Verizon debuts app-friendly smartphone for $149
By Kunal Goel ’12
THE ROUNDUP
Verizon Wireless released the extremely hyped Motorola Droid on Friday, Nov. 6, proudly fueled by Google’s Android 2.0 operating system.
But what is all the hype about?
As reported by Verizon Wireless, the company recently absorbed the Alltel network into its circle, making the network 80 million users strong.
This qualifies existing Verizon and Alltel users both for the Droid.
According to cnet.com, the Droid acts as a strong competitor to the almighty Apple iPhone, featuring a full touch screen navigation, high resolution 854 x 440 pixel display, 16GB included and more than 10,000 apps. It is approximately the same dimensions as the iPhone, only with a bit more weight.
But what students should be focused on is what the Droid has that nothing else does. A slide out QWERTY keyboard, free voice-guided, turn-by-turn Google navigation, interchangeable batteries and 5-megapixel pictures are sure to have Apple on their heels.
Another feature that beats the iPhone is the Droid’s “multitasking” ability, which means the Droid has the ability to rapidly switch between up to six apps.
Imagine finding the directions to the nearest Chipotle, shuffling to the latest hit song, finishing up yesterday’s homework and Skype-ing your girlfriend about what time the movie starts simultaneously.
Another tool is Droid’s high-tech interface, which encompasses three home screens. Much like the iPhone’s home panel, users can drag apps wherever they please, but unlike the iPhone, the Droid includes widgets.
Widgets are small previews of your multimedia or pieces of information that function on a home page, just like the ones on Google or Windows sidebar. Attach a list of Facebook updates, a translator for Spanish class or perhaps even a checklist for homework.
Previously mentioned was the top-of-the-line Android 2.0 operating system. According to Wirefly.com, Android is a new mobile operating system created by our friends at Google, and are used on phones such as T Mobile’s G1 and myTouch.
Android phones are distinguished by features such as user made applications and customizable tools, like changing the font and language of texts.
The Motorola Droid is priced at $199.99 with a new two-year contract or voice plan, or $149.99 for existing customers planning to upgrade. It is exclusively available for Verizon Wireless, which is currently America’s largest network.
With a high-tech interface, unlimited function and a thin, sleek design, it seems at least for now it may be true us that in a world that doesn’t, “Droid Does.”
