AT&T's Motorola Backflip Gets a System Software Update

Motorola has released a system software update for one of its smartphones offered by AT&T, the Motorola Backflip.

This isn't the much-anticipated upgrade to Android OS 2.1 scheduled for release by the end of September, but it does bring an number of improvements to the phone's messaging, display, camera and Bluetooth functionality.

According to Motorola, firmware 13.37 brings:

• Color and clarity improvements to the display
• Repairs random occurrence of camera application quitting while in use.
• General improvements to text messaging - especially for longer message threads.
• Better audio and connectivity to Bluetooth headsets.
• Improves overall connection to the 3G network.

The company also promises that this update brings better device stability, which will reduce unresponsiveness and/or apps quitting unexpectedly. This is what Motorola recommends all Backflip owners install this new firmware.

Going Out Now
Motorola and AT&T are sending the new system software out to the smartphone as an over-the-air update. Users will be notified when it has arrived and asked to install it.

At this point, there isn't a way to manually download the update.

Overview of the Motorola Backflip
This device has a clamshell design, but not the usual one. Instead, has a reverse flip keyboard, so that when this model is closed its keyboard is on the back. This allows it to set on a a table with its screen flipped up. On the back of the 3.1-inch, HVGA screen is another unique feature, a large touchpanel called the Backtrack.

The Backflip is currently running Android OS 1.5 with MotoBlur layered on top. This means it comes with a suite of communication and entertainment software, and users have the ability to download more from the on-device Android Store.

In addition, this smartphone has a microSD memory card slot, a 5 megapixel camera, a GPS receiver, and a 3.5 mm headset jack.