Motorola Droid: Coming to Canada W/ New Google Navigation

[xpoint9]

UPDATE:
Seems to be true (http://themobileninjas.com/2009/11/05/telus-to-launch-the-motorola-droidsholes/)

looks like telus will have the exclusive on this phone for a while.






Here's what happened after google announced its Free Navigation software which offers turn-by-turn voice guidance: http://www.google.com/finance?q=NASDAQ%3AGRMN%2C+AMS%3ATOM2%2C+


http://www.i4u.com/article27842.html

The article doesn't give out any details but apparently this is the official iphone killer unlike the others that have been released before with the title "iphone killer".



If you're an Android fan who lives in Canada, or who uses AT&T as a carrier, I've got some good news for you. The sexy, critically-acclaimed and ultra-fast Motorola Droid could be coming to you. An FCC filing (via Electronista) shows that the Droid is set to run both CDMA and WCDMA. This means that Moto's new flagship smartphone will be able to handle HSPA-based 3G.

Since the Droid can connect on the same bands used by AT&T in the states, and Bell/Rogers/Telus in Canada, it seems likely that the phone is meant to spread to both. It is in Motorola's best interest to get their new #1 smartphone into as many hands as possible. Adding AT&T as a carrier would help that, as would selling the Droid in Canada.

Verizon might have short term exclusivity with the Droid, but I don't see that lasting long. Moto knows as well as anyone that exclusivity deals don't benefit the manufacturer in the long run. They are relying on the Droid to resurrect their company. The worst decision they could make right now would be to forever limit this smartphone to just one carrier.

[xpoint9]

http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/10/28/motorola-droid-finally-official-coming-november-6th-for-199/

With DROID by Motorola, you can:

Zip through the Web: Access the Internet at 3G speeds via the nation’s largest and most reliable 3G network or from any Wi-Fi hotspot. The multi-window HTML browser with a massive processor delivers the Web the way you expect.
See it all in cinema-style: View the Web, e-mail, Google Maps™, videos and more in widescreen on a brilliant 3.7” high-resolution screen. Boasting a width of 854 pixels to reduce the need for side-to-side panning and more than 400,000 pixels total, DROID has more than twice that of the leading competitor.
Run multiple applications at once: Customize your DROID with thousands of applications and hundreds of widgets available on Android Market™. Toggle back and forth between up to six applications at a time to juggle the universe and your apps.
Perform Google Search™ at the speed of sound: Simply tell DROID what you’re looking for using voice-activated search, and it will serve up Google search results based on your location. If you want more, simply type what you’re looking for into the search bar on the home screen and DROID will also search content on your phone, such as apps and contacts, and the Web.
Capture moments: Snap digital camera-quality photos with a 5 megapixel camera loaded with the works, such as a dual-LED flash, AutoFocus and image stabilization, or capture your friend’s antics in 16 million colors with DVD-quality video capture and playback. Store it all on the included 16 GB memory card, so you always have it on hand.
Multi-task like a master: Keep tabs on all your messages with integrated Gmail™ and Exchange e-mail pushed directly to you, but don’t let them get in your way. With the handy Android notification panel, go straight to the message or simply ignore it, and get back to the task at hand. And, a smart dictionary learns as you type and automatically includes your contacts.
Get where you need to go with Google Maps Navigation (Beta): DROID is the first device with Google Maps Navigation, providing turn-by-turn voice guidance as a free feature of Google Maps. It’s powered by Google and connected to the Internet. Use voice shortcuts and simply say “Navigate to [your destination],” and you’ll be on your way. See live traffic, use Street View or satellite imagery to view your route, and get access to the most recent maps and business information from Google Maps without ever needing to update your device.


http://media.boygeniusreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/verizon-droid-4.jpg

http://media.boygeniusreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/moto-droid.jpg

http://media.boygeniusreport.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/verizon-droid-3.jpg

More Info: http://www.boygeniusreport.com/2009/10/28/motorola-droid-finally-official-coming-november-6th-for-199/

[erikr]

I love the look of this phone. Specs seem impressive as well with 16Gb of pre-installed memory. I wonder how pricy this guy is going to be.

[xpoint9]

I love the look of this phone. Specs seem impressive as well with 16Gb of pre-installed memory. I wonder how pricy this guy is going to be.

Pricing and Availability:

DROID by Motorola will be available in the United States exclusively at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online on Friday, Nov. 6, for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement after a $100 mail-in rebate. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
Experience the all-new DROID by Motorola at www.droiddoes.com.
To get the most from DROID by Motorola smartphone, customers will need to subscribe to a Nationwide voice plan and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan. Nationwide voice plans begin at $39.99 for monthly access for 450 minutes and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan is $29.99 for monthly access.
For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.


Also people consider Android based phones should check out google's new free turn by turn GPS service: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGXK4jKN_jY&feature=player_embedded

[nyererei]

I'd love to buy this if/when it comes to Rogers. However no review as of yet has been able to comment on the battery life, so I wonder how long it'll last especially with a 3.7inch screen.

[CSAgent]

Pricing and Availability:

DROID by Motorola will be available in the United States exclusively at Verizon Wireless Communications Stores and online on Friday, Nov. 6, for $199.99 with a new two-year customer agreement after a $100 mail-in rebate. Customers will receive the rebate in the form of a debit card; upon receipt, customers may use the card as cash anywhere debit cards are accepted.
Experience the all-new DROID by Motorola at www.droiddoes.com.
To get the most from DROID by Motorola smartphone, customers will need to subscribe to a Nationwide voice plan and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan. Nationwide voice plans begin at $39.99 for monthly access for 450 minutes and an Email and Web for Smartphone plan is $29.99 for monthly access.
For additional information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com.


Also people consider Android based phones should check out google's new free turn by turn GPS service: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGXK4jKN_jY&feature=player_embedded

So basically it will be $299 in CAD, and 3 year contract with a data plan I'm guessing. GG Canada where we get royally ****ed for everything. Standard really.

I often dislike Motorola phones but this is pretty damn sexy. I'm using a BlackBerry Bold right now and this would be a welcomed change.

[Kakarot]

looks and sounds nice!

[Zero1]

However no review as of yet has been able to comment on the battery life, so I wonder how long it'll last especially with a 3.7inch screen.

+1. That is an issue I would worry about the most. Don't want a phone where a backup battery would be needed. That or charger everywhere I would go (work, home, etc..)

[ClubberLang]

Sounds nice. I was thinking of getting a Nokia N900 but this matches up nearly spec for spec.

[jcdogg]

Is it really coming out Nov.6 in Canada? If so which provider?

[MasterXan]

there are already leaked pics of the GSM model

[nyererei]

Is it really coming out Nov.6 in Canada? If so which provider?

No, its only verizon thats getting it nov.6th. We'll probably get it, but not anytime soon.

[guardianflash]

how does this Motorola Droid stand up against HTC Hero which is coming out for Telus on Nov 5th.

[sfu_lifer]

Well there goes my pre-order for the N900. I disliked Maemo with my N800/770 since so many of the repositories were missing essential libraries making it a Linux geek's tablet. I just want something that works out of the box :)
Can't wait to see it arrive here. I'm willing to wait it out. Plus the fact that Nokia Turn by Turn costs money after 3 months.

[lorax1284]

So, someone noticed that a someone has filed an application with the FCC for a device using frequencies used in Canada... that's a far way from "Droid coming to Canada". Perhaps there should be a ? in the subject line... but I would love to hear from Motorola if the Droid IS coming to Canada any time soon, because it's not whether or not I'll buy one if it does, it's whether I'll buy a US version if the Canadian version isn't forthcoming.

[sfu_lifer]

So, someone noticed that a someone has filed an application with the FCC for a device using frequencies used in Canada... that's a far way from "Droid coming to Canada". Perhaps there should be a ? in the subject line... but I would love to hear from Motorola if the Droid IS coming to Canada any time soon, because it's not whether or not I'll buy one if it does, it's whether I'll buy a US version if the Canadian version isn't forthcoming.
Just curious, how do you activate a US phone on Bell/Telus?

[Zero1]

Just curious, how do you activate a US phone on Bell/Telus?

Well, if it is going to AT&T then just buy it, pop in sim, and viola. Did that on my E71.

[sfu_lifer]

Well, if it is going to AT&T then just buy it, pop in sim, and viola. Did that on my E71.

That's if it's unlocked yes? Unless you mean you have a US account which if they force a data sub on you gets expensive. I was more curious about the CDMA phones like these. I was assuming HSPA+/4G means it must have a sim card slot but I could be wrong on that.
I've never brought a phone this expensive over so I want to make sure it can at least work in our system and that it's unlocked :)
The HUGE draw for me for this phone is not just google Turn by Turn but the HUGE screen with a fantastic resolution in addition to a fast CPU. That would just kill for mobile web surfing.

[Zero1]

That's if it's unlocked yes? Unless you mean you have a US account which if they force a data sub on you gets expensive. I was more curious about the CDMA phones like these. I was assuming HSPA+/4G means it must have a sim card slot but I could be wrong on that.
I've never brought a phone this expensive over so I want to make sure it can at least work in our system and that it's unlocked :)
The HUGE draw for me for this phone is not just google Turn by Turn but the HUGE screen with a fantastic resolution in addition to a fast CPU. That would just kill for mobile web surfing.

Well, yea unlocked. That or buy it unlocked when it hits the states.

[avillegas]

It doesn't seem to have multi-touch for browsing according to some previews, although it does for other things. It must be an HTC-specific feature as the only one so far that has it is the HTC Hero :/

[jcdogg]

I was super keen on getting the n900 until I heard announcement on this phone. Sucks that Canada always gets screwed with phones.

[Zero1]

I was super keen on getting the n900 until I heard announcement on this phone. Sucks that Canada always gets screwed with phones.

Good thing we don't when it comes to Blackberry's.

[ClubberLang]

I really hope the Google Navigation software has decent functionality if you chose NOT to use data. If it doesn't I hope someone comes out with some type of hack. This phone as an integrated GPS which should mean that you can use the GPS without incurring data charges.

[markj]

I'd love to buy this if/when it comes to Rogers. However no review as of yet has been able to comment on the battery life, so I wonder how long it'll last especially with a 3.7inch screen.

the boy genius preview review said it has a better battery than the other android phones out now...

looks like im going to switch from my nokia e71 to this when i can get my hands on it...exactly what im looking for in a new phone...

[jcdogg]

If this puppy has better video playback support with higher res, I'm definately sold. Hate the iphone.

[flexwong]

moto is the last company i would imagine to put out an iphone killer. hope this revives them.

[JK_85]

Yeah I definitely echo what was said earlier in this thread. The phone is not coming to Canada yet. It's currently CDMA only and a GSM version is rumoured. The GSM version that was rumoured, does have frequencies compatible with Canadian/North American 3G so we could see this phone in the near future, but it's totally up in the air

[lorax1284]

Just curious, how do you activate a US phone on Bell/Telus?

...but I have a phone I like just fine. This is MUCH more than a phone. I'm not interested in overpriced cell phone data plans: it has WiFi and I live in downtown TO so I'll be able to get a lot of use out of it just fine. Especially on the $9.95 a month "One Zone" internet. Blanket coverage in the downtown core and I expect that all the features work just as well on WiFi as they do on cell data.

I really hope the Google Navigation software has decent functionality if you chose NOT to use data. If it doesn't I hope someone comes out with some type of hack. This phone as an integrated GPS which should mean that you can use the GPS without incurring data charges.

I don't think this will be possible: all the data used by the Google Navigation software will be coming from the 'net in real time: I don't think anything is stored on the local file system: I could be wrong, but I thought a large part of the benefit of Google Nav was that it got real time updates / changes / traffic info etc from "the cloud".

[coldfire87]

I love everything about this phone. Reviews were also really good
You guys think this worth an upgrade over my current N97?

[markj]

I love everything about this phone. Reviews were also really good
You guys think this worth an upgrade over my current N97?

yup if for nothing else but old s60 symbian is no match for modern android OS...

[coldfire87]

yup if for nothing else but old s60 symbian is no match for modern android OS...

Sadly, this statement seems to be very true.
I've been a Nokia 'fan boy' for a very long time now but its so painful to watch all these phones coming out with amazing new OS's like Android while Nokia has done virtually nothing in the past 4 or 5 years to respond to this.

[drunag]

Seems to be true (http://themobileninjas.com/2009/11/05/telus-to-launch-the-motorola-droidsholes/)

looks like telus will have the exclusive on this phone for a while.

[xpoint9]

Seems to be true (http://themobileninjas.com/2009/11/05/telus-to-launch-the-motorola-droidsholes/)

looks like telus will have the exclusive on this phone for a while.

Sweet. The only experience with Telus I had was when I had their DSL back in 2001-2004. I never had a single issue or problem with my serivce throughout these years.

If anyone is here with Telus, please share with us how their service is.

Thanks

[Zero1]

Sweet. The only experience with Telus I had was when I had their DSL back in 2001-2004. I never had a single issue or problem with my serivce throughout these years.

If anyone is here with Telus, please share with us how their service is.

Thanks

No point in asking such as question as you will always get mixed reviews when it comes to the big 3.

Has anyone seen any information on the battery life of this phone?

[nyererei]

Has anyone seen any information on the battery life of this phone?

I would like to know as well.

[sfu_lifer]

I would like to know as well.

I just read it's rated for 6.4 hours of talk time. Most reviewers say they have been able to easily get on a full workday without issues.
Looks like I'll be a Telus customer when this comes out. C'mon Telus, ASAP! I'm so tempted to go down to Walmart and buy it for $199 and just pay the $175 Verizon cancellation fee if I can somehow get this to work in Canada.

[donkeyman]

Sweet. The only experience with Telus I had was when I had their DSL back in 2001-2004. I never had a single issue or problem with my serivce throughout these years.

If anyone is here with Telus, please share with us how their service is.

Thanks

They're not bad. Their text messaging quality is just wacky. Sometimes text is received by the recipient immediately, sometimes HOURS later. Very annoying. My record is >8 hours.

Telus customer service is great, but if you have billing errors, you will have to call 4-5 times to get it corrected.

If this is indeed true, looks like I be heading back to Telus.

[enko]

Looks like a decent phone.. motorola has been out of it for a while IMO.

Also was considering the N900 but am having second thoughts. I think Android might be huge in 2 years. Once it builds up a user base like the iPhone it should be great.

N900 will probably have some limited success amongst Nokia fans (used to be one) but remain fairly niche.

[Jonavin]

Official announcement from Telus tomorrow morning.

[donkeyman]

Official announcement from Telus tomorrow morning.

Sweet. I just want to go in the store and play with one of the fakes.

[Digital_Domain]

yup if for nothing else but old s60 symbian is no match for modern android OS...
IMO, Maemo 5 is a match for modern OS's. I've tried Andriod and I've tried Maemo. They both have their pros and cons.

Anyway, here's a side-by-side for the N900:
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone2=3001&idPhone1=2917

[JK_85]

Sweet. I just want to go in the store and play with one of the fakes.

I don't think we'll actually see or be able to purchase the phones until sometime in 2010.

Hopefully the announcement will say when exactly in 2010 we can expect them.


Can't wait!!! :D:D:D

[Jon Lai]

Wait, so it's CDMA and HSPA only? No GSM?

[enko]

Looks promising. I wonder how long until GSM? 6 months?

[Jonavin]

Nearly every single HSPA handset is also quad-band GSM capable.

You can pretty much assume if the phone has HSPA, it'll have GSM. Even a lot of the CDMA handsets have GSM (e.g. Blackberry Storm and Tour, but not Motorola Droid). Some people aren't getting the Verizon Droid because it's pretty much useless in Europe.

[enko]

So this DROID would work 100% on Rogers?

Did some googling, the GSM version is called the Moto MILESTONE ?

Very interested in this phone.

[Taknarosh]

I just read it's rated for 6.4 hours of talk time. Most reviewers say they have been able to easily get on a full workday without issues.
Looks like I'll be a Telus customer when this comes out. C'mon Telus, ASAP! I'm so tempted to go down to Walmart and buy it for $199 and just pay the $175 Verizon cancellation fee if I can somehow get this to work in Canada.

GL with that. Won't work. A US CDMA phone will not work in Canada.

Also the title is misleading, initial reports indicate there will not be Google Navigation with Milestone because of how Google sub-licenses maps from Telenav in Canada.

[Kellaen]

I wish this would be out for Rogers, as where I work a Telus or Bell phone will not get reception (there is a Cantel repeater less then 300 feet from our building). You literally have to get a block away before it will pick up a non rogers signal.

Drat :\