Motorola to launch new Android smartphone

Motorola has launched its third Android handset to the UK market.

The Flipout, which uses the Android 2.1 operating system (OS), is a square smartphone that opens to reveal a five-row Qwerty keypad with a separate row for numeric keys.

Additional multimedia features include a three-megapixel camera with digital zoom, Kodak’s Perfect Touch software is incorporated to allow people to enhance, tag and label their photos. Also included are video capture, playback and streaming options.

The phone also uses a tool that Motorola calls Motoblur that allows people to aggregate their social-networking accounts. One-touch uploads allow users to post pictures to Facebook, Myspace, Picasa and Photobucket easily.

The phone includes a battery manager that can help users choose the right performance mode for their use and conserve battery life.

A data manager tool monitors data usage from the home screen to better manage pay-as-you-go and limited data plans.

The company claims its Crystaltalk Plus technology, which makes use of a second microphone, provides clearer voice quality while cutting down on background noise. Bluetooth capabilities allow users to make wireless calls and music.

The phone will initially be offered through Orange. However, there is currently no information on the price of the phone or exact release date, other than 'this summer'.

Nor were we able to find out if, or when, users would be able to upgrade the OS to the Android 2,2 Froyo due out at the end of this month.

However, to generate interest the company is launching a UK competition, Hip to be Square. Five entrants will win a phone and the chance to be styled and photographed and appear in official photography for the phone across Europe. Also included is an expenses-paid trip to London.