Wireless News

Motorola and Verizon Wireless went all official this week with the new Droid handset. The device is very cool looking and has a nice large 3.7-inch 854 x 480 capacitive touchscreen. The handset will hit on November 6 for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in rebate.

Verizon is offering another new handset.  Don’t be afraid of getting dirty with the new Motorola Barrage. Barrage is Mil–Spec 810F certified to withstand extreme temperatures, dust shock, and more. It can even be submerged in up to 1 meter of water for up to 30 minutes. This extreme durability, combined with a Best–In–Class PTT Experience, ensures you stay productive and in–touch regardless of the conditions.

Motorola built the device out of chrome, glass, mesh, and rubber to protect against rain, humidity, solar radiation, and temperatures. Push to talk is supported and the handset has multimedia features as well. Motorola says the handset meets military ruggedness requirements.

The phone has a 2MP camera that also records video. Access to premium Verizon services like VZ Navigator and V CAST music and video on demand is offered. The Barrage is already available via business channels and will hit retail stores on November 16 for $129.99.

For the user looking for a more basic handset that has a low price Motorola and Verizon Wireless have announced the new Motorola Entice W766. The handset is a clamshell style flip phone that has large, bright displays made for reading. External touch sensors give access to the music player and the speakerphone.

Features include Bluetooth, a 2MP camera with camcorder function, and 8GB of removable microSD storage. The handset supports Verizon features like VZ Navigator, Family Locator, Mobile Email, IM, and Backup Assistant. The Entice is available now for $39.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate.

Motorola is supporting WiMAX and has announced new device management and NBBS service solutions to serve broadband wireless carriers. NBBS is a component in Motorola’s service assurance suite to enhance quality of service at the edge of 4G WiMax networks. The service offers automatic provisioning and can help with troubleshooting of handsets, PC cards and more.

“Motorola is the worldwide leader in both WiMAX and device management solutions. Our new NBBS WiMAX Solution changes the device management game — the platform now goes far beyond the activation of new devices; it performs full lifecycle management and allows our customers to manage their customers’ home networks and services,” said Alan Lefkof, corporate vice president and general manager, Broadband Home Gateways and Software, Motorola.

Pre-paid provider Boost Mobile has announced the first sliding form factor PTT handset on its network. The device is the Motorola Debut i856. The big feature of the handset is the nationwide PTT walkie talkie service.

The handset features a 1.3MP camera, stereo Bluetooth, and GPS along with wireless Internet. The phone supports MMS and text messaging and has an optional 8GB microSD card for storing music. Boost will sell the i856 for $169.99 and it is available today.