The first Android phone at AT&T

Feb 18, 2010 13:58 GMT  ·  By

Wireless carrier AT&T announced officially today the launch of its first mobile phone running under Google's Android operating system, the Motorola BACKFLIP with MOTOBLUR. According to the carrier, the handset is set to land on its airwaves as soon as March 7 is here, and will sport a price tag of $99.99 after $100 mail-in rebate, upon the signing of a two-year contract agreement and the purchase of a smartphone data plan.

The new Motorola BACKFLIP comes around with a unique form-factor, as it sports an original reverse flip design, coupled with a spacious QWERTY keyboard and a BACKTRACK touch panel, which enables users to enjoy the quality of its display while working behind the screen. The handset also includes Motorola’s MOTOBLUR solution, a content delivery service meant to make the handset more personal and socially smart.

The software solution thrown by Motorola over Google's Android operating system is meant to deliver a new way of connecting to friends, regardless whether contacts from work or personal email, messaging or social networking. The solution syncs contacts, posts, messages, photos and more from sources like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Gmail, Picasa, work and personal e-mail, and delivers them directly to the phone's homescreen.

Motorola BACKFLIP brings together the best of social networking with the nation’s fastest 3G network,” said David Christopher, chief marketing officer, AT&T Mobility and Consumer Markets. “With the ability to ride on our newest and fastest 3G network, access to more than 20,000 AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots, and the ability to talk and surf at the same time, BACKFLIP boasts a better Android experience.”

Among the other features that users will enjoy with BACKFLIP, we can count a full HTML browser that will deliver great Internet browsing on the 3.1-inch touchscreen display of the device courtesy of 7.2 HSPA 3G technology. In addition, users will have access to a wide range of applications in the Android Market, and they can also benefit from a 5MP camera on the handset, as well as from its Wi-Fi connectivity, which will prove great on AT&T's Wi-Fi network.