T-Mobile plans to launch the Motorola ROKR E8, a music phone with new ModeShift technology, beginning July 7. Offering a modern style, the handset features a high-gloss front, aluminum soft touch back, spun metal side keys and engraved banding.

Motorola ROKR E8 More Photos View Specs

Its smooth surface has no visible keys when powered off. Powered on and the device presents a virtual numbered keypad on the front surface. It only presents users with only the controls they need. Using ModeShift technology, it transforms from music player to phone with the touch of a button. The phone keypad disappears and control keys for the music player - play, pause, fast forward and rewind - appear in its place.

Using vibrating haptics technology, the ROKR E8 has the tactile feedback of a traditional keypad.

The ROKR E8 also debuts the FastScroll navigation wheel, a variable-speed touch control. With a slide of the thumb, the wheel scrolls through music, contacts, calendar or multimedia content. Information is easily viewed on the landscape 2.0-inch QVGA display.

In Music Mode, the ROKR E8 delivers sound through a three-dimensional stereo feature that enhances two-channel audio and an on-board equalizer. Music can listened on the built-in speaker, with a compatible Bluetooth stereo headset, or through a wired headset plugged into the 3.5mm jack.

The ROKR E8 also has a built-in FM radio and support for Song ID. The 2GB internal memory can store up to 1,500 songs, and the external memory is expandable up to 4GB with an optional microSD card. Music transfers quickly with USB 2.0. The device is compatible with Windows Media Player 11 on the PC.

In Phone Mode, the ROKR E8 provides improved voice quality using CrystalTalk technology. It can receive calls while downloading or playing music, text messaging, surfing the Web or taking pictures.

The Motorola ROKR E8 will be available beginning July 7 at select T-Mobile retail stores and online.

- Motorola ROKR E8 Specs

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