CES 2010: Live Report
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After every other US carrier adopted Android in its lineup, AT&T will finally be getting their first piece of Android goodness in the form of the Motorola BACKFLIP that got announced at CES. Actually, starting this quarter, the BACKFLIP will become available in almost all parts of the world – North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia, so hopefully users around the world won’t have to wait too long before they can enjoy this handset’s fairly untraditional form-factor. Basically, when the phone is closed, the screen is on the front, while the keyboard sits on the back, so you have to flip the keyboard backwards to have it operational. You can check our hands-on video with the Motorola BACKFLIP below in order to see how it’s done.
Our first impressions from the Motorola BACKFLIP are that it would really appeal to consumers who would purchase a compact, yet capable smartphone, equipped with a full QWERTY keyboard. In addition to the 3.1-inch HVGA touchscreen, the BACKFLIP provides the user with an alternative way of navigation, which is kind of strange really – through a trackpad on the back of the screen. To tell you the truth, we can hardly see it being of much use, which kind of explains why we haven’t come across this feature so far. The QWERTY keyboard is okay – it’s neither striking, nor uncomfortable. One thing that bothered us however was the unpleasant cheap feel the phone has to it.
Software-wise, at launch the Motorola BACKFLIP will have the 1.5 version of Android, but fortunately, there will be an update to v2.1 later. On top of the OS, you’ll find MOTOBLUR (the interface’s logo can also be seen on the back of the keyboard, so they are kind of openly vaunting this now). If you are not acquainted with the manufacturer’s social-centric interface, you can always check our review of the Motorola CLIQ.
As said, the Motorola BACKFLIP is scheduled for launch sometime this quarter, so expect our review of it soon enough.
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Hands-on with Motorola BACKFLIP:
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13 Comments
1. sonisoe posted on 20 Oct 2010, 01:44 0 0
how's the motorola blackflip supposed to work again , i mean where's the keyboard, the screen etc ... basically how do you the phone ?
2. rjt185 posted on 07 Jan 2010, 06:22 0 0
like every other clamshelll qwerty phone in the plane. keyboard below screen while you type. if you close it they face opposite. and if you leave at a 90 degree angle the keyboard faces down while the screen serves as a clock.
10. Striker13084 posted on 10 Jan 2010, 13:40 0 0
this is the most idiotic design for a phone. Lets leave the key board exposed so it can get more exposure to particular matter. why do this? would LG get mad?
11. Schmao posted on 23 Feb 2010, 06:19 0 0
Thats just your opinion. Statistically more people like it then don't.
5. Rhetoric posted on 07 Jan 2010, 11:10 0 0
Damn it Sprint better pick up the Nexus One or something worth a damn!
6. jovel16 posted on 07 Jan 2010, 12:07 0 0
I want more WM Sprint phones!! I'm still on a SERO plan
7. vzw fanman posted on 07 Jan 2010, 12:34 0 0
microsoft is planning on getting rid of their mobile os in the next couple years. they finally realize they can't keep up with the competition.
8. AZNphoneGeek posted on 07 Jan 2010, 16:46 0 0
i want more WM Sprint phones, i'm still a cheap bastard
13. Schmao posted on 23 Feb 2010, 06:20 0 0
Don't spread false information. This is only your wish. Truth is they're gonna get better and better
