Motorola Dext in Asia next year? Maybe

John Chan | Sep 11, 2009

Motorola Cliq
(Credit: Josh Miller/CNET)

Motorola has announced its first Android-based smartphone in the US called the Cliq. This will be available later this year with operator T-Mobile stateside. Outside of the US, this same HSPA-enabled handset will be called the Dext and the company has already announced this for various mobile operators in Europe and South America. Some of its features include a 3.1-inch HVGA display, 3.5mm audio jack and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard.

While the technical specifications of the Dext aren't particularly exciting, what's interesting is the introduction of its MotoBlur interface. Like HTC's Sense UI and Palm's webOS, this integrates services such social networking and emails into the contacts list. So essentially, the address book becomes a one-stop shop for all interactions with your friends.

Features and software aside, one thing we know about Motorola is that it's able to make some really nice hardware. Even if you do not like the interface of its older phones, there's no denying that products like the Aura and Razr are objects of desire when it comes to design and build. Though we have not seen the Dext, hopefully, the attention to hardware quality will be seen on it as well.

The burning question for us here in Asia is really this: Will we get the Dext here? The company has been relatively low-key in this region the past year, and this Android offering is one of its most exciting announcements for some time. A spokesperson told us that Motorola "look(s) forward to bringing MotoBlur and Android-powered devices to other markets around in the globe". That isn't saying much, but at least the answer is not no. We will be keeping close tabs on this in Asia, so check back frequently for updates.

Filed under: Mobile Phones
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