Motorola Cliq XT official, hits T-Mobile next month
updated 08:30 am EST, Mon February 15, 2010
Moto Cliq XT and Quench continue Android push
Motorola used the start of MWC on Monday to launch its eighth Android phone. The Cliq XT, or Quench outside of the US, will be the first phone without a hardware keyboard to use the social networking-heavy MOTOBLUR interface. New physical controls are equally a first: the new Cliq has a large touchpad that can simplify scrolling when the phone is used one-handed.
Previously known by its Zeppelin codename, the handset still runs Android 1.5 but will have in-browser Flash Lite for limited support of certain animations and Swype's potentially much faster on-screen keyboard. Hardware is also slightly unique for the aging Google build as it carries a 5-megapixel camera with LED flash in addition to the expected 3.1-inch touchscreen, 3G, GPS and Wi-Fi. At least a 2GB microSD card will always come installed.
The Cliq XT is confirmed as launching with T-Mobile next month and is already rumored to be shipping March 10th. Other countries will get the Quench in a similar timeframe. Prices haven't been set, though the Cliq XT is likely to compete favorably with the $150 price tag of the original Cliq.
