Verizon rolls out first Android device, pits device against iPhone

Verizon Wireless announced that its anticipated DROID by Motorola arrives on Nov. 6. The device is Verizon's first based on the Google Android operating system, and it features the 2.0 version. Verizon has been putting its marketing muscle behind this device, taking out television and newspaper ads pitting the device against the iPhone.

"iDon't customize, iDon't allow open development and iDon't run simultaneous apps," say the ads. "Everything iDon't, Droid does," says another tagline. This is likely the first device in a series of Android devices that Verizon will feature as a result of its partnership with Google, announced earlier this month.

DROID by Motorola features a full-QWERTY keyboard rather than a touch screen and includes a multi-window HTML browser, a 5-megapixel camera, video capture, 3G and WiFi connectivity and a 3.7-inch high-resolution screen with a width of 854 pixels to reduce the need for side-to-side panning. Verizon is touting the ability to run multiple applications at once as the DROID enables users to toggle back and forth between up to six applications at a time.

Google Search enables voice-activated searching and integrated Gmail and Exchange messages are pushed to the device. The Android notification panel enables users to move straight to the message or ignore it. A smart dictionary learns as the user types and automatically includes contacts. Google Maps Navigation provides turn-by-turn voice guidance as a free feature of Google Maps.

The DROID will become available exclusively at Verizon Wireless stores and online on Nov. 6 for $200 with a new two-year customer agreement after a $100 mail-in rebate. To qualify for the device, customers must subscribe to a nationwide voice plan and an email and web for smartphone plan. Nationwide voice plans begin at $39.99 for monthly access for 450 minutes and an email and web for smartphone plan is $29.99 for monthly access.

For more:
- see this Verizon release

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