Motorola Backflip
The Motorola Backflip is a touchscreen smartphone released to the U.S. for AT&T on March 7, 2010, and for other countries on Telus and Optus. It runs the open source Google Android software.
General features
- The phone is built on the Android 1.5. Motorola features Motoblur, which integrates multiple social network service sites on the homescreen. This cannot be uninstalled or disabled unless the phone is modified.
- It has a full QWERTY keypad with a "reverse flip" design. When the device is closed and the screen is visible to the user, the reverse side is the keypad itself. Opening the device causes the screen to flip so that it rests above the keypad.
Specifications
The specifications according to the Motorola website in June 2010:Hardware
- Model MB300
- Screen size: 3.1-in.
- Screen resolution: HVGA
- Weight: 4.7 oz
- Size: 53.0 × 108.0 × 15.3 mm
- Input devices: QWERTY keyboard, touchscreen, Backtrack navigation pad behind screen
- Battery: 1400 mAh Li Ion 3.7v Motorola BN80
- Talk time: 350 min, 6 hrs
- Standby time: up to 315 hrs, 13.5 days
- Processor: 528 mHz
- RAM: 256MB
- ROM: 512MB
- Memory: up to 32 GB MicroSD
- Wi-Fi: 802.11b/g
- Bluetooth: 2.0 + EDR and A2DP
- GPS receiver, accelerometer
- Dual microphone with noise cancellation
- Five megapixels with 4x digital zoom
- LED flash and automatic focus
- Video capture rate of 24 fps
Applications
Users may customize their phones by installing apps through the Android Market; however, some carriers do not give users the option to install non-market apps onto the Backflip. This has created some controversy with users, as the non-market apps are often seen as a useful way to expand a phone's capabilities. Users can circumvent this limitation by manually installing 3rd party apps using the tools included with the SDK while the handset is connected to a computer.Reviews
Michael Oryl, of "Mobileburn.com," likes the "Backtrack" touchpad on the back of the phone, but points out that large hands often activate it accidentally. Victor Godinez, of The Dallas Morning News, suggests that the phone is aimed towards social networkers, and points out that the price is higher than other options with additional features such as the iPhone.System upgrades
On November 9, 2010, a downloadable update, Android OS 2.1 and a compatible version of MotoBlur was released by Motorola for AT&T Backflip customers, U.S. only. The update is unavailable over-the-air.Since then Eclair is available for phones outside U.S. that are rooted with custom recoveries installed and radio updated. CyanogenMod 7.2 is available through official releases. Other custom roms are also available.