, dual-LED flash
• D1 (720×480 pixels) video recording
• 1420 mAh battery

From Motorola’s website:

DROID PRO represents a new breed of easy-to-use, intuitive smartphones designed for both work and personal use. It addresses the growing desire from employers and employees for business-ready solutions with enhanced features for a richer personal mobile experience. As the first ever smartphone built on Android for business, DROID PRO is a new powerful, stronger, faster solution that meets business and consumer needs.

DROID PRO delivers speed, convenience, security, and all the productivity tools that businesses require.

• Full-push corporate email with corporate level security, unified calendar with additional work features, pre-loaded QuickOffice Mobile Suite.
• Powerful 1 GHz processor, 4GB of memory (2GB internal and 2GB removable) and a QWERTY keyboard designed for speed and convenience.
• Personal mobile experience provides PC-like browsing with Adobe® Flash® Player 10.1 on a full multi-touch 3.1 inch brilliant display – all built on Android 2.2.
• Motorola security additions including AuthenTec IPSec multi-headed VPN integration, remote wipe of device & SD card, and complex password support. Plus, device and SD card encryption will be available in early 2011.
• Capture and share content from the device’s 5-megapixel camera with auto focus and dual LED flash or DVD-quality video via DLNA connectivity to compatible devices.
• 3G Mobile Hotspot for up to five other Wi-Fi®-enabled devices/laptops.

“Motorola truly understands the greater productivity needs of both businesses and their employees beyond mobile email,” said Mark Shull, Senior Vice President of Mobile, McAfee, Inc. “McAfee Enterprise Mobility Management provides Motorola smartphone users with an advanced security solution to address corporate market demand, including the increased use of mobile productivity apps. We look forward to working with Motorola to meet these needs by collaboratively harnessing the power of the open Android platform.”

If you want the BlackBerry form factor but with Android running under the hood, this is your baby.

I haven’t used a Motorola device in ages. Wait; in ages is an understatement. My last Motorola device was waaaaay back in 2003, the C336. Before that was the A008 Accompli (2003), and before that my very first GSM phone, the T2288. This should be a good reunion between two old friends, Motorola and myself.

I really, really do like the Droid Pro and hope that Motorola implements it well. Release date is first week of November. That’s not far away, but its availability is only on Verizon in the U.S. That shouldn’t stop me from arranging for one. Hopefully, I’ll be able to say “Hello Moto” in a month’s time.

Source: Motorola Media Centre

Engadget has a hands-on of the Droid Pro already.

Today, Motorola announced the XT720, an Android-powered device that is already being touted as Motorola’s answer to Nokia’s recently-announced N8. Perhaps those rooting for the N8 need to hold on a bit and take a look at this? Get the gist below and tell us what you think!

BASINGSTOKE, UK – June 7, 2010 – Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) today announced MILESTONE™ XT720, one of the world’s slimmest 8 Megapixel Android™ smartphones and the first to have a Xenon Flash.

This sleek (10.9mm), capacitive touch Android 2.1 phone also features a high definition (HD) video experience and enhanced media and mobile internet capabilities for users who expect the latest in technology and the ultimate smartphone experience.

Ralf Gerbershagen, vice president and general manager for Motorola’s Mobile Devices business in Western Europe said, “MILESTONE XT720 is one of the most powerful phones in Motorola’s current smartphone range. Slim, sophisticated and technically savvy, MILESTONE XT720 is a high performance device designed for those who are actively engaged in both their work and social lives.

“With MILESTONE XT720, Motorola has taken yet another step towards eliminating the barriers for consumers to creating and consuming media on the go.”

Enhanced Digital Camera & Video
MILESTONE XT720 breaks new ground for Android smartphones by offering an 8 megapixel camera with Xenon flash, 10x digital zoom, and a 720p HD camcorder. It allows users to not only capture, view and share high quality photos and videos, but also helps make them look better than ever. Key features include:

• Smart image capture: includes easy panorama, face detection, multi-shot (six shots in a row), face filter, red eye reduction, camera shake prevention and more, to improve the image quality and variety
• High definition multimedia interface (HDMI™): HDMI cable (in box) allows HD video captured on the MILESTONE XT720 to be viewed directly on an HDTV
• Memory card support: 8GB microSD card included inbox; expandable up to 32GB

Designed For Mobile Internet
MILESTONE™ XT720 is designed to deliver high speed web-browsing and it has the capacity to support up to eight open browser windows. The huge 3.7 inch, WVGA (480X854) display shows full page websites, videos, games, or photos in glorious detail.

Taking full advantage of the power of Android 2.1, the display uses a powerful combination of Motorola’s touch user interface (UI) and a capacitive touch sensor for smooth screen flipping and scrolling, and up to five customisable home screens.

A suite of Google™ mobile applications including Google Search™, Google Maps™, Gmail™ and YouTube™ are also integrated onto the device, as well as Motorola’s MOTONAV turn by turn navigation1.

Advanced Mobile Office
MILESTONE XT720 supports management of multiple accounts and document editing to ensure efficiency and true multi-tasking on the go.
• Synchronise and manage multiple email accounts simultaneously, letting you separate your work and personal inboxes
• Gmail contacts sync: synchronise contacts from the accounts that are added on the device.

Apps Power
MILESTONE XT720 provides easy access to thousands of apps available on Android Market™ and has the processing power to ensure your favourites run swiftly and smoothly.

It has been quite a while since Motorola released an impressive mobile device last. For a company that produced the stunning A008 “Accompli” as far back as 2002, Motorola seems to have been falling deeper and deeper into mediocrity for a while.

But the Droid is looking to change that. It is the first Motorola product in years that has impressed me. I am difficult to impress.

The Droid is an Android-based device (the first to run Android 2.0), sports a full QWERTY keyboard, HSDPA/HSUPA, an ARM Cortex A8 550 MHz processor, and has a 5 megapixel shooter on board.

This U.S. version of this device is known as the Droid, while the Europe version goes by the name Milestone. Hopefully, the Droid will indeed be a Milestone in the fortunes of Motorola and help the struggling giant get back on its feet. At least in the smartphone business.

Do not forget to give us a heads-up if you run into this beast in the market here in Nigeria.

Meet the Droid: