Sprint will launch the Motorola i1, the world's first push-to-talk rugged
Android smartphone. The iDEN Motorola i1 has a 3.1-inch touchscreen,Wi-Fi, optimized browsing
experience with the latest Opera Mini 5 browser, access to thousands of
apps and a push-to-talk experience that includes new features.
Motorola i1
enhances the push-to-talk experience with the ability to view who is
calling regardless of what application you are in, whether you are
managing your emails, checking your calendar, composing messages or
viewing media.
With solid
body construction that meets military specifications for protection
against dust, shock, vibration and blowing rain(1), Motorola i1 is
designed for those who work and play hard. It automatically syncs and
integrates office and personal information such as emails, calendar
appointments and contacts.
Key features of the Moto i1:
- Popular business tools such as Microsoft Document Viewer
and corporate sync ensure Word or PowerPoint files can be accessed on
the go. - Message entry is a breeze with both Android standard
virtual keyboard and Swype™ virtual keyboards being offered. - A
5 megapixel camera with flash, geo-tagging and panoramic capabilities
provides crisp photos and clearly displays them on the vibrant 3.1-inch
HVGA screen. Video can also be recorded and stored on a provided microSD
for sharing or future viewing straight from the device. - The
latest Opera Mini 5 browser enables quick browsing over the Nextel
National Network and Wi-Fi. The Android browser allows you to see web
pages and Flash 8-enabled sites in full view using Wi-Fi. - Motorola
i1 can be continuously customized with thousands of applications from
Android Market.
In addition
to introducing Android into push-to-talk devices, Motorola is also
bringing a new face to its iDEN portfolio: Mike
Rowe. Mike has worked as an apprentice at more than 250 of the
toughest jobs in America, and his experience and reputation as a hard
worker are a perfect fit for Motorola's iDEN portfolio. The new
relationship announced today will feature Mike as a spokesperson for
Motorola's rugged push-to-talk devices.
"Typically,
the work I've done tends to take its toll on my phones and I end up
breaking 'em on the job," said Mike. "It'll be fun to use one that's not
afraid of a little dirt."
Sprint will begin offering Motorola i1 this summer.
A lot of people like PTT. But today you don't have to purchase a nextel phone to do that anymore. If you have an android phone, there is a free app that allows you to PTT any of your friends who also have an android phone, regardless of their carrier or phone model. It is called TiKL - Touch to Talk. It is instantaneous and FREE! TiKL is receiving rave review comments in android market.
It seems dumb to shell out $$ on a phone and monthly charge just to get PTT that can only reach nextel phones in US, whereas the alternative is free and can PTT any android phone around the world. The wall is breaking down. Nextel's business model is fast becoming obsolete.