New Details Emerge on Verizon's First Android-Based Smartphone

Verizon is expected to get on the Android bandwagon soon, with a smartphone designed by Motorola. An official announcement is reportedly a couple of weeks away, but some additional details on this upcoming device have come to the surface.

The code-name is supposedly the Sholes, but sources disagree on the actual name. Earlier this week an unconfirmed report said it would be called the Motorola Tao, but a new report says it will be the Motorola Droid.

Some images of this model have leaked out, but they have been missing at least one important detail -- according to the latest report, it will have a 3.7-inch screen at a resolution of 480 by 854 pixels (WVGA+).

The Droid -- or whatever it's called -- will supposedly use Google's standard Android user interface, not one created by Verizon. Neither will it have MotoBlur, Motorola's social-networking service that will debut on the Motorola Cliq.

This source indicates that this model will have a 500 MHz processor, which contradicts earlier reports that it will employ a 600 MHz one.

An Overview of the Motorola Sholes/Tao/Droid
The images of this model have leaked out reveal that it will be a slider with a horizontally-oriented QWERTY keyboard.

As an Android-based phone, this device will have a highly-functional web browser, and include tie-ins to a number of Google's online services, like Gmail and Google Maps. There is also a rapidly growing collection of third-party software available for this operating system.

According to earlier reports, this smartphone will have 256 MB of RAM and will ship with a 16 GB microSD card, which can be swapped out for a larger one when available.

This Motorola model will also reportedly include a 5 megapixel auto-focus camera, a GPS receiver, and a 1400 mAh battery.

Overall, it will be 4.6 inches wide, 2.3 inches tall, 0.54 inches thick, and 6.0 ounces (115.8 mm wide, 60.0 mm tall, 13.70 mm thick, and 169 g).

Launch Date Unknown
Exactly when that debut will be is not yet known, but the Motorola Droid will supposedly be announced around the middle of this month.

Source: BGR