From the depths of outer space, the DROID has finally entered Earth’s atmosphere. Verizon Wireless and Motorola today announced that the DROID will touch down online and in stores on Nov. 6.
The DROID is Verizon Wireless’ first Android-powered smartphone, as well as the first Android smartphone running Android 2.0 (Nickname: Éclair).
The DROID will feature Wi-Fi, a full slide-out qwerty keyboard, 3.7-inch touchscreen, multi-tasking, a 5-megapixel camera with dual-LED flash, auto focus and image stabilization as well as video capture. Additionally, the Droid will come with a 16GB memory card.
According to a press release, the DROID is the first device with Google Maps Navigation, which provides users with turn-by-turn voice guidance as a free feature of Google Maps. The service is powered by Google and connected to the Internet and employs the use of voice shortcuts. Users can say, “Navigate to [a destination],” and the service will figure the best route.
The Motorola DROID will be available in the United States exclusively at Verizon Wireless stores and online on Friday, Nov. 6, for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement after a $100 mail-in rebate.
Hype surrounding the DROID has been building for months now, and many believe the new Android phone could give the iPhone some competition. Motorola’s first Android phone, the CLIQ, is available with T-Mobile USA.
In early morning trading, shares in Verizon Communications were up about 2 percent to almost $30, and Motorola was up about 1.8 percent to $8 per share.
