Motorola at Mobile World Congress

Every mobile phone manufacturer appeared to be fully prepared to show their latest and even future line of mobile phones at the Mobile World Congress, except for Motorola. The international press seems unanimous in their conclusion; Motorola are going through a very difficult time and can't seem to overcome their difficulties. Besides the disappointing presentation of the mobile phone offer, hospitality with respect to the (photographing) press also seemed nonexistent. Several press photographers were refused to capture the Motorola products, even still after revealing they belonged to the press. Motorola seemed to have conveniently forgotten that these people travel around half the world to give their precious time for publications.

Motorola phones at Mobile World Congress

A ridiculous situation, the more so because it became possible to do the job after registering your name. In all honesty I must say that the same thing happened to all photographing journalists at the Samsung booth but one glance at the press pass sufficed to be able to do the job. Those who did enter the Motorola booth after the incident as described before, could only come to the conclusion that the Mobile World Congress came too early for Motorola or that the situation Motorola is in at the moment, makes it impossible to show something really new.

Motorola ROKR E8 mobile phone

At the end of last year an event took place in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Motorola attended this event and various models were showcased and nearly ready to get introduced. None of these were present at the Mobile World Congress and it was the Motorola ROKR E8 that was supposed to save the event. The Motorola E8 was introduced officially last year but up to now it has not been shown in public. It is a beautifully looking handset with interesting specifications and I am curious as to what extend Motorola is capable of getting this device to the consumer in a well-supported way.

Source: LetsGoMobile

Motorola Unveils New Additions to ROKR Family

New ROKR E8 Takes You from Talk to Music in One Touch Using Motorola ModeShift Technology

Motorola, Inc. today expanded its ROKR family of music products with the introduction of the ROKR E8 mobile device, the EQ5 and EQ7 wireless speaker systems and new stereo headsets at the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show (Booth #8545, Central Hall). This new generation of ROKR products offers consumers a complete music ecosystem that can help them enjoy their favorite tunes while on the go.

“ROKR E8 is a no compromises device – it’s both an MP3 player that makes great phone calls and a mobile phone with tremendous audio capabilities. With our unique ModeShift technology, we’re dispelling the myth that mobile phones with music features are inferior to stand-alone audio devices,” stated Stu Reed, president, Motorola Mobile Devices. “Rounding out our ROKR portfolio, our new music accessories provide consumers with a number of ways to enjoy their music.”

Summary of key features in ROKR E8:

• ModeShift technology transforms the device from phone to music player with the touch of a button
• Innovative haptics technology provides tactile response when a virtual key is pressed
• FastScroll navigation wheel allows for scrolling through thousands of songs with the slide of a thumb
• Patented CrystalTalk™ technology delivers outstanding call clarity even in noisy environments
• Windows™ Media Player™ 11 compatibility enables easy transfer of tunes from the PC to the device
  

Motorola designed ROKR E8 to deliver an uncompromised consumer experience for music or talk. Using breakthrough ModeShift technology from Motorola, the quad-band GPRS/EDGE device presents users with only the controls they need, at the time they need them, instantly transforming from music player to phone with the touch of a button.

When powered off, the surface of ROKR E8 is smooth, with no visible keys. Power on the device and it presents a virtual numbered keypad on the front surface. With one “press” of the virtual music key, the phone keypad disappears and control keys for the music player – play, pause, fast forward and rewind – appear in its place.

Yet, ROKR E8 is more than just a “touch”-operated device. Using innovative vibrating haptics technology, the device provides the tactile feedback consumers expect from a traditional keypad, providing confirmation they have pressed a virtual key.

ROKR E8 also marks the debut of the new FastScroll navigaton wheel from Motorola, a variable-speed touch control that lets consumers easily scroll through all of the content stored on the device. With a gentle slide of the thumb, the wheel quickly scrolls through your music (music mode), contacts (phone mode), calendar (phone mode), or multimedia (imaging mode) content.
Information is easily viewed on the landscape 2.0” QVGA display.In music mode, ROKR E8 delivers great sound through a three-dimensional stereo feature that enhances two-channel audio and an on-board equalizer. Music can be enjoyed on the built-in speaker, with a compatible Bluetooth® enabled stereo headset¹, or through a wired headset plugged into the 3.5mm jack.

ROKR E8 also helps consumers discover new music with a built-in FM radio and support for Song ID2 .

The 2GB internal memory can store up to 1,500 songs3, and the external memory is expandable up to 4GB with an optional microSD card. Music transfers quickly with USB 2.0. The device is compatible with Windows Media Player 11 on the PC, which also provides access to more than 200 online music stores.

In phone mode, ROKR E8 provides outstanding voice quality using Motorola CrystalTalk technology. The powerful device can receive calls while downloading or playing music, text messaging2, surfing the Web2 or taking pictures. Quality construction and materials help make ROKR E8 durable and reliable, and a high gloss front, aluminum soft touch back, spun metal side keys and engraved banding offer the modern style expected from Motorola.

Motorola EQ5 and EQ7: Wireless Speakers for Music and Calls

The Motorola EQ5 and EQ7 are the first wireless speakers from Motorola that provide mobility for both music and speakerphone calls. With rich, stereo sound and elegant style, both portable speakers can easily connect with almost any MP3 player, PC or mobile phone through wireless Bluetooth technology (including A2DP Bluetooth profile) or a wired 3.5 mm jack.

The Motorola EQ5 Portable Wireless Speaker is a sleek and stylish pocket-sized device with a convenient kickstand for standing upright and a rechargeable battery4 to play music or take calls with wireless freedom.



The Motorola EQ7 Wireless Hi-Fi Stereo Speaker is a state-of-the-art sound system that includes cutting-edge audio technology by JBL®. The high-end stereo speakers provide deep rich bass and smooth response, making even the most dynamic of songs sound clean and robust.
The speakers also include a built-in microphone and integrated controls that make it easy to switch between music and speakerphone mode with the touch of a button.



Stereo Bluetooth Accessories: Wireless Music On the Go
The wireless music experience has been enhanced with the Motorola S9-HD, an upgraded version of the award-winning ROKR S9. This improved headset adds surround sound with SRS WOW HD™ technology, while reducing ambient noise and providing more comfort with redesigned ear buds.

The Motorola S605 Bluetooth Stereo Clip Headset gives wired music devices a wireless option. With stereo Bluetooth technology, this affordable and lightweight clip-on pendant and headset provides wireless connections to Bluetooth enabled phone while staying simultaneously connected to streaming music or FM radio.



Wired Accessories: Mobile Music, In Style
Motorola is also launching several new wired companion products to satisfy any style and add comfort, design and incredible sound to your mobile music experience.

EH70 Stereo Headset – A premium in-ear stereo headset with an acoustic design that delivers rich sound quality with full-range frequency response and low distortion. Outstanding microphone performance helps calls sound great and noise isolation helps minimize background clamor. Replaceable ear tips offer a comfortable in-ear fit and additional sound clarity.



EH50 Stereo Headset – Ergonomically designed to keep up with active lifestyles5, the EH50 features proprietary TrueComfort™ design, with flexible ear hooks for a secure, comfortable fit.
The EH50 sounds as good as it looks with a full-range enhanced frequency response, low distortion as well as an unobtrusive ear bud design and discreet, lightweight, enhanced microphone for calls.


EH25 Stereo Headset – Creates a fashion statement among wired headphones with four available colors, exceptional sound quality, a compact carry case and a discreet microphone for taking calls. EH20 Stereo Headset – A wired headset that offers great bass response, stylish design and a customizable fit at an affordable price.


Availability ROKR E8 is expected to be available in Q1 2008. The Motorola EQ5, EQ7 and new wired and wireless accessories are expected to be available in Q2 2008.

For more information, please visit www.motorola.com/.

Source: Motorola press release

Motorola ROKR E8

Some phones struggle to find a unique selling proposition - something that differentiates it in the market from everything else. The Motorola ROKR E8 is not one of those phones - because the ROKR E8 comes with a very snazzy dynamic keypad that changes depending on which feature you are using.

If you are using it as a phone, then the ROKR E8 shows a conventional numeric keypad - if you're using the camera, then it shows camera controls, and for multimedia playback the ROKR E8 shows music keys. Motorola calls this technology ModeShift and in the case of the E8 is is combined with a speed sensitive "FastScroll" navigation wheel, which makes it easy for users to scroll through media libraries or menu options.

The virtual keypad is enhanced with Motorola's haptics technology - pressing the keys actually does result in some physical reaction, even though they're completely flat and motionless. When switched off, the ROKR E8's keypad is totally blank.

Motorola aren't saying exactly how the ROKR E8's ModeShift keypad works - looking at the positioning of the virtual keys, it does appear to be a logical extension of the fixed hidden controls that we first saw on the LG Chocolate, with each button in a unique position. This makes more sense than the expensive Optimus Maximus approach where everything is an individual active display.

Get past the clever keypad, and the Motorola ROKR E8 turns out to be a pretty capable multimedia phone. It can play back MP3, MIDI, AAC, WMA, WAV, AMR and RealAudio music formats, comes with 2GB of internal memory (expandable to 4GB with a microSD card) and it has a landscape format (wide) 2" 320 x 240 pixel display for video playback. The ROKR E8 can also be used with a variety of wired and wireless headsets and speakers. There's an FM radio too.

Somewhat disappointingly, there's no SDHC support for high-capacity memory cards, the camera is a basic 2 megapixel affair with no autofocus or flash and the ROKR E8 lacks 3G or WiFi. Of all these shortcomings, the memory is probably the most significant - 2GB or 4GB is less than even the Apple iPod Nano.

Motorola say that the ROKR E8 will be available during Q1 2008, although no pricing information is currently available.

Source: Mobile Gazette

CES 2008: Hands On With The Motorola ROKR E8

Hellooooo nurse. So I got my paws all over a prototype for a Motorola ROCKR E8 today. Very sweet device. Nothing ground breaking here, but definitely solid all the way around. Took it on a segment for G4 ( and dragged a Motorola rep around the show floor in tow. I'll have a post up on that adventure in a little bit though.)

The phone itself is a tad large, but feels substantial in hand. It’s a candy bar, has 2GB of memory for music, video, and other assorted video. I actually made a few calls home with it too (to tell mom I was gonna be on TV) and found audio quality to be precise and fairly clear. There was a light echo, but this was a pre production model.

Now the handset’s coolest feature? Easily the slick trick of switching the phone controls to media controls. Press the button that looks like a music note and the buttons become dedicated to controlling your tunes. Get a call? No problem at all, music pauses, phone buttons illuminate, and you can take it. Rinse and repeat if necessary.

Haptic feedback on the device is also pretty sweet. The buzz generated from each button is responsive but not annoying. Can’t say the same about handsets like the LG Voyager.

Motorola ROKR E8: Moto rises back from dead

The ailing Motorola brand is back with a few sick new devices at CES. MotoROKR E8 is among the new products that has Motorola back on its game.

Things have been looking grim for Motorola lately. Most of its Rokr line of music phones has been garbage and Razr has been a falling star while customers switched to competitors LG and Samsung.

Then there was the embarrassing recall of Moto's Sidekick Slide.

The only Slide for Moto in ‘07 was its brand
At CES this week, Motorola presented some well received handheld devices like the MotoROKR E8 and Moto Z10. But it's the E8 that has created the buzz that could make it one of the hottest gadgets of 2008.

E8 is a quad-band, GSM-GPRS-EDGE phone, just as comfortable in North America's wireless networks as it is around the world. The glossy black handset is decked out in the latest Haptic touch-key technology. Its smooth surfaces are unbroken by standard cell phone buttons and dials because E8's controls are all touch-sensitive.

MotoROKR E8 - Greatest Hits

• Linux/Java OS
• Supports Microsoft Media Player 11
• 2-inch LCD at 262,000 colors
• 2GB internal memory
• Bluetooth and USB 2.0
• 2 mega-pixel camera
• HTML browser

As a music phone the ROKR E8 doesn't simply slap a few keys on the sides and call it a day. Motorola has a new feature it calls ModeShift.

ModeShift is a slick system that literally morphs your phone into an MP3 player, and back again. One touch of a button and the cell phone number keys disappear, replaced with complete, easy-to-use MP3 player functions. It uses a backlight scheme to illuminate only the controls you need for its current mode.

No more cramped real estate on a shrinking device with tiny media controls you can barely press with a thumbnail. You can probably expect to see the same ModeShift feature used in future Moto products and imitated by competitors. Now it's Samsung and LG's turn to follow Moto, again.

Source

Motorola ROKR E8 MusicPhone

Motorola just came out with a handset that hasn't gotten much fanfare, but deserves a look.

The ROKR E8 is a music focused phone with an excellent take on a keypad. The pad is context-sensitive, and the keys themselves change depending on the corresponding menu.

It's an excellent method if you're not into a touchscreen interface. The screen is a bit on the small side, but it's only for viewing, not for touching.

It has 2 GB of built-in flash storage, MicroSD support, carries an FM receiver, Bluetooth and USB 2.0 connectivity. You can listen via a 3.5 mm audio jack, and pictures can be taken on the two megapixel camera. The display is a paltry 2" QVGA display, although that's not as important on this phone.

Expect this phone in a November release at around 280 Euros. No word yet on world availability, but we'll keep you posted.

Motorola Rokr Z10 and E8 Phone More Pics

New pics have surfaced for the much awaited Motorola Rokr Z10 and the Motorola E8. As reported earlier, the Motorola Z10 will be available from O2 next month onwards. Looking at the pics, you can see that the Z10 is nothing but an over-glorified Z8, with the main difference being the 3.2 megapixel camera.There is no information yet on how much this 3G capable phone will cost, but it shouldn't exactly set you back by a considerable amount.

The E8 on the other hand is boasting a rather different design that somewhat resembles the Q9h when viewed from the side. The front section comes with a unique keyboard that features "buds" as keys, illuminating to reveal the characters each bud represents. Linux-Java will be the operating system of choice, and other features include 2GB of internal memory, a microSD memory card slot, stereo Bluetooth connectivity, and a 2 megapixel camera. Whenever the multimedia player is opened, the standard navigation keys and numeric buttons will be hidden, having the dedicated music shortcut keys light up instead. There is currently no word on pricing or availability.

Transforming Motorola E6 that can still make calls

It’s not often we see a transforming mobile phone that can literally transform - let alone still make phone calls. Here we have a Motorola E6 ROKR that some enterprising Moto-modder managed to turn into a transforming robot - a la Transformers. But, to our surprise, this thing does more than just transform into a robot, it can also make phone calls!

How this guy managed to create such an incredible example of phone modding is beyond us, but props go out to him - in abundance.


[Via: GearFuse]

Motorola ROKR E8, a Mobile Phone with a truly Unique Keypad leaked

Details of an unannounced Motorola phone have been leaked by a Chinese site. Apparently the device is called ROKR E8.

So what’s so special about this phone that we actually took the pain of reporting about it, instead of winding up from work on this lovely Saturday night? Well, here’s something that we wanted to share with our readers, before we sign off for the weekend.

Interestingly, the ROKR E8 doesn’t sport a full-sized keypad. Instead it carries small contact points with labels that are triggered by background lightings.


When the user dials numbers on this Motorola phone, all the keys will light up. But when the user is listening to music, the number keys will be dimmed and the music controls will brighten up. In standby mode there are standard navigation keys and numeric buttons with backlight off.
The other features of the Motorola’s ROKR E8 are:

In-built 2GB memory, with an option to increase the same, thanks to microSD slot3.5mm headphone jackMicro USB to sideload the music2MP cameraLinux-based MOTOMAGX interfaceStereo Bluetooth audio

The earliest that we get to see it is by around 2007-end or perhaps the beginning of 2008. Let’s hope more official announcement for the ROKR E8 mobile phone are made soon from Motorola’s headquarters.