New models, colors & shapes from Motorola

SINGAPORE — Motorola took a leap forward in its vision to connect the next billion wireless subscribers by introducing its biggest line-up of entry-level GSM and CDMA handsets to date at CommunicAsia 2006 industry show last week.

The new MOTOMOBILE portfolio begins with two value-priced clamshell handsets, the Motorola W220 and W375, bringing a new level of slim-line style, color, and functionality to consumers around the world.

Motorola also unveiled the W170, W208 and W210, which incorporate sleek looks and robust features into a remarkably thin candybar form factor.

Giving consumers a stylish and reliable way to communicate, the W170 and W210 add CDMA connectivity and the GSM W208 comes in two eye-catching color schemes.

All handsets are expected to be available in the second half of 2006.

With this portfolio, Motorola has created a range of handsets with features uniquely adapted to the needs of emerging markets.

Responding to a lack of ready access to electricity, the new handsets deliver up to two weeks of stand-by time. Lack of electricity also means lack of light so a "lantern" facility has been developed for use at night or in dark environments.

For many consumers, radio is the primary source of news and information so all of the new handsets also incorporate an FM radio.

Motorola’s announcement demonstrates its growing momentum since its selection by the GSM Association (GSMA) over a year ago to develop and supply mass market handsets as part of the Emerging Market Handset (EMH) program.

"Motorola is continuing its commitment to meeting the diverse needs of today’s consumers across the globe, offering them choices that best suit the needs of their professional and personal lives," said Steve Lalla, Motorola vice president and general manager for mass market products and mobile devices.

"We recognize that consumers have different priorities and interests and we believe that our mobile handsets should reflect this. Our new range of MOTOMOBILE handsets set a new milestone in connecting the next billion by ensuring that there is a stylish, value-based solution for everyone," he added.

CommunicAsia 2006 was also the venue for the Asian debut of the much-anticipated Motorola Q, the world’s thinnest QWERTY device embodying seamless mobility.

The Q is built on the leading-edge design established by the MOTORAZR, the best selling handset in the world.

This revolutionary Q is essential for mobile users who multi-task and want flexibility in today’s fast-paced business environment.

The Motorola Q, which runs Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 software, delivers an uncompromising mobile experience in an all-in-one handheld device that combines the reliability of a great phone, personal productivity capabilities, powerful enterprise connectivity and entertainment in a thin and stylish form factor.

More flash came from Motorola’s iconic models, which unleashed a universal design revolution in color, material and finish in a most extensive color collection unveiling to date.

Mobile phones might be ubiquitous, but, as Jim Wicks, Motorola head of consumer experience design and chief designer, said, "Consumers don’t want the same anonymous item owned by everyone else; they want something that’s more personal to them, that reflects what they want from life and the way they feel about themselves."

"Color sets the tone for life. It’s a powerful emotive driver that draws us in and allows us to express ourselves," Wicks added.

The new palette illustrates Motorola’s design mission to enable self-expression and to humanize technology.

From radical new materials to the latest technologies, every element of the design and engineering of Motorola’s latest products – the MOTOPEBL, MOTOSLVR and MOTORAZR V3i – has been considered to create powerful and evocative phones.

Allen Burnes, corporate vice president for high growth markets of Motorola Mobile Devices, said, "As technology becomes increasingly complex, Motorola’s design language has become increasingly simple, definitive, and consistent. It exhibits pure, powerful shapes enhanced by innovative finishes and materials packaged together in a stunning and affordable portfolio."

Materials and finishes help products become thinner, stronger, more ergonomic, tactile and versatile. "As color blazes its way into all aspects of our lives, from fashion to furniture, cars to consumer goods, we expect the same experience from our mobile phone," Burnes added.

Motorola’s core color palette consists of four color ranges: Chroma, Classic, Soft and Basics. Two of these were selected by Motorola’s CMF (Color, Material, and Finish) team for the MOTOPEBL, MOTOSLVR and MOTORAZR V3i.

The Chroma range conveys self-expression and energy. These are colors that inspire amusement and fun, appropriate for devices that have become centers of entertainment and self-realization.

MOTOPEBL’s worn rock shape sits softly in the hand, a sensation enhanced by its soft-feel coat and matte finish. The new, energetic Chroma color range offers electric, bold, expressive, and light-catching shades that give the handset a jewel-like quality.

The Classic Range delivers quiet sophistication with rich finish, tailored for consumers who value style and design.

MOTOSLVR’s sleek, ultra-thin silhouette is complemented by the latest in metallic finish, a precision-cut keypad and the quiet sophistication of the Classic color range.