CES 2010: Motorola unveils Backflip smartphone

The Motorola Backflip is due in the first quarter of 2010

Motorola has used CES in Las Vegas to unveil its latest smartphone to run Google's Android mobile operating system, balancing consumer with more business-oriented features.

The Motorola Backflip, which is set to go on sale in the first quarter of this year, includes a flip design that lets the user choose between either a video or keyboard display.

The display side is designed to make it easier to access media content, such as music and video, browse the internet, and keep on top of social networking commitments, while the keyboard side can be used to access office applications, email and such.

"Since introducing our first Motoblur-based device, we have remained focused on differentiating the Android experience and bringing it to new carrier partners around the globe," said Sanjay Jha, co-chief executive at Motorola and chief of Motorola Mobile Devices.

"Backflip maximises the multi-tasking and multi-functional potential of Motoblur with its unique design elements, making it as smart as it is social."

The Backflip has a decent sized Qwerty keyboard, along with touchscreen features to cycle through applications and check emails without intruding on the 3.1in HVGA screen. The device also has a browser, 3G and Wi-Fi connections, GPS and Bluetooth.

Making the most of the screen is what Motorola calls the tabletop mode, which turns the phone into an entertainment device for photos, video and music.

The Android operating system offers access to Google's Android Market which now claims to have some 18,000 applications available for download.