14 DAY TRIAL // Mobile phone carrier Sprint is reportedly gearing up for the release of a new series of handsets that would run under Google's Android operating system, aimed at different customer segments, and alleged info on two such handsets has just made it into the wild.
Both these mobile phones should include physical QWERTY keyboard when made available for purchase at the carrier, though not both of them would offer the same capabilities when released.
One of these two handsets is reportedly manufactured by Motorola, and comes to the market with a candybar design, pairing the QWERTY keyboard with a touchscreen display, and resembling the already available DROID Pro, currently on sale at Verizon Wireless.
However, the new device would have a different aim, it seems, as it should pack iDEN connectivity capabilities when hitting shelves sometime in the middle of the ongoing year.
Supposedly called Motorola i1Q, the smartphone is expected to pack a lower application processor, while running under the Android 2.1 operating system.
However, it would be a rugged mobile phone, which would add a lot to its value, that's for sure. The device was not confirmed officially for the time being, but it might not be too long before more on it emerges.
As for the second Android-powered handset that Sprint is rumored to plan for its customers, it should arrive from Samsung, it seems, while sporting the same candybar form factor, and being targeted at the carrier's business customers.
Apparently, Samsung would plan on reiterating the Blackjack form factor with the new device for Sprint, though it would opt out of Windows Mobile this time, leaving room for the newer Android operating system instead.
Nothing was confirmed officially on this device for the time being, but rumor has it that it should be unveiled in less than a week, at an event set to take place on February 7th at Sprint, or at the upcoming Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Keep an eye on this space for more info on both these devices.
