Timeline (the condensed version): Google launches Android 2.1 on January 5th, Motorola promises to eventually offer 2.1 for all its Android handsets (including the heavily skinned CLIQ) on January 6th, Google’s Nexus One gets 2.1 on January 11th. We wait. Motorola CLIQ gets 2.1 today, a mere 11 months later. Sure, maybe we were young and naive, but who could’ve known then that this update would be so long coming? Nobody really knows the solution to this problem in a general sense, especially since vanilla Android seems to be off the table for the majority of phones. What could compel a handset manufacturer and a carrier to work up timely software updates on heftily-skinned handsets past their shelf life, potentially competing with their own newer handsets in the process? Maybe paying for updates? Real Genuine Tears of Desperation? You tell us. Anyway, congrats to the saintly CLIQ owners out there who have waited patiently for 2.1, and a grumble grumble thanks to Motorola for keeping its promise.
Until now, Milestone owners could do nothing but to envy Droid users rocking the Froyo upgrade; however, according to Motorola’s recently published timeline, the former device is now slated for the same dessert party in Europe and Korea in Q4 — specifically, “beginning at the end of this year,” which could well mean the majority of users won’t get the update until 2011 (!). Meanwhile, said upgrade is still “under evaluation” for Canada, Latin America, Mexico and Asia-Pacific sans Korea.
But here’s the real heartbreaking news from the same chart: unlike their American counterparts, the Dext and Backflip will not be getting an Eclair update in Europe, Latin American and Mexico, while Canada and Asia-Pacific still have a glimpse of hope. Sure, it’s not like Motorola’s earlier timeline laid any concrete details for the European Dext, but there was definitely a date for the Latin America flavor. What concerns us the most is that back in January, Motorola did make a promise — which has since been deleted but forever cached by Google — to its European fans on Facebook: “[the] Dext will get the Android 2.1 upgrade as well.” We have the full shameful statement after the break.
In case you still care, other devices mentioned in the timeline include the US-only Devour (no 2.1 update), Cliq XT / Quench (2.1 in late Q3 / early Q4; under evaluation for Canada and Asia-Pacific), Droid X (Froyo upgrade in late summer, which we knew), Motoroi and Titanium (2.2 in Q4 in Korea for both). If you’re still mourning over the canned update for your Dext, let us remind you that there’s no stopping you from updating your Android slider manually; alternatively, there’s no harm in sending Sanjay a nice postcard, either.
[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Update: Miraculously, the offending Facebook status link is now back online…
Don’t know about you, but our poor Motorola Dext (or Cliq as it’s know in the Land of the Free) had been left gathering dust for some time as it got unbearably laggy, even after a few wipes. We only clung onto this Android 1.5 device in the hope that Motorola or T-Mobile would stick to their update schedules. And boy we got lucky, as an anonymous leakster dropped off an allegedly official T-Mobile 2.1 ROM for said phone yesterday, which sounds about right when you think of the carrier’s planned August update. Read on to find out how the new ROM’s running on our Dext — we’ve also got a hands-on video for you.
Today was the middle of the week, but it didn’t really feel like it until about half-way through. At least it wasn’t the beginning of the week again, right? Not yet, anyway. Welcome to tonight’s edition of the Daily Slash. Tonight, after the wake of the first keynote from Google’s I/O, in the Best of R3, we’ve got a screenshot of the Motorola Cliq with a certain numbered update, and the Motorola i1 has finally launched. And then in the Dredge ‘Net, LaCie has introduced a new net-connected RAID, MSI’s revealed two new notebooks, and Foxconn’s got a tablet that may actually rival another already on the market.
The Best of R3 Media
Motorola Cliq Gets a Screenshot of Android 2.1: While other Sprint devices keep getting the update to Android 2.1, there’s a few other handsets out there that still haven’t been brought into the current age of Android. Namely, handsets running with MOTOBLUR. Just when we might have started thinking it wasn’t going to happen, we get a screenshot of a Motorola Cliq, somewhere out there in the United States, running the latest build of Android 2.1. It’s only a screen grab of the Settings menu, so we don’t have a lot to go on here, but at least it’s something. Or, it’s fake. [via Android Community]
The Motorola i1 Lands on SouthernLINC: Sure, we might have assumed that Motorola had bigger plans for the Motorola i1, but apparently its initial launch is destined for a regional carrier. And, sure enough, it’s expensive on that regional carrier, too. SouthernLINC have landed the launch of the Motorola i1, with its military-spec ruggedization, and Android-running goodness. It’ll cost you $200 on a new, two-year contract, so definitely weigh your options a bit, yeah? [via SlashPhone]
The Dredge Net
LaCie Shows Off New Net-Connected RAID: LaCie knows how to make expensive solutions to your storage needs. With this latest edition, there’s no exception made. These new drives are intended for maximum data storage, protection, and connectivity. There is a pair of hard drives inside the foreboding black box, which are set up in a typical RAID 1 fashion: you write to one, it gets reflected on the other. It features built-in server and torrent download functions, which should make a few people happy out there. The USB 2.0 interface should also do the trick, meaning you can use the RAID set-up like a standard hard drive as well. You can set it up in a 2GB or 4GB capacity, with the 2GB mark starting with a cost of $480. [via CrunchGear]
MSI Introduces X620 and CX420: MSI knows how to launch a notebook. They do it all the time, it seems, and they probably don’t plan on stopping any time soon. This time around, we’ve got the X620MX, which is a 15.6-inch, which features Intel’s new Core 2010 line-up of processors, and ATI’s Mobility Radeon HD 545v (512MB) GPU. Actually both notebooks rock the same features, including the DDR3 RAM, up to two slots, and the same 1366×768 resolution of the screens. Hard drives come in sizes from 250GB/320GB/500GB; HDMI/VGA outputs, 3 USB 2.0 ports, microphone and headphone audio jacks, and integrated WiFi 802.11b/g/n. No prices or release date yet. [via Hot Hardware]
Foxconn’s Tablet Features Tegra 2: NVIDIA showed off a new tablet, and we’ve got to admit: it’s impressive. Sure, it’s probably not coming out until way later this year, but at least we’ve got something to look forward to (among other things, of course). This prototype tablet features the dual-core Tegra 250 chipset, which is designed by Foxconn, is labeled as being “a generation ahead” of the iPad from Apple, because it may run the same 1GHz clock speed, but the ARM Cortex-A9 architecture means that it can actually pull 25 percent more power than Apple’s A4 processor. It also features 1GB of RAM, which is four times as much as Apple’s tablet. It’s only 8.9 inches, though, so it is a bit smaller than the revolutionary product from Cupertino. It does have a front-facing camera and 2 USB ports, though. [via Electronista]
Room in your heart for another Motorola Android smartphone running MOTOBLUR but stuck on Android 1.5? The T-Mobile CLIQ XT by Motorola is set to hit the market imminently, and we’ve got our full review over at Android Community.
Based on the original Motorola CLIQ, but dropping that handset’s slide-out hardware keyboard in favor of a slimmer chassis and Swype text-entry system, the CLIQ XT certainly has a reasonably packed spec-list. A 5-megapixel camera, multitouch and Flash Lite support are all this season’s must-haves, and despite the CLIQ XT being positioned as a mid-range device they’re all onboard.
Still, it’s been a long time since Android 1.5 was current, and as we’ve learnt the hard way in the past, it’s not about the specs but how the device delivers. Does the Motorola CLIQ XT do enough to push past its OS limitations in what’s now a far more competitive Android segment? You’ll have to read the full review to find out.
We know you’ve barely recovered from our Devour review, but Moto just threw another Blur-ified phone in our laps this afternoon – the CLIQ XT. We’ve been playing around with the Android 1.5-based, Flash Lite-supported, multitouch-capable handset for the last couple of hours — but before we grace you with our first impressions, just a fair warning: we don’t yet know the price of the new T-Mobile Android handset, though Motorola did promise us that it will hit shelves this month. With that said, hit the break for a quick rundown of our early thoughts.
While we’ve pretty much known that T-Mobile plan to launch the HTC HD2 in the US sometime this month, what we haven’t been aware of is what sort of pricing we should expect. Thanks to a nifty leak from Tmonews, however, we now know figures for not only the HD2 but the CLIQ XT and the Nokia Nuron (aka the ExpressMusic 5230). Best news? The HD2 isn’t as expensive as we feared it might be.
In fact, the HD2 comes in at $199.99 after an (unspecified) rebate, presuming you’re willing to sign up to a two year agreement. Contract-free, the T-Mobile HD2 is $449.99. Opt for a data plan and there’s no need for a rebate, either, which is a nice touch.
As for the Motorola CLIQ XT (aka the QUENCH), that will apparently be $129.99 with a new contract or $329.99 without (again, no rebate required if you take out a data plan). Finally, the Nokia Nuron is $69.99 with contract or $179.99 without.
Of course, the recent news over the potential – or lack of it – for official HTC HD2 Windows Phone 7 upgrades may put a dampener on enthusiasm for the smartphone. That’s a shame; we certainly liked it when we reviewed it last year, but it seems the delay in rolling out the US-spec version may have undermined sales now that Windows Phone 7 is on the horizon.
We wouldn’t rate the ability to tune FM radio highly on our wishlist of missing features on Motorola’s CLIQ, but nonetheless an Android tweaker by the name of Eugene has figured out how to deliver it. The necessary receiving hardware for pulling down the Weekly Top 40 was actually there all the time, Eugene just needed some binary files — and to believe. Once he believed hard enough, clapped his hands, and copied over those files, presto he was groovin’. He hasn’t released a working version of his tweak to the world just yet, but we presume that will be coming soon enough.
Having seen their US arm confirm that the Motorola CLIQ, DROID and Backflip would see Android 2.1 firmware updates at some point, Motorola Europe have announced that the DEXT and the Milestone would get similarly updated too. The news was posted to the company’s Facebook page, and also confirmed that the Milestone will be getting an intermediate update too.
That intermediate update is in fact the Android 2.0.1 firmware that the DROID received a few weeks back, and which addressed issues such as the camera’s poor performance, GPS and in-call audio improvements, better Bluetooth functionality and overall speed tweaks. No exact timescale for any of the releases has been given.
SlashGear is at Motorola’s press conference at CES 2010 today, and the company has just announced the Motorola Backflip. While they’re not mentioning carrier partnerships today, it’s worth noting that the Backflip image shown now is the same as AT&T showed earlier today. Meanwhile Moto also confirmed that the CLIQ (aka the Motorola DEXT) will be upgraded from Android 1.5 to 2.1, and that Adobe Flash 10.1 will be pushed out to the DROID in future releases.
Meanwhile MOTOBLUR – which is already available on the CLIQ and will be preloaded on the new AT&T Backflip – will apparently be updated to “much greater capacity” in 2010. We’re presuming that means more interaction with different social networks, and perhaps sorting out some of the usability issues we’ve complained about.
As for the Motorola Backflip, it has a 3.1-inch HVGA display, AGPS, WiFi b/g, Bluetooth 2.0 and a 5-megapixel camera; the name comes from the unusual way the QWERTY keyboard folds back against the screen section, leaving the keys exposed. That also allows you to use it as an alarm clock or a standalone PMP. On the back of the screen section there’s a touch-sensitive navigation pad Motorola are calling BACKTRACK; that lets you navigate webpages and lists without obscuring or smudging the touchscreen with your fingers.
Initially, like the CLIQ, the Backflip will run Android 1.5, so we’ll have to wait for the 2.1 update for this new device as well as the older model. The Backflip will apparently see a global launch kicking off in Q1 2010; AT&T have said to expect a release early this year. No word on pricing.
Press Release:
Motorola Globally Introduces BACKFLIP™ with MOTOBLUR™ – Taking Smart in a Whole New Direction
BACKFLIP bends the smart phone rules with a unique reverse flip design and BACKTRACK™ feature for speeding through MOTOBLUR social streams
January 06, 2010
LAS VEGAS – CES – Jan. 6, 2010 – Today Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT) announced the latest addition to its Android™ portfolio: BACKFLIP™ with MOTOBLUR™. The Motorola BACKFLIP, which combines the social saviness and personalization of MOTOBLUR with the multitasking performance of a smart phone, will be available in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia beginning in Q1 2010. The unique reverse flip design makes it easy to enjoy videos, music and photos, and the QWERTY keyboard allows you to blast through e-mails, texts, news feeds, social network messages and more.
“Since introducing our first MOTOBLUR-based device, we’ve remained focused on differentiating the Android experience and bringing it to new carrier partners around the globe,” said Sanjay Jha, co-CEO of Motorola and CEO of Motorola Mobile Devices. “BACKFLIP maximizes the multi-tasking and multi-functional potential of MOTOBLUR with its unique design elements, making it as smart as it is social.”
MOTOBLUR is Motorola’s Android-powered content delivery service created to make phones more personal and socially smart. It is the first and only solution to sync contacts, posts, messages, photos and much more—from sources such as Facebook®, MySpace, Twitter, Gmail™, work and personal e-mail, and LastFM—and automatically deliver them to the home screen. Content is fed into easy-to-manage streams allowing you to spend less time managing your life and more time living it.
BACKFLIP is designed around the MOTOBLUR experience and provides multiple features to keep phone conversations moving. Multi-tasking has never been easier with BACKFLIP’s reverse-flip QWERTY keyboard and high-res 3.1” HVGA screen—letting you see more and respond faster. Navigate quickly and easily through menus and features with the new and unique BACKTRACK™ feature. BACKTRACK is a touch panel located on the other side of the device, offering you a new way to scroll through—the Web, texts, e-mails and news feeds without obscuring the home screen.
The truly original design allows BACKFLIP to create new ways to enjoy photos, music and more. In the reverse-flip, tabletop mode, listen to music or view videos hands free. The digital picture frame mode lets you show off your latest adventures. You can even turn BACKFLIP into a bedside alarm clock for your morning wake up call.
BACKFLIP comes fully equipped with the MOTOBLUR features you know and love. The full HTML browser on BACKFLIP’s 3.1” high-res, touch display will be sure to impress, and, with 3G speed and Wi Fi access, you will never be out of the loop. Android Market™ gives you access to more than 18,000 apps and widgets, so you are free to customize BACKFLIP to your liking. Capture the moment with BACKFLIP’s 5 MP camera with flash and easily upload to your favorite photo sharing or social site. Additional extras such as aGPS and stereo Bluetooth1 make BACKFLIP the complete package.
Finally, MOTOBLUR provides end-users with convenience and peace of mind, as lost devices can be located from a secure personal information portal and even remotely erased if necessary. Then, one user name and password brings back your contacts, messages and connectivity to your previously configured networks and email providers.
BACKFLIP with MOTOBLUR will be available in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia beginning in Q1 2010. For specific regional availability and pricing, contact your local Motorola representative. To experience BACKFLIP, please visit www.motorola.com/backflip.
For more information, product specifications and images of BACKFLIP, please visit Media Center Fact Sheets. For multimedia assets from CES, visit CES 2010 Press Kit. Also follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Certain features, services and applications are network dependent and may not be available in all areas; additional terms, conditions and/or charges may apply. Contact your service provider for details.
1 This device supports Bluetooth A2DP, HSP, and HFP profiles. For Bluetooth devices to communicate with one another, they must utilize the same Bluetooth profile. To determine the profiles supported by other Motorola devices, visit www.motorola.com/bluetooth. For other devices, contact their respective manufacturer. Certain Bluetooth features including those listed may not be supported by all compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices, and/or the functionality of such features may be limited in certain devices, or by certain wireless carriers. Contact your wireless carrier about feature availability and functionality.
