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]

For the specs, it runs Symbian OS, HSDPA, 2.2-inch screen, 30fps video, 4GB microSD card, and movies thanks to Universal, Sony and Warner. There's also streaming video from Sky or CNN over its 3G, complete with a mini DVR-like system that you can watch shows anytime. It's Moto's multimedia-centric phone, which changes its form depending on what function is in use. Better yet, there's YouTube, MySpace and Flickr uploading.

It does more than that.

However, instead of downloading movies on your PC to put it onto the Z8, they're going to sell cards with movies pre-installed so you can plug those into your phone. We saw how well that worked out with the PSP, but maybe placing it onto an SD card will make a difference.

Moto also announced that there's going to be gaming (via studios like EA), as well as taking video and pictures and uploading it to sites like Flickr and Myspace (the UI in the video above). That's similar to the Nokia N95 we've been playing around with. You can even use it to blog, if you're into that kind of thing.

– Jason Chen

MOTO™ Z8 Kick start your day with the new MOTO Z8. Reinventing the slider phone, the MOTO Z8 brings multimedia, speed, pleasure and mobile broadband1 to your fingertips. Providing you with the ultimate in entertainment, the MOTO Z8 allows you to watch crystal clear video at 30 frames per second through a large QVGA 16m TFT display. The device also supports optional expandable memory up to 4GB using microSD, which is enough space for full length movies or hours of music. Music can be enjoyed wirelessly utilising Bluetooth™ wireless technology that, when combined with an optional Bluetooth enabled stereo headset such as the Motorola Bluetooth Active Headphones S9, provides complete wireless control and freedom.1 Feature packed, at 15.3 millimeters, the MOTO Z8 is not much larger than the classic MOTORAZR™ waist band. Providing an innovative and exciting mobile experience the MOTO Z8 allows you to enjoy your multimedia content while on the go with crystal clear video and high fidelity sound. Whether you're watching or streaming video2 or having a lengthy conversation, the MOTO Z8 is much more than your typical slider - it's a revolution in mobile multimedia. Goodbye image. Hello reality.

Lightning Fast Speed
For instant gratification when you need the right content, the MOTO Z8 and its HSDPA, Symbian software and 3.5G enablers will come through for you. The MOTO Z8 not only delivers quick access to content, it delivers smooth services and experiences directly to your phone. Staying entertained has never been easier - watch pin sharp videos on the 2.2 inch screen or access on-demand content directly on your handset.2 Harnessing the power of mobile broadband, download content over-the-air (OTA) - getting your music, video files, games or even accessing the Internet has never been easier.2 From sharing photos to rocking out to your own personal soundtrack, saying you'll be satisified is an understatement.

Instant Access
From fashion gurus to multimedia junkies, the new MOTO Z8 has something to offer all consumers. Bursting with multimedia capabilities, this do-it-all handset includes a powerful 2.0 megapixel camera with dedicated shutter button for one-click photo and video capture, integrated lumi LED light and even red-eye reduction. With a hot swappable microSD card with up to 4GB of optional memory, you can quickly access files. Equipped with an integrated music player, the MOTO Z8 allows you to create playlists, add creativity to your music with on-screen visualizations and easily skip to the next groove with shuffle capability. The MOTO phone's redesigned user interface allows simple one-click access to all this and more.

Expand Your Horizons
Enabling you to expand your music experience wirelessly, the MOTO lets you set your music collection free ... from wires. The MOTO Z8 effortlessly syncs with your compatible Bluetooth enabled music center wirelessly. Using compatible stereo Bluetooth accessorie you can enjoy your favorite tunes wirelessly without ever missing a call - at home, on the move, on the go!1

SUMMARY OF FEATURES:

* Unique ergonomic slider design
* Up to approximately five hours 3G talk time, up to approximately 16 days standby time3
* 3.6Mbps HSDPA providing mobile broadband1
* 2 megapixel camera with 8x zoom and lumi LED light, video record and playback capabilities
* Approximately 90 MB free internal user memory4, optional expandable to 4GB with microSD
* Messaging: SMS, EMS, MMS 1.21
* Integrated media player
* Redesigned user interface with one-click access to phone functions
* A2DP AVRCP Bluetooth stereo profiles1

The MOTO Z8 is expected to be available in the first half of 2007. For more information on pricing and product availability in your region, please check with your local Motorola representative.

Certain mobile phone features may not be activated by your service provider, and/or their network settings may limit the feature's functionality. Contact your service provider for details. All features, functionality and other product specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.

1 This device supports Bluetooth A2DP-Source, AVCTP, AVDTP, AVRCP-Target, BIP-ImagePush, BPP-SenderDev, DUN-GW, FT-Server, GAP, GAVDP, Headset-AG, HFP (1.5) AG, OPP-Client, OPP-Server profiles. In order for Bluetooth devices to communicate with one another, they must utilize the same Bluetooth profile. To determine the profiles supported by other Motorola devices, visit www.hellomoto.com/bluetooth. For other devices, contact their respective manufacturer.

Certain Bluetooth features including those listed may not be supported by all compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices, and/or the functionality of such features may be limited in certain devices, or by certain wireless carriers. Contact your wireless carrier about feature availability and functionality.

2 Network and/or SIM card dependent feature, not available in all areas. Airtime, data charges, and/or additional charges may apply.

3 All talk and standby times are quoted in Digital Mode, and are approximate. Battery performance depends on network configuration, signal strength, operating temperature, features selected, and voice, data and other application usage patterns. Talk times and standby times will be lower when in Analog Mode.

4 Available user memory varies due to the configuration of the phone, which varies by service provider.

MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office. The Bluetooth trademarks are owned by their proprietor and used by Motorola, Inc. under license. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. © Motorola, Inc. 2007. All rights reserved.

MOTO Z8
Band: GSM/GPRS/EDGE Class 10
Mode: Dual mode UMTS 2100, HSDPA 3.6Mbs
Dimensions 109mm x 50mm x 15mm
Size 77 cc
Weight 112 grams
Battery Li-Ion 1030 mAh with instantON
Talk Time3: up to approximately 5 hours 3G talk time
Standby Time3: up to approximately 16 days
Video Playback: up to approximately 5 hours (MPEG4, 30fps)
Music Playback: up to approximately 12 hours (MP3 at 128kbps)
Display
User Interface 2.2" QVGA 16 million color TFT
Symbian 9.2, UIQ 3.1, TI 2420 multimedia processor
Memory Approximately 90 MB free internal use memory4
Hot-swappable microSD memory slot expandable up to 4GB optional memory
Features

* 2MP camera with 8x zoom and flash with several modes and dedicated camera shoot key
* VGA camera for two-way video calling1
* Multimedia: uses 3.6Mbps HSDPA , streaming 3GPP, H.263, H.264 @30fps, MPEG4 AMR-NB
* Music player and playlists support MP3, AAC/AAC+/AAC+E, AMR-NB
* Messaging: SMS, EMS, MMS 1.21
* Email: SMTP, POP3, IMAP4, SSL/TLS1
* Java: J2ME MIDP 2.0, CLDC 1.1, OTA download of applications and games1
* Stereo Bluetooth wireless technology enables you to lose the wires with a compatible Bluetooth enabled headset (see Motorola S9)2

Connectivity OMA DM 1.2, CP 1.1 and DS with SyncML
Mini-USB/EMU, Full rate US 2.0; PC sync application
Bluetooth wireless technology: Class 2 EDR; A2DP with AVRCP profiles2
FOTA
The MOTO Z8 is expected to be available in the first half of 2007. For more information regarding pricing and product availability in your region, please check with your local Motorola representative.
Certain mobile phone features are dependent on the capabilities and settings of your service provider's network. Additionally, certain features may not be activated by your service provider, and/or their network settings may limit the feature's functionality. Always contact your service provider about feature availability and functionality. All features, functionality and other product specifications are based upon the latest available information and are believed to be accurate; however such product specifications are subject to change without notice or obligation.

1 Network and/or SIM card dependent feature, not available in all areas. Airtime, data charges, and/or additional charges may apply.

2 This device supports Bluetooth BIP-ImagePush, BPP-SenderDev, DUN-GW, FT-Server, GAP, GAVDP, Headset-AG, HFP (1.5) AG, OPP-Client, OPP-Server profiles. In order for Bluetooth devices to communicate with one another, they must utilize the same Bluetooth profile. To determine the profiles supported by other Motorola devices, visit www.hellomoto.com/bluetooth. For other devices, contact their respective manufacturer.
Certain Bluetooth features including those listed may not be supported by all compatible Bluetooth-enabled devices, and/or the functionality of such features may be limited in certain devices, or by certain wireless carriers. Contact your wireless carrier about feature availability and functionality.
3 All talk and standby times are quoted in Digital Mode, and are approximate. Battery performance depends on network configuration, signal strength, operating temperature, features selected, and voice, data and other application usage patterns.
4 Available user memory varies due to the configuration of the phone, which varies by service provider.

MOTOROLA and the Stylized M Logo are registered in the US Patent & Trademark Office. The Bluetooth trademarks are owned by their proprietor and used by Motorola, Inc. under license. Java and all other Java-based marks are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other product or service names are the property of their respective owners. © Motorola, Inc. 2007. All rights reserved.

10:55 - Ed Zander: "RAZR is not just a product, it's a brand, a brand we'll continue to market for years to come. Over 98 million RAZRs sold. This quarter, 100 million RAZRs worldwide. I believe it's the fastest selling consumer device ever. Five new colors for GSM markets. But..."

RAZR 2 - Super thin, super strong, RAZR 2: Worlds ultimate feature, style fashion phone - larger 2-inch display on outside. Twice the brightness and 10X resolution. Vacuumized metal front. Stainless steel and cast aluminum housing support. More scratch resistant cast aluminum. One-piece molding means less chance of breakpoints.

Features: 3G HSDPA, EVDO, or EDGE/GPRS. 500MHz ARM 11 processor. Race through menu to get apps you want. Rich graphics. Linux/Java phone - available on some versions of the RAZR 2. Complete UI redesign.

Crystal Talk noise-reduction technology. Talking phone. MP3 player with Windows Media capability. Highspeed USB 2.0. Stereo Bluetooth compatible with ROKR S9 headphones and front touchscreen. Google Maps application in cluded. Movies can be viewed portrait or landscape, multishot mode in still camera, "see what I see" video conferencing with live streaming footage. "Really simple," says Zander. Available in all technologies this summer.

10:45 - The new Moto Z8: this is the phone we saw Ed Zander using, which he calls the "media monster," a camera phone with cool bent slider action. "When form meets function this well, convergence becomes a reality. People want form to define function." Z8, 3.4Mbps. 2MP camera, video at 30 fps; first high-res screen with 16 million colors. HSDPA. Up to 4GB MicroSD card (10 movies); partnership with Universal Pictures; Bourne Identity preloaded; also working with Sony and Warner. Program it to download TV shows from DVR. SSX snowboarding will be preloaded at summer launch. Send photos to Flickr, MySpace or YouTube with just one click. "Complete out of the box multimedia experience; more capable than an iPod," says Jeremy Dale. Ships across Europe in June.

10:40 ROKR Z6: First true Linux Java product; solid feel "like Mercedes car door," says Jeremy Dale; music sync, music management, music enjoyment. Transfer speeds: download in less than 3 seconds. Storage capacity: external slot for 2GB cards (1,000 songs). Windows Media Player, album art, playlists. Simple "drag and drop" process. ROKR Modality: shut, it's an MP3 player with only keys for music; open it's a phone. Stereo audio, and stereo Bluetooth, with new pair of sweet red Bluetooth headphones (S9, to be included in-box in Europe).

10:25 Q8 and Q9 Introduction: Jeremy Dale - "At Motorola, we want devices to work for us rather than against us; single device, cell phone will be that device...Today we're announcing worldwide availability of Q8 and HSDPA-version of Q9. It redefines what a smartphone should be, Europe and other regions this summer. 3.6 Megabits per second, twice as fast as nearest competitor. Q9 is the fastest smartphone in the world today, and critically, where currency of the realm is time, speed matters."

Q9 details: New ergonomic design; seven dedicated keys, adaptive display for sunshine and indoor situations, using dual light sensors not found on any other product in this space. Only 2MP camera smartphone; Windows Mobile 6; 325MHz processor that can handle three activities simultaneously; stereo speakers. "Beautiful slim design."

10:21 - What's after RAZR? Jim Wicks, corporate VP of design: "Motorola invented thin, and will continue to do thin. We do it right, without compromise. Going forward, introducing a layering effect on top of thin, through Linux Java, touch; more digital than mechanics. Modality: when in music mode, it transforms itself to look like a music player; when a camera, it will look like a camera. Going forward, the focus will be less about one particular product, more about a suite of products that define the brand. Going forward, best of hardware will be married to the best experience. The resulting behavior is what becomes iconic. In doing this, we're able to launch a suite of products with immediate impact: not thin for thin's sake, not arbitrary form factor - it's a rich experience."

10:17 Here's Ed! Introducing peeps that are making it happen. He says "products", plural. New and exciting products. Plural. For sure.

10:15am - Movie pf people with Moto phones - including Will Ferrell and a bunch of much prettier people. Motorola all over the world. Moto on QVC. Kanye and Moto. RED Moto (with Charlie Sheen?) Lots of drums. Moto: Big in Japan.

10:12am - Some crunchy new electric folk music is playing, and the slideshow on the big screens depicts a multiple choice quiz about Motorola's history and trivia. (Motorola executed the first VOIP cellular phone call in what year? What was the year the first Motorola insignia appeared? One of the world's most expensive handsets, the Motorola SLVR L7 Diamond mobile retails for? Answer: 193?, 2006, $75,000)

– Noah Robischon & Wilson Rothman

Though the gag will cost you about $700, that's way less than the price of the subsequent lawsuit. We just ask that you put our ideas into some perspective before scoffing them to the trashcan of your brain. – Mark Wilson

Preorder Here

Motorola Z8 Hands On [CrunchGear]

–Brian Lam

Motorola MOTORIZR Z8 [Thanks Ben D.]

OK, we're listening, Moto. What else ya got? –Adam Frucci

Motorola Z8 Phone? [via Mobilewhack]