At Motorola’s CES preview, they showed off a plethora of new accessories, as well as the Motorola E2 ROKR officially for the first time. The E2 has changed significantly from its first leaks onto the web, and will replace iTunes in favor of Motorola’s next-generation Linux-based OS. Using an SD card slot and USB 2.0, the device will support as many songs as capacity is available.
As for standard phone features, the E2 features a QVGA display, 1.3 MP camera, and A2DP Bluetooth audio headset support, as well as a 3.5 mm headset jack. The E2 will support Motorola’s new iRadio streaming radio service, which will place the device in competition with carrier-offered services, and also indicates that the device will at least include EDGE support. Motorola did make it clear that the lack of iTunes in the E2 does not mark the end of iTunes in the Motorola family. Because of the newer OS in the E2, the iTunes adaptation would have delayed the release of the device, as well as conflicted with offerings such as iRadio. iTunes will be featured in upcoming RAZR and SLVR models.
At the same time, Motorola unveiled the TXTR D7, their new device which is similar to wireless text messaging devices unveiled by Sanyo last year. It uses Bluetooth to communicate as a standalone paging device, as well as tethered to phones to relay SMS. The device has a monochrome display, and can function for a full 24 hours on a single charge.
