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Telecommunications/Technology

Claro launches waterproof, eco-friendly smartphones

Camilo Sánchez, product marketing executive for Motorola Mobility, details features of the devices launched with partner Claro.

It’s no secret that most smartphones are robust in service, but often weak when it comes to enduring drops, water and, on this tropical island, exposure to sand. To address all of those external challenges, Motorola and Claro teamed up to introduce to market the first mobile device capable of standing up to all them.

The Android-based Motorola DEFY is dust proof and water resistant — not waterproof — so it is able to withstand a sudden rain shower, spilt drink or being dropped in the sand. It also features a large scratch-resistant display.

“In Motorola, we are focusing on bringing innovative products and products that consumers ask us for,” said Camilo Sánchez, Motorola Mobility product marketing executive. “Market research we have done has told us that users want phones with Internet and email connection too, but also want the phone to be waterproof, scratchproof and so that’s why we’re bringing the DEFY.”

Running on Android 2.2, the Motorola DEFY features a high-resolution 3.7-inch touchscreen that allows for full-screen visualization of photos, videos, and websites in a large scratch-resistant Gorilla Glass display. Motorola DEFY includes Wi-Fi connectivity and an enhanced version of its Motoblur technology.

During a beach-inspired event held at a trendy Condado hotel, Claro also unveiled another Motorola smartphone, the Spice, along with the Motorola Xoom tablet. So far this year, the carrier has introduced 17 handsets and four tablet computers, said Ileana Molina, marketing director for Claro.

The Motorola Spice is designed for a crowd wanting the benefits of a touch screen without losing the ability to access a traditional QWERTY keyboard. The eco-friendly phone, made from 25 percent post-consumer recycled plastics, runs on the Android 2.1 operating system.

“Right now, we have the most robust portfolio of Android products in the market,” said Molina.

Meanwhile, the carrier added the Motorola Xoom tablet, the first device to run on Google’s Android 3.0 (Honeycomb) platform, to its lineup of tables that already includes the Apple iPad and the Samsung Galaxy Tab.

Author Details
Author Details
Business reporter with 30 years of experience writing for weekly and daily newspapers, as well as trade publications in Puerto Rico. My list of former employers includes Caribbean Business, The San Juan Star, and the Puerto Rico Daily Sun, among others. My areas of expertise include telecommunications, technology, retail, agriculture, tourism, banking and most other segments of Puerto Rico’s economy.
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