More Details on the Motorola Split Emerge

The Motorola Split is shaping up to be one of the more innovative models of this year. According to information that has leaked out, this Android-based smartphone will boast an unusual design featuring a split keyboard that slides out from either side of the touchscreen.

In addition, a new report indicates that what's displayed on the keyboard's keys can vary as the device changes orientation.

Living Up to Its Name
The MotoSplit will supposedly look a great deal like the Motorola Droid, but instead of the keyboard sliding down, it will be in two pieces that slide out from either side of the screen.

According to the latest information, when this model is in portrait mode, one side of the keyboard will slide out and act as a numberpad. For this to be possible, the keys will need to reconfigure themselves. This will reportedly be possible because the keyboard will actually be a touch-sensitive LCD with an overlay containing cut-outs for each key.

This capability is reminiscent of the Samsung Alias 2, a featurephone that was released last year with a keyboard that usedE-Ink keys, allowing the labels to change.

On the Inside
This Motorola device will allegedly run Google's Android OS, though which version is not yet known.

Sources disagree about the processor -- one says it will use a 1 GHz chip, but the source of the latest information says it will be a slower one.

At this point, all other specifications remain a mystery. 

Coming this Summer?
According to an informed source, the Motorola Split will be released by AT&T some time in the July-September quarter.

Although AT&T has yet to introduce any Android OS-based smartphones, last month this carrier promised to release five models running Google's operating system this year.

Source: Android Community