Motorola Introduces 'Motomobile' Line

With market saturation becoming a problem for the mobile phone industry, attention has turned to emerging markets where penetration is still relatively low. Motorola said Tuesday it was doing just that, introducing its "Motomobile" line of phones.

All phones within the brand are adapted to the needs of non-developed regions. With electricity sometimes at a premium in these countries, phones would have up to two weeks standby time, and a lantern feature that would allow use at night or in dark environments.

As radio is still the primary source of information in emerging markets, FM radios would also be built into the handset.

First in the lineup are the W220 and W375 clamshells, and the W170, W208, and W210 candy bar style phones. The W170 and W210 are available in CDMA models, and the W208 would be available in two colors, the company said.

"We recognize that consumers have different priorities and interests and we believe that our mobile handsets should reflect this," Motorola's mobile devices vice president and general manager Steve Lalla said. "Our new range of Motomobile handsets set a new milestone in connecting the next billion by ensuring there is a stylish, value based solution for everyone."

Of the clamshells, the W220 incorporates a color external display, picture messaging, FM radio, and alarm clock. The higher-end W375 adds a speakerphone, camera, MP3 ringtones and mobile USB.

The W208 candy bar phone sports a thin design with stereo FM radio, alarm clock/stop watch, currency converter/calculator, office quality speakerphone, and polyphonic ringtones. The W210 adds similar features, however supports CDMA networks.

Finally, the W170 also continues the thin style of Motorola's current candy bar phones with FM radio, polyphonic ringtones, text messaging, and office quality speakerphone.

All handsets would be available by the second half of this year, Motorola said. Pricing for the phones was not specified.