The DROID PRO offers access to your corporate directory, e-mail, calendar and more (see larger image).

In addition to high-speed connectivity on the fast and reliable Verizon Wireless 3G network, you can also share the built-in 3G Mobile Hotspot via the integrated Wireless-N Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n) among five devices--laptop, another phone, MP3 player, and more (additional service charge).

Built on Android 2.2 (also referred to as "Froyo") with integrated Google technology, the DROID PRO brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by voice, Google Maps with Street View, GTalk instant messaging (with presence capabilities), YouTube, and Picasa. And through Android Market, you'll get access to thousands of useful applications, widgets and fun games to download and install on your phone, with many more apps being added every day.

In addition to the DROID PRO being the first Android-powered smartphone optimized for business use, it's also a global-ready smartphone, allowing you to enjoy wireless voice service in more than 220 countries and data coverage in more than 200 countries.

The DROID PRO offers full support for Adobe Flash Player 10.1 for accessing Flash-enabled websites, watching video and playing games. Capture snapshots and videos on the go with the 5-megapixel camera featuring auto focus and dual LED flash as well as DVD-quality video. Other features include Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, DNLA connectivity, music player with connectivity to the Amazon MP3 store, full HTML browser, and up to 6.5 hours of talk time.

Built-in security features include AuthenTec IPSec multi-headed VPN integration, remote wipe of device and SD card, and complex password support. Device and SD card encryption will be available in early 2011.

DROID is a trademark of Lucasfilm Ltd. and its related companies. Used under license.

With Android 2.2, you get support for viewing web sites that use Adobe Flash (see larger image).

Key Features

• Powered by the Android operating system (version 2.2) with deep integration of Google services, access to thousands of apps via the Android Market, and support for Adobe Flash 10.1.
• Fast 3G connectivity thanks to the reliable Verizon Wireless EV-DO, Rev A network
• Global roaming capabilities with data access in more than 185 destinations
• GPS navigation capabilities via VZ Navigator service
• Ultra-fast Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g) for accessing home and corporate networks as well as hotspots while on the go.
• 3G Mobile Hotspot capability allows you to create a Wi-Fi hotspot using your Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO connection, which can then be shared among up to five Wi-Fi-capable devices. Just open the 3G Mobile Hotspot app in the Applications tray and turn on the service. (Note that 3G Mobile Hotspot sharing uses the device's regular data plan and does not require a Mobile Broadband Connect plan.)
• Skype Mobile compatibility provides unlimited Skype-to-Skype calls and IM while in the U.S. to anywhere in the world. Plus, with Skype Mobile you get low rates to international land lines and cell phones (requires Skype account).
• 3.1-inch multi-touch display (480 x 320 pixels, 16 million color depth)
• Physical QWERTY keyboard
• 5-megapixel auto-focus camera with touch-to-focus, face detection, panoramic modes, low-light capabilities, and more
• DVD-quality video capture
• Digital media player compatible with MP3, WMA, and AAC music plus MPEG4 video formats.
• Access to online music services including Amazon MP3 for music purchases and Slacker Radio for personalized streaming music.
• Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock.
• Included 2 GB microSD card with support for optional cards up to 32 GB.
• 2 GB internal memory
• YouTube app for streaming video over 3G and Wi-Fi connections.
• DLNA compatibility allows you to stream media content from the phone to any other DLNA-certified device. The AllShare application enables you to play a file from your phone on another player, play a file from a server on your phone, or play a file from a server on another player via your phone.
• Rich HTML e-mail application seamlessly syncs your e-mail, calendar and contacts from Gmail as well as most other POP3 or IMAP e-mail services. The Gmail application provides features such as conversation view, spam filtering, search, and labels that Gmail users enjoy on their computer while offering new features such as integration with the phone's contact list. And it multitasks, so you can read a Web page while also downloading your e-mail in the background.
• Full HTML Web browser enables you to view more pages and enjoy better Web content delivered efficiently to your phone.
• Instant messaging support for Google Talk, as well as AOL, Yahoo! Messenger and Windows Live Messenger. It also supports advanced text messaging features, enabling you to easily flag, delete or move groups of messages and keep track of group conversations through threaded text messaging.
• Text (SMS) and picture/video (MMS) messaging
• Google Calendar app syncs with the Web-based version, so any event that you add to your phone will show up on the Web-based Google Calendar (and vice versa).
• Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off

Vital Statistics

The DROID PRO weighs 4.73 ounces and measures 4.69 x 2.36 x 0.46 inches. Its 1400 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 6.5 hours of talk time, and up to 330 hours (13.75 days) of standby time. It runs on the CDMA 800/1900 frequencies as well as EV-DO, Rev A 3G frequencies.

What's in the Box

DROID PRO handset, rechargeable battery, charger, 2 GB microSD memory card, SIM card, USB cable, three international power adapters, quick start guide

Verizon Wireless Services

• Reliable 3G Network: With support for the EV-DO high-speed data standard, you'll enjoy fast access to the Internet and Verizon Wireless multimedia services (additional charges applicable), with average download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps and peak rates up to 2 Mbps. (Learn more about where EV-DO coverage is offered.)

• Global Roaming Capabilities: With this mobile phone, you can connect to wireless networks from Europe to South America to Asia thanks to its quad-band GSM/EDGE/GPRS connectivity as well as high-speed 3G HSPA compatibility (2100 MHz networks). It comes pre-installed with a SIM card, so customers who plan to travel abroad can activate global service at the time of purchase or by calling Verizon Wireless prior to leaving the U.S. For those who travel abroad frequently, the Verizon Wireless Global Value Plan offers discounted roaming capabilities with data access in more than 185 destinations.

• Visual Voice Mail: This innovative service enables you to delete, reply, and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions. Visual Voice Mail is the ideal tool for the busy mobile professional who may need to prioritize which messages he or she listens to first. Features include on-screen access to voice mail message status, save up to 40 messages for 40 days (or archive permanently), create up to 10 different caller ID-based greetings, and reply via call back, text or even voice mail.

• VZ Navigator Capable: With this GPS-enabled phone, you'll be able to access the Verizon Wireless VZ Navigator service (additional charges applicable) for voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, heads-up alerts, local search of nearly 14 million points of interest in the US (such as landmarks, restaurants and ATMs), and detailed color maps.

• VZW Backup Assistant: Automatically back up your mobile contacts to your online address book. If your phone is lost, stolen, or damaged, or you decide to upgrade, easily restore your saved address book to your new phone. You can also add, delete, edit, and print your contacts online and send the changes to your mobile phone.

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Processor

Both phones sport blazing fast 1GHZ processors, though not the same one.  The Droid X has a new TI OMAP 1GHZ processor while the HTC Evo 4G has a Qualcomm Snapdragon 1GHZ processor.  The new TI processor is the faster of the two, though both pack plenty of processing power.

Display

Both of these phones discriminate against those with small hands as both feature 4.3″ displays.  The Droid X has an every so slight advantage in resolution  with 854 x 480 display while the Evo 4g has an 800 x 480 resolution though in practice you won’t notice a difference (the Droid X does have more natural looking colors on its display though).

Memory

It’s a draw here as well with both phones having 512MB of RAM.

Storage

The Droid X comes with an impressive 24GB of storage (8GB built in, 16GB Micro SD card included) while the HTC Evo 4G has a mere 8GB.  If you have a lot of music or videos you’d like to watch on that big display, then the Droid X is the clear winner here.

Carrier

As has become the norm for premium smartphones, each phone is carrier exclusive.  The Droid X is a Verizon Wireless exclusive phone and the HTC Evo 4G is a Sprint Exclusive.  In my experience both carriers are quite good and I can’t say I’ve had problems with either.    The one advantage that you’ll get with Sprint is 4G coverage though it’s only available in a handful of major cities at this point.  However, if you live in one of those areas, Sprint is probably a no brainer at this point.  If Verizon ever gets the iPhone, I’ll probably start recommending people get Sprint since there will be considerably more strain on Verizon’s data network.

Camera

HTC Evo 4G Vs Motorola Droid X - Android Powered Smartphones

Both phones sport 8MP dual LED flash cameras.  However, the EVO 4G has a 1.3 MP front facing camera for video conferencing (using QIK).  We’ll give the edge to the EVO 4G on this one.

And the winner is…

If you can find one (and there have been plenty of shortages much to the dismay of Sprint), the HTC Evo 4G gets a slight edge over the Droid X but unless you really want video conferencing and live in an area with 4G coverage, you’ll probably be quite pleased with a Droid X as well.

In a lot of ways this phone is just a slight upgrade over the first Droid.

It features a dual LED flash 5MP camera.

It has a faster 1 GHz processor (TI OMAP).

It has 16GB of memory (same as before) and can be upgraded to 40GB.

It also has 512 MB of RAM which is a welcome addition as the original could get bogged down rather easily if you like to run a lot of apps at once.

The keyboard no longer has the thumbpad and now features slightly raised keys which makes typing via the keyboard easier and faster – a big improvement over the old keyboard though I’ve found as have many others that the physical keyboard isn’t nearly as necessary as you might think – I rarely use mine now and I’m one of those people who initially refused to buy a smarthphone without a physical keyboard.

This phone is expected to ship with Android 2.2 Froyo which brings a whole lot of awesomeness to the table.

The screen size remains the same at 3.7″.

Is it worth the upgrade if you already have a Motorola Droid – I don’t so.  It’s an incremental step forward, but not a giant leap.  If you’re going to upgrade, get a Droid X unless the size of the phone makes it difficult for you to hold in your hand.  If you don’t have a smartphone yet, then by all means get it as you’ll probably love this phone.

Motorola Droid 2 - Photo Courtesy DroidLife

In this post I’ll compare two soon to be released Motorola phones (both Verizon Wireless exclusives), The Droid X and Droid 2.

Droid X Vs Droid 2

Processors

I was a little disappointed to see that the Droid 2 only has a 750mhz processor (TI OMAP) since the defacto standard has become at least 1GHZ for top of the line smartphones.  The Droid X features the expected 1GHZ processor (TI OMAP).

Keyboard

This is one of the biggest differences between the two phones.  The Droid X uses only it’s touchscreen and virtual keyboards while the Droid 2 features an improved slide out hardware keyboard.   Whether you need the keyboard or not really is mostly a matter of preference.  Personally, I like having a keyboard on my phone, but rarely use it.

OS

While it is expected that the Droid X will ship with Android 2.1 initially, it’s expected that it will be upgraded to 2.2 Froyo in August of 2010.  The Droid 2 is expected to ship with Android 2.2 installed, but keep in mind that it’s being released a month later (mid August).

Camera

The Droid X has an 8MP camera while the Droid X has a mere 5MP camera.  Both have dual LED flash cameras.

Memory

The Droid X ships with 24GB of memory (upgradeable to 40GB) while the Droid 2 ships with 16 GB of memory (upgradeable to 40GB).

For those who want to compare these two phones to other popular smartphones like the Apple iPhone 4 and HTC EVO 4G, here are the highlights:

How do they stack up to the iPhone 4?

The Droid X is a veritable giant compared to the iPhone 4, sporting a 4.3” screen vs the 3.5” screen the iPhone 4 has.

Both the Droid X and iPhone 4 have 1GHZ processors (the Droid X features a TI OMAP 1GHZ while the iPhone 4 features an Apple A4 1GHZ processor.

The Droid 2 is a little slower checking in with a TI OMAP 750mhz processor.

Neither the Droid X or Droid 2 have a front facing camera for video chat.

The Droid X has HDMI outputs and a bigger (some would say better) 8MP camera with dual LED flash while the iPhone 4 has no such outputs and a mere 5MP camera with single LED flash though image quality in the real world is very similar.

The Droid 2 has that elusive slide out hardware keyboard for those who don’t like to be forced to use touchscreens all the time.

Neither phone has a gyroscope while the iPhone 4 does.

How do they stack up to the HTC EVO 4G?

The Droid X has the same 4.3” screen as the EVO 4G, but lacks the 4G antenna and front facing camera for video chat – other than that it’s nearly the same as the other differences are minor – the EVO 4G is a Sprint phone, the Droid X is a Verizon phone.

The Droid 2 is quite a bit smaller than the EVO 4G, and lacks the HDMI output, has a slower processor but as I’ve mentioned, has a dedicated hardware keyboard.

Conclusion

While it’s tough to say which phone is really better since they’re both so new, for my money I’d buy the Droid X unless you really want a dedicated keyboard or the Droid X is too big for you to comfortably hold in your hand.

Let’s start off with specs as they’re pretty beefy:

• 4.3″ 854 x 480 Screen
• Texas Instruments OMAP 1GHZ Processor
• 24 GB Memory (Upgradeable to 40GB)
• Dual LED Flash 8 Megapixel Camera (with a real shutter button)
• 220 Hrs of Standby Battery Time
• 720p Video Recording with HDMI output

For loyal Droid users thinking about upgrading from their original Motorola Droid to the new Droid X, here are some of the big differences.  First, the phone is a lot bigger – the 4.3″ screen is the same size as the HTC EVO 4G for Sprint (for comparison’s sake, the iPhone 4 has a 3.5″ screen – the original Droid has a 3.7″ screen).

The camera doesn’t suck this time around.  The dual LED flash and 8MP camera actually take pretty good pictures – nobody will confuse them with DSLR quality, but they’re definitely on par with entry level digital cameras.

It’s faster – a lot faster.  It still packs a familiar Texas Instruments OMAP processor, but this one is clocked at 1GHZ and this thing is screaming fast.

No more keyboard.  While it does come with Swype (awesome, by the way) as a virtual keyboard option, the Droid X bids adieu to the dedicated slide out keyboard seen on the original though most people I talk to that have a Droid, myself included, rarely ever use the hardware keyboard anyway.

One of the cool features is the ability for the phone to act as a 3G Mobile Hotspot for up to 5 devices, however, this feature is going to run you an extra $20/month.  My guess is that since this is a feature built into Android 2.2, at some point you’ll be able to enable this for free (but it may require you to root the phone – I’ll keep ya posted as we learn more and when Froyo shows up on this phone later this summer).

Motorola Droid X - 4.3" Screen - 24GB Memory - 1GHZ TI OMAP Processor

This phone does run Motorola’s skin over Android (unlike the first Droid), but it isn’t Motoblur either.  It’s a new skin setup for social networking and such.

It will be officially released July 15 and is exclusive to Verizon Wireless and will run you $199 (after $100 mail in rebate and 2 yr contract) so it’s in line with every other high end subsidized smartphone in the U.S. right now.

If your contract is up anytime this year, you can get upgrade pricing instead of paying full retail costs, which sadly means that all of us original Droid users aren’t going to qualify as we’re less than a year into our 2yr contracts, but it certainly looks like the new flagship model for Verizon Wireless and a worth competitor to the HTC EVO 4G for Sprint and the Apple iPhone 4 for AT&T.

Here’s a sample video taken with the Droid X Video Camera (certainly doesn’t look like your typical cell phone camera video, but won’t be confused with broadcast quality anytime soon, either):

www.youtube.com/watch?v=YQQC7Fs2Uz0

One thing that business users expect on a smartphone is the ability to record a phone call.

There is plenty written about the legality of recording phone calls, and if you’re trying to secretly record calls, you could be asking for trouble.  However, not everyone wants to record phone calls for nefarious purposes.  Here’s a good resource about recording calls.

For example, I was just on a call this morning with a client and he wanted to know how we could record the conversation because he couldn’t keep up with everything I was saying and wanted to be able to go back and review the apparent wisdom I was pontificating.

We were on Skype at the time, so I just turned on Pamela (that’s what the software suite I used is called) and recorded away.

But how do you record a call if your on an Android powered phone?  There is no built in functionality to do it, but fortunately a few apps have come to the market that get the job done nicely.

But first let’s start with the free option.

Free Call Recording With Google Voice

You can record calls with Google Voice.  Unfortunately, that means you can only record incoming calls, not outgoing.    However it’s simple to do –  just press 4 on your number pad and it will start recording the conversation.  You’ll find the conversation in your Voice control panel within a few minutes and you can send the recording to the other party easily from the control panel.

Best Call Recording Android Apps

There are a lot of so called call recording apps on the Android Market.  The problem is that a lot of them don’t work.   I’ve found that none of the free apps on the market are worth downloading and after testing out several different call recording apps have settled on AllCallRecorder Deluxe.  It’s a $2.95 app and there’s a free trial version you can test out before you have to buy anything.  Keep in mind it doesn’t work with all phones, but it does work with a lot of them and works well with almost all of the popular devices.

One other app you may want to take a look at is Super Call Recorder – I haven’t personally tested it out but it has good reviews and might work for you in case AllCallRecorder Deluxe doesn’t and also has a free trial version so you can verify that it works before you pay for it.

While paying $2.95 for functionality you think should be built into your phone isn’t ideal, I think it’s a lot better than having a Blackberry because then while you can easily record phone calls, you have to suffer with having a Blackberry.  :)

I’ve seen a lot of people making lists of “must have” Android apps, and then they go and include stuff you definitely don’t need, but is certainly cool.

For example, on my phone I have the Tricorder and Lightsaber apps.  While they’re both cool, if you deleted them tomorrow, I’d be sad, but I’d survive.

On the other hand, if you took away my Google Voice Visual Voicemail (note: this is how you get Visual Voicemail for free – don’t pay for it, just get this App and a Google Voice account), I’d be without Voicemail.

So here is my list of what I think are some “must have” Apps.  Keep in mind that while I’m fairly tech savvy, I’m no expert on what should or shouldn’t be on a smartphone – I think all the features are cool.

Oh, and one more thing.  I’ve seen some people complain about how the phone (Motorola Droid and other Android phones like the Nexus One and HTC offerings) lacks certain features out of the box.  That’s the cool part – if you want to do it, there’s probably an App for that, and if there isn’t, you can create one!  It’s infinitely customizable to you.  That’s the real appeal to the iPhone and Android phones.

Anyway, must have Droid Apps…

1. ChompSMS or HandSent2 – The built in SMS on Android sucks donkey balls.  It didn’t allow me to send a text to multiple people at once or to groups.   ChompSMS fixes that little snafu.  It’s the app I use most often.
2. Contact Owner – Ever left your phone somewhere, but can’t for the life of you remember where it is?  I know I have.  And if not for the person how found it being ambitious enough to call contacts in my phone, I wouldn’t have found it.  This app is quite simple – it displays your name and contact info (including alternate phone number and email address) on the phone with an “if found, contact” message.  If someone finds your phone, they’ll know how and who to contact to return it.
3. Wave Secure – Smartphones are expensive even when heavily subsidized by your phone company.  What would you do if it got stolen?  Well, being careful is the best way to make sure nobody steals your phone, but if they do, you’ve got WaveSecure.  If your phone is stolen, this App can help track it back down and will even notify people (that you pick) that your phone has been stolen.  It can even lock the phone down so that the thieves can’t access your personal information.
4. Home++ – Android has three screens by default for putting shortcuts and icons on.   Honestly, once you start playing around with your phone, you’ll find yourself wanting more screens to better organize the apps you use most often.  For example, on my phone I have a screen just for music programs and one just for all the various programs for going online.  Home++ allows you to have up to seven screens and it does some other cool stuff too, but all I use it is for the extra screens.
5. Pandora – While Android is certainly not iPhone for music, it’s certainly a capable device.  I really like my customized Pandora radio stations and being able to listen to them while I’m driving in the car (or wherever I happen to be) is awesome.  Last.fm and Slacker are also both good music streaming clients if you’d like more options.
6. Voice Recorder – The Droid has no built in voice recorder.  No problem, just download “voice recorder” or “rehearsal”, problem solved.
7. FoxyRing and Locale – There are two apps that have a similar function and Locale is definitely the more ambitious of the two, however I don’t need all the features and find FoxyRing is exactly what I need.  You’ll probably want at least one of them if not both.   FoxyRing is an app that measures ambient noise and adjusts the ringer volume accordingly.  In a loud bar?  Then the ringer will go off at it’s loudest volume so you can hear it.  Sitting in your living room reading a book?  Then the ringer will go off at a much lower volume so it doesn’t scare the bejesus out of you.   It also features a “silent” mode.  You can set times when the phone simply won’t go off.  In class at a certain time every day?  Just set the phone to be in silent mode.   Don’t want to take phone calls in the middle of the night?  Again, silent mode.  However, you can set the phone to allow certain emergency contacts to get through.  So if you want your mother to be able to call in case of a family emergency, but not your drunk friends, this is the perfect app for that.
8. Mototorch – This is another simple app.  It uses the LED flash on the camera as a flashlight.  It’s simple, but handy.
9. Gtask – Another simple app that synchs to Google tasks in your Gmail account.  There are a ton of “to do list” apps and really cool ones like “don’t forget the milk.”  For me, this simple one is all I need and the fact that it synchs to Gmail, which I use all day long is why I chose it.
10. KeepScreen – This is an ultra handy app – and all it does it keeps your screen from turning off.  For example, if you’re playing music, but want to keep the controls up without having to unlock the screen every time, this program will do it.  You can set it so that when certain programs are running, the screen simply doesn’t turn off.  Be careful as leaving programs run will drain your battery faster than two shakes of a lambs tail, but it’s great when you just need the screen to stay on without having to touch it every few seconds.

Oh, and while this one is built in, if you use Google Calendar, you can have it text you a reminder if you have anything scheduled you don’t want to forget.  I didn’t know about it until recently, but now I use it regularly.

Those are some of my favorite “must have” apps.

I’ll probably make a list of ones that are “nifty” and “spiffy” but not quite as practical in the future, but that’s all I’ve got for today.