WIRELESS AND MOBILE NEWS

Sprint will launch the Motorola i1, the world's first push-to-talk rugged Android smartphone. The iDEN Motorola i1 has a  3.1-inch touchscreen,Wi-Fi, optimized browsing experience with the latest Opera Mini 5 browser, access to thousands of apps and a push-to-talk experience that includes new features.

Motorola i1 enhances the push-to-talk experience with the ability to view who is calling regardless of what application you are in, whether you are managing your emails, checking your calendar, composing messages or viewing media.

With solid body construction that meets military specifications for protection against dust, shock, vibration and blowing rain(1), Motorola i1 is designed for those who work and play hard. It automatically syncs and integrates office and personal information such as emails, calendar appointments and contacts.

Key features of the Moto i1:

• Popular business tools such as Microsoft Document Viewer and corporate sync ensure Word or PowerPoint files can be accessed on the go.  
• Message entry is a breeze with both Android standard virtual keyboard and Swype™ virtual keyboards being offered.  
• A 5 megapixel camera with flash, geo-tagging and panoramic capabilities provides crisp photos and clearly displays them on the vibrant 3.1-inch HVGA screen. Video can also be recorded and stored on a provided microSD for sharing or future viewing straight from the device.
• The latest Opera Mini 5 browser enables quick browsing over the Nextel National Network and Wi-Fi. The Android browser allows you to see web pages and Flash 8-enabled sites in full view using Wi-Fi.
• Motorola i1 can be continuously customized with thousands of applications from Android Market.

In addition to introducing Android into push-to-talk devices, Motorola is also bringing a new face to its iDEN portfolio: Mike Rowe. Mike has worked as an apprentice at more than 250 of the toughest jobs in America, and his experience and reputation as a hard worker are a perfect fit for Motorola's iDEN portfolio. The new relationship announced today will feature Mike as a spokesperson for Motorola's rugged push-to-talk devices.

"Typically, the work I've done tends to take its toll on my phones and I end up breaking 'em on the job," said Mike. "It'll be fun to use one that's not afraid of a little dirt."

Sprint will begin offering Motorola i1 this summer.