Motorola today unveiled the Backflip, follow up to the Android-powered Cliq released last year. Like the Cliq, the Backflip includes Motorola's Motoblur service, which aggregates data from sites like Facebook, Twitter and Gmail and presents it coherently on your home screen - but it's the hardware that really stands out. Read on for the details.
The Backflip features a unique reverse flip QWERTY keyboard, allowing the device to act as its own tabletop stand for hands-free viewing of video. When folded in this way the Backflip also automatically switches to a clock mode so the phone can be used as a bedside alarm clock. There's also a touch panel located on the back of the screen, which Motorola has dubbed "Backtrack", and can be used to navigate instead of the touch screen.
Support for quad-band GSM (850/900/1800/1900) and tri-band 3G (850/1900/2100), including the 850MHz 3G band, means the Backflip could be a consolation prize for some of those who are feeling left out by Google's 850MHz-less Nexus One. There's also support for HSDPA 7.2 Mbps to take full advantage of the recent upgrades to AT&T and T-Mobile's networks.
Hardware is rounded out with a 3.1-inch 480x320 capacitive touch screen, 5 megapixel camera with auto-focus and LED flash, stereo Bluetooth support, 2GB of on-board storage and a 1400 mAh battery that Motorola claim will last for 315 hours of standby. Strangely, only 802.11b support for wireless is listed - we're guessing this is a mistake, but will follow up with Motorola shortly (we checked and it's not a mistake).
There's also dedicated keys on the keyboard for search, browser, home and messaging.
The Backflip will be available in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia in Q1 2010. The device will ship running Android 1.5, but will be updated to Android 2.1 at a later date.
