Motorola launches RAZR2 first in Korea

Motorola today marked the formal launch of the RAZR2 by offering it first in Korea, jumping ahead of the official July release date. The designer flip-phone has all the features announced in May, including its extra-large 2-inch external LCD with touch controls, a refined interface, and the stainless steel body with aluminum hinge that toughens the phone despite being no thicker than the original RAZR. The decision to launch first in Korea is "in recognition of tech-savvy and fashion-aware Korean consumers," the company says.

The exact version going on sale is unavailable but is likely to be the V9, which can operate on the company's 3G, HSDPA-based network. Motorola will offer the phone through Korean provider SK Telecom for the equivalent of $630 before carrier plan discounts are factored in. A larger release in Asia is planned in July, with North America and other regions picking up the V8, V9, and V9m versions by the end of the summer.