• Moto Q9m and Q9c are the CDMA versions of the Q9h, and the consumer and business models, respectively. Q9m probably dropping by the end of the month; Q9c available Q4.

• UTStarcom SMT5800 (HTC Libra) is a WM6 smartphone with both a numeric and sliding QWERTY keyboard, 2MP cam, 128MB flash, 64MB RAM, EV-DO (upgradeable to Rev. A). Most likely available in Oct.

• Samsung i760 is hitting in Sept.

• Another HTC phone, a Verizon version of the Mogul (UTStarcom XV6800)—same specs as Sprint's model it seems, also dropping in October.

• Palm Treo 755p will be in available in November, running Palm OS 5.4.9.

• RIM BlackBerry 8130 Pearl is another Verizon version of older phone, though it comes with a 2MP cam and EV-DO—still, not so exciting with the Pearl 2 around the corner probably the Pearl 2. No release date mentioned, oddly.

• Moto Z6c Jackques is EV-DO CDMA but packs GSM for jetsetters who can wait until Nov. Its cousin, the Z6tv, um, has TV features, available "second half" of '07, we presume.

• Verizon CDM-8630 is an entry level with a simple UI and one-touch dialing, also second half of '07.

• Samsung SCH-U410 and LG VX5400 are two mid-level clamshells due by year's end, replacing the U340 and VX5300, respectively. The LG VX8300 is also getting bumped in that time frame, by the VX8350.

• Ending the list is a pair of Samsung phones: a CDMA version of the U700 and the U900, which looks to sport a 3MP cam and high-res camcorder. Both are slotted for the last half of '07.

Okay, end spoilers. [Phone Arena, Image via Flickr]

Two things: First, I'm very glad to see Motorola reemphasizing their UI and OS development.

Secondly, it's also nice to see their ultra hyped "Media Monster" device, the z8, get interesting updates like the cable box programming, youtube uploads, and feature movies on chips. (BTW, that last one is doomed to fail, like PSP movies on Memory Sticks).

But remember, we've already seen this device at 3GSM in Barcelona. This isn't news; this is spin. As far as new phones go, the new ROKRz6 is a subvariant of the z8. If anything, the RAZR 2, previously unheard of before today, deserved the hype gathered around the event, too perfectly held a month after Moto's first quarter loss since 2004 was revealed a month ago.

But let's face it: Even with updated hardware and software, the RAZR2 is going to be perceived as merely another RAZR design evolution. Sure, it has significant updates to help keep it competitive. See all the posts we did today on it.
And no doubt reviewers will like these phones in the official reviews. But I also have no doubt that the same journalists and analysts will be sitting at the lunch table with their colleagues talking about how much Motorola needs a true flagship phone. The truth is this: If no one wants your high-end phones anymore, it's because your high-end phones look exactly like your low-end ones.

Motorola's loss was blamed on weaker demand for more expensive models. This report makes it sound like that's because people want low end phones like a $50 RAZR or $100 Q, but the truth is, back when the RAZR was unveiled and Moto's marketshare jumped, it was a highly coveted $500 device, not a low-end variant. You gave people something unique we all wanted to put in our pockets. Please do that again.

Note to Zander: Let your engineers build you your Blue Steel. – Brian Lam

[Gizmodo]

Old rockers never die. Unless you played for Thin Lizzy. Or Lynyrd Skynyrd. Or bought an original ROKR, the music phone that defined how music phones should never ever be done. If you bought one of those, you probably were dead already or wanted to get shot after a few minutes with it.

Motorola wants to change this (again) with the ROKR Z6, including 64MB of RAM inside and up to 2GB memory expansion slot, Windows Media Player sync and USB 2.0 High Speed connection in a 16mm thick slider phone with dedicated playback keys. Have they finally got it? More information after the jump.

ROKR Z6 Specs

Thin, narrow slider with a multi-modal design and rich colors, materials and finish
2.0 megapixel camera
Supports a variety of audio formats such as MP3, AAC, AAC+, WMA and other popular formats
3.5mm headset jack connection, and a dedicated lock switch
Bluetooth stereo support of Advanced Audio Distribution profile (A2DP) and Audio Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP)
Internal memory and up to 2 GB of microSD* removable memory for extra storage for music, pictures and other media
USB 2.0 high speed connectivity for fast file transfers and data access
Video capture and playback
CDMA 800/1900, CDMA 1X/ EV-DO, 1900 Mhz receive diversity
Display: 2.0" QVGA with vivid colors
Browser: WAP2.0
BREW: 3.1.4
Messaging via MMS, SMS
Mobile Phone Tools support for PC synch of phonebook, contacts, and media
Integrated Bluetooth™ Class 2 wireless technology for hands-free connectivity

In other words, nothing new under the sun. Motorola claims their connectivity is better than the competition, transferring a song in 2 to 3 seconds. Whether that's Led Zep's "Stairway to Heaven" or The Sex Pistols' "God Save The Queen" is yet to be known. They are also selling the ROKR S9, a Bluetooth stereo headset that matches the phone styling.

Hopefully, the software will really be better than the previous generations. Otherwise, they don't stand a chance against the Samsungs and Sony Ericssons of this world. – Jesus Diaz

Product page [Motorola]